Peppermint Ice Cream is a decadent mixture of creamy ice cream and crushed peppermint candy. This no churn recipe makes it easy to enjoy homemade ice cream.

Peppermint Ice Cream in a bowl.
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Get ready to make the creamiest most delicious peppermint ice cream recipe. With only 5 simple ingredients, it is quick and easy. You do not need an ice cream maker for this effortless recipe.

We make homemade ice cream all year long and it’s so easy that even the kids can help. More family favorites include S’mores Ice Cream Recipe and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream.

What is in peppermint ice cream?

This recipe starts with a simple ice cream base of heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk and mint extract. Once combined, the base is flavored with crushed peppermint candy.

We added a little bit of food coloring but it is optional. It does not impact the taste but does add that pretty pink color.

Is peppermint ice cream seasonal?

Peppermint flavor is a seasonal flavor and perfect for Christmas Ice Cream. You typically only see this around Christmas.

While it is perfect for the holidays, it is delicious to enjoy year round. Since you won’t find this in grocery stores all year, make this homemade recipe instead.

If you are sad when you can’t find peppermint ice cream for sale, make it at home. You don’t have to use candy canes but can use peppermint candy.

It is easy to enjoy this anytime the craving hits with this homemade recipe. We think it tastes better than store bought as well.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Peppermint Ice Cream - heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, mint, peppermint, food coloring.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream. This needs to be cold. Don’t sit it out until ready to use.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk. This ingredient gives the ice cream its sweet flavor.
  • Mint Extract. You will love the flavor using mint extract.
  • Peppermint Candy. You can use candy canes or peppermints crushed into pieces.
  • Pink or red food coloring. This is optional but will give you the pretty swirl in the ice cream.

Get the entire recipe at the bottom of the page.

Substitutions and Additions

  • Chocolate fans might like to add a ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the ice cream mixture. The combination of peppermint and chocolate is delicious.
  • The food coloring is optional. You can omit this but you will not have the pink color. It will still taste the same though.
  • Add 12 crushed Oreo Cookies to the ice cream mixture. It is similar to cookies and cream ice cream but with peppermint flavor. It is amazing.

How to make peppermint ice cream

Bowl with heavy cream whipped.

Step 1. Whip the heavy cream. Use a medium sized bowl with a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks are formed. Do not overmix the cream.

Mixing bowl with sweetened condensed milk and mint.

Step 2. Get out a separate bowl. Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk with the mint extract. 

Cream and sweetened condensed milk mixture combined.

Step 3. Combine the cream and sweetened condensed milk. Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture and add in the food coloring.  Stir until combined and the mixture is the color that you prefer. Then add in the crushed peppermint candy and gently fold again.

Mixture spread into loaf pan.

Step 4. Put the mixture into a pan. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy on top of the ice cream mixture in the loaf pan. Freeze 4-6 hours or overnight.

How long will homemade ice cream last in the freezer?

Typically, homemade ice cream lasts about 2 weeks for the best texture.

It will last longer than that but ice crystals can start to form and the texture isn’t as creamy. The ice cream will get a bit grainy.

To ensure freshness, make sure it is stored in a sealed container or cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Pro Tips

  • Use a food processor to make the crushed candy canes. If you do not have one, place the candy in a ziplock bag, seal and crush with the back of a spoon.
  • Do not overmix the heavy cream. Once you see soft peaks start to form, you can stop mixing.
  • You can use peppermint extract as a substitute for mint extract.
  • Do not substitute the heavy cream for half and half. It will not result in the same texture. The ice cream base needs the heavy cream for volume and the fat content.

Serving Suggestions

  • Scoop the ice cream into bowls and top with more crushed peppermint.
  • Garnish with peppermint sticks to make peppermint stick ice cream.
  • It is delicious in a waffle cone. This is always a kid favorite.
  • If you prefer more of a soft serve ice cream, allow it to sit a few minutes out of the freezer.
  • Serve on top of Easy One Bowl Brownies. This is an amazing flavor combination and so delicious. You can also heat the brownie up and the ice cream melts into it.
  • Make and ice cream sundae with this ice cream. Top with Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe or Magic Shell Recipe and Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe.
  • Turn this into a milkshake. If you love milkshakes, this ice cream makes a delicious Peppermint Milk Shake everyone will enjoy.
Peppermint Ice Cream in a freezer container.

More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Enjoy this easy peppermint ice cream year-round. We love this amazing flavor and not just around the holidays. Make it today and leave a comment please.

Peppermint Ice Cream

4.75 from 8 votes
Peppermint Ice Cream is a decadent mixture of creamy ice cream and crushed peppermint candy. This no churn recipe makes it easy to enjoy homemade ice cream.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Freeze 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 406

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz
  • 1 tsp mint extract
  • 1/2 cup Peppermint Candy crushed
  • 1/2 tsp pink or red food coloring
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Instructions

  • Whip the heavy cream in a medium sized bowl with a hand held or stand up mixer until stiff peaks are formed.
  • In a separate bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk with the mint extract. Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture and add in the food coloring. 
  • Stir until combined and the mixture is the color that you prefer.  Add in the crushed peppermint candy (reserve some for topping) and gently fold again until the candy is evenly distributed throughout the ice cream mixture.
  • Pour the ice cream mix into a 9×11 loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining crushed candy on top of the ice cream mixture in the loaf pan.
  • Allow the ice cream to set in the freezer for 4-6 hours before serving. Then the ice cream is ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

This ice cream will last as long as other ice creams as long as it is stored sealed or covered with plastic wrap.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 406kcal, Carbohydrates 39g, Protein 6g, Fat 26g, Saturated Fat 16g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 84mg, Sodium 79mg, Potassium 241mg, Sugar 36g, Vitamin A 1007IU, Vitamin C 2mg, Calcium 180mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

4.75 from 8 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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