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.
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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.
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Marshmallow Ice Cream
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made vegan with substitutions)
Description
Indulge in creamy, fluffy homemade marshmallow ice cream, blending soft mini marshmallows with rich heavy cream and whole milk to create a light, sweet, and luscious dessert that melts in your mouth. Perfectly sweetened and easily customizable, this recipe requires no fancy equipment and offers a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Marshmallow Base
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
Flavorings and Sweeteners
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marshmallow Base: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the mini marshmallows, heavy cream, and whole milk. Stir gently and constantly until the marshmallows have fully melted and the mixture is smooth, infusing the cream with marshmallow flavor.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer the ice cream base to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled. Proper chilling ensures smooth churning and optimal texture.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, approximately 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This aerates the ice cream, giving it a light, fluffy texture.
- Freeze to Set: Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container, smooth the top, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm to allow proper setting.
Notes
- Use mini marshmallows for even melting and smooth texture.
- Ensure thorough chilling before churning to improve texture.
- Use fresh heavy cream and whole milk for best flavor and consistency.
- Stop churning when the ice cream reaches soft-serve stage to keep it fluffy.
- Add mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls during the last few minutes of churning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-churn/Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg