No Churn Peppermint Ice Cream
Get in the holiday spirit by making No Churn Peppermint Ice Cream! This holiday ice cream recipe doesn’t call for an ice cream maker and only needs a few ingredients. This creamy, dreamy, pepperminty ice cream is easier to make at home than you would suspect… and it’s so delicious for various occasions throughout the holiday season!
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The BEST No Churn Peppermint Stick Ice Cream
My cousins like to tell the story that they loved visiting our house when we were kids. Why? Because my parents always had at least one flavor of ice cream in the freezer at all times.
I feel like this might be a slight exaggeration because I don’t have vivid childhood memories of eating ice cream every night.
However, it’s true to say that every member of our family adores ice cream.
One of our favorites — Peppermint Stick Ice Cream — has become harder to come by in recent years.
So we’re going to make it at home without an ice cream machine.
Turns out, it’s incredibly simple and just as delicious as the stuff you might find at the store…
Why I love this recipe:
This Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream recipe has become increasingly challenging to find, and if you ever have a hankering for it outside of December, you’re generally out of luck.
I love this no churn recipe because…
- No speciality equipment required. Even though I own an ice cream maker, making ice cream without one is so simple.
- It comes together in minutes… and then you freeze it!
- Make it early. You can assemble this treat a day before you want to enjoy it… and eat it out of a bowl or turn it into a decadent milkshake.
- Make it whenever… not just during December. (In case you like peppermint year-round like I do!)
More peppermint dessert recipes to try: No Bake Peppermint Bark Cookies | Peppermint Brownie Cookies | Oreo Peppermint Christmas Bark | Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
What you need to make this recipe:
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Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
In addition to these tools, you’ll need a few ingredients, too.
- Heavy whipping cream — also known as heavy cream, this is the base of our ice cream. You cannot substitute a lower fat or skim milk or nonfat cream for this… it will not take shape the way it should and you will be left with a liquidy mess.
- Sweetened condensed milk — you need a 14 oz. can. Please note that it is not the same thing as evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed milk is sweet and thick, which adds sweetness to our ice cream.
- Peppermint extract — this gives the peppermint flavor to our base. Please do not substitute it with mint extract, which is not the same thing. Mint extract is a mixture of spearmint and peppermint, which is a slightly different taste.
- Candy canes or peppermint candies — make sure they are peppermint candy canes, as they also give peppermint flavor and crunch to the ice cream. Crush these in the food processor or in a bag with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
Variations on this recipe:
Listen. This homemade Peppermint Stick Ice Cream is a dream as is and has just the right amount of peppermint flavor… but if you wanted to make it fancier, you could…
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate chips to the ice cream to make it into a peppermint bark ice cream.
Sprinkle in some white chocolate chunks or chips for that classic white chocolate-peppermint combo.
How to make Peppermint Ice Cream
This homemade ice cream COULD NOT be simpler to make. You don’t even need an ice cream maker!
Pour the sweetened condensed milk into another bowl. Drizzle in the peppermint extract and candy cane pieces.
Stir together with a rubber spatula until smooth, then set aside.
Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large bowl or the base of your stand mixer.
Whip the cream with a hand mixer (or a stand mixer.)
Start slowly at first — the heavy cream splatters easily as you whip it. Increase the speed as the mixture thickens and whip until soft peaks form.
This will take between 3-6 minutes, depending on your hand mixer.
DID YOU KNOW?
You’re essentially making a soft whipped cream at this stage to serve as the base for the no churn ice cream.
Fold the sweetened condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream with a rubber spatula gently until just combined.
Pour the ice cream base into a loaf pan. Sprinkle with additional candy cane or peppermint candy pieces.
Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down over the ice cream base so it doesn’t form a film, and freeze overnight.
Once frozen, scoop and serve in a bowl with a spoon or on an ice cream cone.
How to store:
Store the ice cream in the loaf pan, wrapped in plastic wrap, or transfer to an ice cream container.
This will keep for a month in the freezer, though I doubt it will last that long.
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
Real talk: this Peppermint Ice Cream tastes like Christmas and the holiday season, so if you’re looking for a spectacular dessert to make and share, this could be it!
If I were hosting and serving this ice cream, here are some things I would consider:
- Make it into a milkshake (a la your favorite fried chicken place)… or a float… or add a scoop to hot cocoa for some peppermint vibes and deliciousness.
- Make a double batch for a larger group. This way, you’ll have enough!
- Turn it into an ice cream bar! Include all your favorite toppings for guests to add to their bowls, like sweetened whipped cream, more crushed candy canes or peppermints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peppermint stick ice cream is a classic ice cream flavor that’s sold during the holiday months that has peppermint sticks (or pieces!) in it.
Quick tips and tricks to making the best Candy Cane Ice Cream
- Mise en place! The heavy cream must be cold for you to whip it. Have everything measured out before you get started so that once the whipped cream comes together, you can mix everything in.
- Use full-fat heavy whipping cream. There is no substitute for this if you want it to whip. (Also, the texture will not be right if you can’t whip it.)
- Swap out the peppermint for mint, if you prefer.
- Give it enough time to chill before scooping!
More unique holiday dessert recipes:
If you’re on the hunt for some holiday treats that aren’t necessarily classics (but sure are tasty), I have ideas for you…
Who doesn’t love cake? This Upside Down Cranberry Cake is festive and beautiful!
Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip tastes like the two holiday classics… but takes significantly less time to make!
Want to serve a stunning tart? This Creamy Cranberry Tart is scrumptious AND beautiful.
Now how ‘bout we make this ice cream?
Scroll on down to learn how easy this ice cream is to make and the ingredients you’ll need to whip them into a peppermint shake for the holiday season!
No Churn Peppermint Ice Cream
EQUIPMENT
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- Loaf pan (8.5" x 4.5" x 3")
Ingredients
No Churn Peppermint Ice Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (1 pint)
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon pure peppermint extract
- ¾ cup candy cane pieces ground up finely, plus additional to sprinkle on the top
Instructions
- Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a large bowl.
- Use a hand (or stand) mixer to whip the cream slowly at first, then increase the speed until soft peaks form. This will take 3-6 minutes, depending on your mixer and its speed, as well as your comfort level.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a separate bowl. Add the peppermint extract and candy cane pieces, and stir until smooth.
- Fold the sweetened condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream with a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Pour the ice cream base into a loaf pan. Sprinkle with additional candy cane pieces. Freeze overnight.
- Scoop and serve once frozen solid!
Notes
Nutrition
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
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