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Start a new holiday tradition with this easy peppermint stick ice cream recipe. The creamy mixture and crushed candy canes blend into a wintry treat that the whole family will love.
A Quick Look At This Recipe
- Ready In: 5 hours (only 5 minutes of hands-on time)
- Serves: 6 servings
- Calories: 272 kcal/serving (approximately)
- Main Ingredients: Milk, heavy cream, sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, candy canes
- Why You’ll Love It: This peppermint stick ice cream is creamy, festive, and filled with crunchy candy cane pieces that make every scoop taste like holiday magic.
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There's a farm near my house that sells peppermint ice cream at Christmas, and while theirs is delicious, I love making our own even more.
Homemade ice cream is simple, fun, and a sweet way to spend time together in the kitchen and around the table.
And this peppermint stick ice cream makes it even more special, turning a delicious treat into a holiday tradition.
This recipe uses my creamy, egg-free vanilla ice cream, then gets its festive flavor and color from peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
Throughout the year, we also enjoy strawberry ice cream and pumpkin ice cream. But right now, as we are celebrating the holiday season, this homemade peppermint ice cream is our go-to.
Whether you’re making it for Christmas gatherings, cozy family nights at home, or a winter birthday, this recipe is a classic winter recipe that everyone looks forward to this time of year!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: All you need is a simple ice cream mixture, a bit of peppermint extract, and crushed candies for this homemade ice cream recipe.
Soft, Creamy Texture: This ice cream freezes beautifully without becoming icy or hard. Its texture is reminiscent of soft serve.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe needs at least 4 hours in the freezer, making it perfect for prepping earlier in the day or the night before.
Seasonal Favorite: The cool peppermint makes this a wintertime favorite.
Ingredients
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich and creamy texture. You can use half-and-half, but it will not be quite as creamy.
Whole Milk: Whole milk creates a soft, scoopable consistency without becoming too firm. Reduced-fat milk will work, but it will change the texture.
Peppermint Extract: Just a small amount of extract gives the ice cream its bright, wintry flavor.
Candy Canes: Candy canes are the secret to that classic sweet peppermint taste and pink color. Save a handful to garnish the top for added festive color and crunch.
Get the full list of ingredients and measurements on the printable recipe card below.
Tools You Will Need
Ice Cream Maker: I use a Kumio ice cream maker because it doesn't need pre-freezing or prep, but you can use any ice cream maker that churns.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for prepping your ice cream maker. I use a Kumio ice cream maker, which doesn't require any pre-freezing or prep, but any ice cream machine that churns will work just fine.
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk together until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Stir the crushed candy canes into the mixture. They'll dissolve as the ice cream churns, giving it both flavor and color.
(If your ice cream machine cannot churn with add-ins, skip this step and add them after it’s finished churning.)
Step 3: Pour the mixture into your ice cream machine canister and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Once finished, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
To serve, garnish with more crushed candy canes, homemade whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or your other favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
- The candy canes turn the ice cream a lovely shade of pink. If your candy canes are a different color, your ice cream may have a different hue, but it will still be delicious!
- Crush the candy canes finely so they dissolve evenly, and the ice cream stays smooth.
- If your ice cream maker can’t churn with add-ins, stir them in after churning. This will change the texture because the candy canes won’t dissolve, but it will still be delicious.
- Check your specific ice cream maker’s instructions in case the bowl needs to be pre-frozen.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Treats: Serve with chocolatey treats like a sourdough skillet cookie or einkorn chocolate chip cookies.
Peppermint Affogato: Pour hot chocolate or a shot of espresso over a scoop of homemade ice cream for a fun, delicious dessert.
Ice Cream Cones: Fill some sugar or waffle cones for a sweet, kid-approved holiday tradition.
Brownie Sundae Bars: Set out bowls with sourdough brownies, crushed candy canes, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce for an easy, build-your-own holiday sundae bar.
Hot Chocolate: Add a small scoop of ice cream on top of hot chocolate for a creamy swirl of peppermint flavor.
Storing & Freezing
- Store in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 1-2 weeks in the freezer.
- To prevent ice crystals, place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
- If needed, let the container sit out at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften before serving.
Variations
Peppermint Chocolate: Stir in mini chocolate chips or swirl in a dollop of chocolate sauce before freezing.
Peppermint Kisses: Add chopped Hershey's Peppermint Kisses for a sweet mix of chocolate and cool peppermint.
Brownie Pieces: Stir in bite-sized brownie pieces for a soft, chocolatey add-in that pairs wonderfully with the peppermint.
FAQs
Peppermint extract gives the best classic “candy cane” flavor, whereas mint extract can have more of a spearmint taste.
If you do substitute, start with half the amount and taste as you go.
No, as long as you crush the candy canes finely, they dissolve into the mixture as it freezes. You can add extra crushed pieces on top before serving for crunch if you like.
In my experience, this ice cream remains relatively soft. However, depending on the ingredients used, homemade ice cream can sometimes freeze firmer than store-bought ice cream.
Let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping, and use full-fat cream and milk for the best texture.
Yes! Make it several days in advance and store it in an airtight container. To prevent ice crystals and freezer burn, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing with an airtight lid.
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Peppermint Stick Ice Cream
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for prepping your ice cream maker. I use a Kumio ice cream maker, which doesn't require any pre-freezing or prep, but any ice cream machine that churns will work just fine.
- Combine the base ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until the sugar dissolves.1 1/3 cup whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Add the candy canes. Stir the crushed candy canes into the mixture. They'll dissolve as the ice cream churns, giving it both flavor and color. (If your ice cream machine cannot churn with add-ins, skip this step and add them after it's finished churning.)1/2 cup candy canes
- Churn. Pour the mixture into your ice cream machine canister and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Freeze. Once finished, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Enjoy! To serve, garnish with more crushed candy canes, homemade whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or your other favorite toppings.
Notes
- The candy canes turn the ice cream a lovely shade of pink. If your candy canes are a different color, your ice cream may have a different hue, but it will still be delicious!
- Crush the candy canes finely so they dissolve evenly, and the ice cream stays smooth.
- If your ice cream maker can’t churn with add-ins, stir them in after churning. This will change the texture because the candy canes won’t dissolve, but it will still be delicious.
- Check your specific ice cream maker’s instructions in case the bowl needs to be pre-frozen.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings right before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is auto-calculated and may not reflect your final product. Please verify independently if needed.
