PEPPERMINT BARK ICE CREAM

Peppermint Bark Ice Cream made in minutes with just 4 ingredients! Peppermint Bark chopped and combined with vanilla, sweetened condensed milk & heavy cream yields a creamy holiday ice cream with fantastic flavor!

This homemade ice cream without an ice cream machine is so simple anyone can make it! The results are a deliciously sweet and minty dessert that stands out during the holiday season. Whether served in cups or cones, this peppermint ice cream is sure to impress!

Festive & Flavorful- Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

This ice cream captures the essence of the holiday season! It combines cool flavors with a festive touch, making it a popular choice for all your gatherings and celebrations.

The smooth texture of the heavy cream pairs perfectly with the crunchy peppermint bark pieces. Combining these ingredients results in a deliciously rich ice cream. This treat not only tastes fantastic, but its presentation also impresses. The beautiful swirls of white and dark chocolate, along with peppermint pieces, create a visually appealing dessert.

This peppermint ice cream is a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table. It offers a refreshing take on traditional flavors while being easy to prepare and share!

Serving suggestions for this Chilled Holiday Dessert

• Sundaes: Create a festive sundae by layering peppermint bark ice cream with hot fudge or caramel sauce. Add whipped cream on top for decoration.
• Milkshakes: Blend the ice cream with milk for a refreshing peppermint shake. A splash of peppermint extract can intensify the flavor.
• Garnishes: Use decorative sprinkles or crushed candy canes for garnish. This adds visual appeal and a crunchy element.
• Pairing: Serve alongside warm brownies or chocolate cake. The contrast of warm and cold creates a delicious experience.

Ingredients for Festive Peppermint Ice Cream

Heavy cream: You need 2 cups of heavy cream for the creamy base of this dessert.

Vanilla extract: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Condensed milk: Use one 14-oz can of sweetened condensed milk.

Peppermint bark: Add 7-oz of Ghirardelli peppermint bark bars, chopped, for the amazing taste and texture.

How to make Peppermint Bark Ice Cream from Scratch

Prep

Combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream into stiff peaks. Start at a low speed and slowly work your way up to a high speed as the cream thickens.

Add in the condensed milk and all but ¼ cup of the chopped peppermint bark to the mixing bowl and gently fold the mixture together with a large spatula. Mix just until combined; overmixing will yield crumbly ice cream, instead of creamy.

Chill

Pour the ice cream mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan and top with the remaining peppermint bark. Cover the ice cream with plastic wrap & chill in the freezer for 3 hours. Stir the ice cream, then transfer to an airtight container and place back in the freezer until firm.

Signature Mix-Ins for Peppermint Ice Cream

Additional Add Ins: Beyond peppermint bark, other mix-ins can enhance diversity in flavor. Options include crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or even Oreo cookies for extra crunch.

Choose one or a combination of these to personalize the ice cream. For example, ½ cup of crushed candy canes adds extra peppermint intensity, while ½ cup of chocolate chips can provide additional sweetness.

Adding ingredients like toasted nuts can introduce a nutty flavor profile and extra texture. It is essential to mix any additional ingredients gently to ensure they are evenly distributed without compromising the ice cream’s creamy base.

How long is homemade ice cream good for?

Homemade ice cream can typically last up to 2 weeks when properly stored in an airtight container in the freezer. After this period, it may still be safe to eat, but texture and flavor may deteriorate.

What is the best way to store ice cream?

You should store ice cream in the main part of the freezer, away from the door, and in the coldest part of the freezer, which is usually the back and center shelf. The freezer door is a bad place to store ice cream because the temperature fluctuates when the door is opened and closed.

Is sweetened condensed milk essential for creating creamy peppermint bark ice cream?

Sweetened condensed milk is important for achieving the creamy texture in peppermint bark ice cream. It contributes both sweetness and richness, making the ice cream smoother compared to other recipes that do not use it.

What can be used as an alternative to heavy cream this recipe?

Alternatives to heavy cream include coconut cream and cashew cream. Both options can provide a creamy texture, although they may impart different flavors to the ice cream.

Love chilled treats? Try more of our favorite recipes here:

• FROZEN RASPBERRY PIE
• CHERRY ITALIAN CREAM SODAS
• RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS
• CARAMEL APPLE PIE MILKSHAKES
• FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER PIE
• CHRISTMAS CREAM SODA
• MINI BROWNIE PEPPERMINT PARFAITS
• FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE
• PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
• PUMPKIN MILKSHAKES
• PEPPERMINT CREAM PIE
• CHRISTMAS COOL WHIP CANDY
• COPYCAT CHICK-FIL-A PEPPERMINT MILKSHAKES
• REESE’S DESSERT DIP
• GINGERBREAD CREAM PIE
• BANANA SPLIT MILKSHAKES

Peppermint Bark Ice Cream is a simple to make dessert that calls for only 4-ingredients! This holiday ice cream is a delightful dish that is perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home during the winter months!