Description
This Homemade Peppermint Bark Ice Cream is a festive, creamy treat that combines the flavors of peppermint, chocolate, and crunchy peppermint bark into one irresistible dessert. The smooth, minty base and the refreshing peppermint crunch make it the perfect ice cream for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–16 ounces peppermint bark, finely chopped (or substitute with 1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies)
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 2 cups full-fat milk (or non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol, adjusted to taste)
- 7 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon peppermint essence
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppermint Bark and Cream Mixture
- Chop Peppermint Bark:
Finely chop the peppermint bark and set aside. - Heat the Cream Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the whipping cream, milk, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer. - Cool Slightly:
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent curdling when added to the egg yolks.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Whisk Egg Yolks:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, vanilla essence, and peppermint essence together until the mixture thickens and becomes pale, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
- Gradually Add Cream Mixture:
Gradually add ¼ to ½ cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. - Combine Mixtures:
Repeat this process a few times until the egg mixture is warmed through and smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
- Combine with Cream Mixture:
Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. - Cook the Mixture:
Cook over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil.
Step 5: Chill the Mixture
- Strain the Mixture:
Remove the mixture from heat and strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. - Add Peppermint Bark:
Stir in the chopped peppermint bark. - Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
Step 6: Churn and Freeze
- Churn the Ice Cream:
Once the mixture is chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. - Freeze:
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 1-2 hours to firm up.
Notes
- Substitute for Peppermint Bark: If peppermint bark is unavailable, crushed candy canes or peppermint candies work great as a substitute.
- Non-dairy option: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk and ensure the cream used is dairy-free.
- Sweeteners: You can use natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to adjust the sweetness if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option.
- Chill thoroughly: Ensure the ice cream mixture is fully chilled before churning for a smoother texture.
- Texture: If you prefer a thicker texture, let the ice cream freeze longer in the container after churning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Frozen Treat
- Method: Churning, Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85mg