Marshmallow Ice Cream Recipe for a Sweet Treat

Indulge in creamy, fluffy marshmallow ice cream, perfect for a sweet, cool treat anytime you crave a delightful dessert. This homemade delight combines the soft, sweet charm of marshmallows with the rich creaminess of ice cream to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a cozy hug on a sunny day. Whether you’re looking for a unique way to impress guests or just want to treat yourself, this marshmallow ice cream recipe is a simple yet impressive dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Requires no fancy equipment and comes together quickly with minimal prep time.
• Fluffy Texture: The marshmallows add a wonderfully light, cloud-like quality to every bite.
• Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cream and marshmallow creates a rich but airy texture.
• Perfectly Sweet: Balances sweetness perfectly without being overwhelming or syrupy.
• Customizable: Easy to add mix-ins or flavors to create your own twist on this classic treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this marshmallow ice cream, the ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. From the fluffy marshmallows that bring sweetness and volume, to the heavy cream that gives the ice cream its creamy richness, every item counts.

• Mini Marshmallows: These melt into smooth pockets of sweetness and keep the ice cream fluffy.
• Heavy Cream: Provides the creamy base and luscious mouthfeel of the ice cream.
• Whole Milk: Balances the richness and creates a smooth consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor, bringing warmth and depth to the ice cream.
• Salt: Just a pinch to elevate all the other flavors.

Variations for Marshmallow Ice Cream

Feel free to make this marshmallow ice cream your own! These variations prove how easy it is to adapt based on what you have in your pantry or dietary preferences, adding fun new dimensions to every scoop.

• Chocolate Swirl: Gently fold in melted dark or milk chocolate for a luscious swirl.
• Fruit Mix-In: Add fresh berries or fruit preserves to brighten the flavor and add texture.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped toasted almonds or pecans for satisfying crunchiness.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream and plant-based milk to create a vegan-friendly version.
• Toasted Marshmallow: Lightly toast the marshmallows first for a smoky, caramelized twist.

How to Make Marshmallow Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare the Marshmallow Base

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the mini marshmallows, heavy cream, and milk. Stir gently but constantly until the marshmallows have fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This step is key to infusing the cream with that signature marshmallow flavor.

Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor

Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Be sure to taste and adjust sweetness here if needed — it should be pleasantly sweet but not overpowering.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Transfer the ice cream base to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled. Cooling the mixture well ensures the ice cream churns smoothly and develops the right texture.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This process aerates the dessert, giving it that light, fluffy texture.

Step 5: Freeze to Set

Transfer the churned marshmallow ice cream to an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm to allow the ice cream to set perfectly for scooping.

Pro Tips for Making Marshmallow Ice Cream

• Use Mini Marshmallows: They melt more quickly and evenly, avoiding clumps in your ice cream.
• Don’t Rush Cooling: Proper chilling of the base before churning improves texture significantly.
• Keep it Creamy: Use fresh heavy cream and whole milk for best flavor and consistency.
• Avoid Over-Churning: Stop the ice cream maker once it reaches soft-serve stage to keep it fluffy.
• Add Mix-ins Last: Incorporate any extras like nuts or swirls in the final few minutes of churning.

How to Serve Marshmallow Ice Cream

Garnishes

Top your marshmallow ice cream with toasted marshmallows, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal. Fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder can also complement the sweet creaminess beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair the marshmallow ice cream with warm brownies, graham crackers, or a slice of chocolate cake. The contrast of warm and cold, soft and crunchy, creates a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve scoops inside toasted hollowed-out marshmallow shells or alongside a campfire-inspired s’mores board. Using colorful bowls or waffle cones adds a playful and inviting touch to each serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover marshmallow ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent ice crystals from forming and keep the texture smooth and creamy.

Freezing

Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours after churning to allow it to set completely. For best texture, consume within 1-2 weeks to enjoy maximum freshness.

Reheating

If the ice cream freezes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping to soften slightly without losing its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make marshmallow ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes! You can use a no-churn method by whipping heavy cream separately and folding in melted marshmallow mixture before freezing, stirring every 30 minutes for a few hours to prevent ice crystals.

What type of marshmallows work best?

Mini marshmallows are ideal because they melt evenly and blend smoothly into the cream, giving your ice cream that perfect fluffy texture.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even cookie crumbles during the last few minutes of churning creates delightful texture contrasts.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Traditional marshmallow ice cream contains dairy and gelatin, but you can make a vegan version using plant-based milks, coconut cream, and vegan marshmallows.

How long does homemade marshmallow ice cream keep?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the freezer, it can stay fresh for up to two weeks without losing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This marshmallow ice cream is truly a crowd-pleaser, combining simplicity with irresistible flavor and texture. It’s the perfect pick-me-up dessert for any day you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it’s one of those rare treats that brings a big smile with every spoonful.

Related Posts

• Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
• Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Dessert
• Vegan No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Bites for Dessert

Print