Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream is some of the creamiest ice cream I have ever made and for the record, it is worlds away from the mint-flavored ice creams you can find in a store.
Pure peppermint deliciousness from start to finish without even a hint of a chemical or mass-produced flavor.
Creamy candy cane ice cream sprinkled throughout with candy cane pieces is perfect with a brownie or topped with chocolate.
Peppermint Ice Cream is surprisingly light, sweet, and minty. I think I dipped a spoon into the freezer container about 15 times the first time I made this and I’m not even a huge fan of peppermint!
Peppermint Ice Cream is a spectacular combination of winter flavors and summer refreshment. I’ve been making this ice cream year-round for six years now.
I’m trying, I really am, but there aren’t even words to describe how fantastic this ice cream is.
If you hang out with me on Instagram, you may remember that this ice cream blew my mind the first time I made it. I’m still so impressed with this ice cream, I’ve made countless batches just to share my excitement with friends.
Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe
- Place the candy and milk in a food processor or blender and pulse until the candy is broken down and mostly dissolved into the milk.
- Whisk together the cream, sugar, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt. Pour into your ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve immediately for soft serve ice cream or transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm.
Cooking Tip: Learn from my mistake and be careful to use PURE Peppermint Extract, read the ingredients, and make sure you have only peppermint in the extract.
I accidentally bought a Pure “Mint” Extract once and it wound up being a blend of spearmint and peppermint. Lovely fragrance, but unfortunately, it left my chocolate bark tasting like a pack of chewing gum.
Peppermint Ice Cream
Ingredients
- ¾ cup very finely crushed candy canes about 30 Starlight candies or miniature candy canes, alternatively 6 full size candy canes
- 1½ cups milk
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ⅔ cups sugar
- 1-3 teaspoons vanilla extract (adjust to taste)
- ¾ teaspoons peppermint extract
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: additional crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
- Place the candy and milk in a food processor or blender and pulse until the candy is broken down and mostly dissolved into the milk.
- Whisk together the cream, sugar, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt. Pour into your ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Serve immediately for soft serve ice cream or transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm.
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 12/10/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/30/20}
Michelle Jones says
This has become a holiday favorite and I’ve made it over several years. It’s foolproof! And, when I asked my college freshman what he wanted when he comes home this week, he said, “That peppermint ice cream you make!” Thank you for the awesome recipe!
We make it and freeze it ahead of time (usually several batches!) – no problem with it being too soft that way!
Mary Younkin says
Thank you so much for sharing Michelle. It is fun to spoil our big kids with their favorites when they are home, isn’t it.
Liz Shivel says
Hi, I made this recipe using TraderJoe’s peppermint candy canes that have a narrow stripe of chocolate peppermint and it turned out great! It’s quite soft serve even when frozen for a while. 🍨Today, I made another batch using a French Vanilla Custard base, and I did blend the peppermint candy canes as before plus I added a plain peppermint candy cane, in the milk. Then I cooked the custard as normal & it cooked very smooth. It’s tasted lovely as vanilla custard & light peppermint. I’ll finish as usual custard base plus will add the candy cane pieces.
Mary Younkin says
I am so happy this recipe inspired you. Your version sounds lovely as well.
Shelby Jan Olsen says
This is an excellent ice-cream! I made this for Christmas Eve to go along with the yule log that my son bought. It was amazing! I gave this a rating of 5 for the simplicity, the presentation, and the taste. I plan on making this again and shared it on my feed on FB.
I laughed about the author talking about getting mint by mistake and making peppermint bark that tasted like bubblegum. That sounds like something that I would do.
Mary Younkin says
I am delighted you loved it, Shelby. And yes if you have ever bought the wrong mint, you know exactly what I talking about! LOL!
Joyce Linton-Asermely says
My result was a VERY PINK ice cream, using the candy canes. It was delicious, just not a desirable color. Can you use peppermint lifesavers?
Mary Younkin says
You could certainly try it, Joyce.