Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe

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If you are craving something truly festive, refreshing, and utterly irresistible, then look no further than Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe. This luscious, creamy peppermint treat is packed with crushed candy canes, delivering the perfect balance of cool minty goodness and sweet creaminess with every bite. Whether you’re indulging on a chilly night or treating guests during the holidays, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings joy and warmth with just a spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe lies in its deceptively simple ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich creaminess of heavy whipping cream and half-and-half to the fresh punch of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes that create both texture and flavor. These staples come together effortlessly to form a luxurious ice cream you’ll want to savor again and again.

• 6 cups heavy whipping cream: Provides the rich, velvety base that makes this ice cream incredibly creamy.
• 4 cups half-and-half: Lightens the texture slightly while maintaining creaminess and smooth mouthfeel.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the peppermint’s crisp flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla (good quality): Adds warmth and depth, complementing the peppermint perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract: Brings that unmistakable minty punch that makes this ice cream stand out.
• 8 ounces finely crushed peppermint (about 12-14 candy canes): Stirs in a sweet, crunchy cooling sensation throughout the ice cream.
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup additional coarsely crushed peppermint (about 3-5 candy canes): Adds delightful texture and bursts of peppermint candy in every bite.
• Ice and rock salt (for churning if your ice cream maker requires it): Essential for creating the perfect frozen consistency during churning.

How to Make Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base

Start by combining the heavy whipping cream, half-and-half, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla, and peppermint extract in a large bowl or directly in your ice cream maker’s bowl. Stir everything well until the sugar dissolves completely. This step builds a rich foundation filled with gentle mint and vanilla tones that will shine through the creamy base of your ice cream.

Step 2: Finely Crush the Candy Canes

Next, reach for your food processor or blender to finely crush about 12 to 14 candy canes until you have roughly 8 ounces of finely ground peppermint dust. These crushed candy canes will embed throughout your ice cream, offering bursts of melt-in-your-mouth peppermint flavor in every spoonful. It’s the detail that makes Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe truly special.

Step 3: Fold in the Fine Peppermint

Add those finely crushed peppermint bits directly into your cream mixture and stir gently but thoroughly. This infuses the entire batch with the refreshing, sweet essence of candy canes, ensuring that every taste sings with classic peppermint charm.

Step 4: Prepare Coarsely Crushed Candy Canes

While the fine peppermint settles in, use your food processor again to coarsely crush another 3 to 5 candy canes. This time, you want chunky pieces that add texture—little peppermint surprises you can bite into after the ice cream is churned. Set them aside for adding later. Trust me, you’ll be glad not to have to dig out the processor again!

Step 5: Churn to Perfection

Pour the creamy peppermint mixture into your ice cream maker bowl if you haven’t already, and churn according to your machine’s instructions. Mine usually takes about 40 minutes to reach a soft-serve consistency that’s thick, smooth, and begging to be enjoyed. This step turns your liquid base into that dreamily creamy ice cream texture we all crave.

Step 6: Stir in the Chunky Candy Canes

Now comes the fun part: spoon in those coarsely crushed peppermint chunks and gently fold them into the ice cream. These pieces add joyful pops of peppermint flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful experience. This finishing touch is what elevates Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe beyond ordinary.

Step 7: Transfer and Freeze

Move your peppermint ice cream into a large airtight container—something like a 9×5 inch bread pan works wonderfully. Cover tightly to prevent ice crystals and pop it into the freezer for at least 3 to 5 hours. For best results, allow it to set overnight. This chilling time deepens flavors and perfects that scoopable texture everyone loves.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once fully frozen, scoop out generous portions of your homemade peppermint delight. Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe shines brightly when served on its own or paired with other festive goodies. Don’t forget, it’s heavenly alongside Nana’s Famous Fudge Brownies for an unforgettable dessert experience!

How to Serve Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle extra crushed candy canes or a light drizzle of dark chocolate over your ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream adds a lovely creaminess contrast, while mini chocolate chips bring a touch of crunch that’s pure joy. Garnishes turn serving into an event and invite everyone to savor every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This peppermint ice cream pairs brilliantly with warm desserts like fudgy brownies, chocolate lava cakes, or gingerbread cookies. The cold, fresh flavor balances and complements warm, rich sweets perfectly, creating a harmony of temperatures and tastes that’s absolutely satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe in festive glassware like clear bowls or parfait glasses, layering it with crushed peppermint bark or chocolate sauce. Another fun idea is stuffing peppermint ice cream into homemade chocolate-dipped waffle cones topped with candy cane pieces. Presentation can turn any scoop into a special occasion treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover peppermint ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in your freezer for up to two weeks. Keep it tightly sealed to preserve freshness and prevent ice crystal formation, which can affect texture. When you’re ready for a scoop, simply remove it straight from the freezer and enjoy.

Freezing

Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe freezes beautifully thanks to its creamy texture and stable rich fats from the heavy cream. Just be sure to cover it well, and if you like, press a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing the container to keep it extra fresh.

Reheating

This ice cream is best enjoyed cold and never reheated, but if it becomes too hard, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This softens it just enough to scoop gracefully while maintaining that perfect creamy texture that makes it so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of heavy cream?

While you could substitute, the rich, creamy texture you get from heavy whipping cream and half-and-half is critical for the luxurious mouthfeel of Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe. Using milk will result in a lighter, less creamy ice cream.

How long does the ice cream take to churn?

Typically, the churning process takes around 40 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker. You’re looking for a consistency similar to soft serve before adding the chunky peppermint pieces.

Can I adjust the peppermint flavor to be stronger or milder?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a little more or less peppermint extract according to your taste. The crushed candy canes also add natural peppermint bursts, so balancing those makes the flavor perfect.

Is it okay to use store-bought crushed peppermint candy?

Yes, if you prefer, but crushing your own candy canes ensures freshness and the right texture. Pre-crushed candies might be coarser or contain additives that could change the ice cream’s consistency.

Can this recipe be made without an ice cream maker?

You can try a no-churn method, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe relies on proper churning to create that smooth, creamy softness and to incorporate the peppermint evenly throughout.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough to give Nana’s Famous Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe a try—it’s a standout dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re making it for holiday gatherings or simply to treat yourself, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite that’s requested year after year. Once you taste that cool peppermint rush alongside smooth, creamy ice cream, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed peppermint without it.

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