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    Home Β» Desserts Β» Peppermint Marshmallow Ice Cream

    Dec 2, 2019 Β· Modified: Dec 3, 2020 by Sues Β· This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads Β· View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer Β· 26 Comments

    Peppermint Marshmallow Ice Cream

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    'Tis the season for candy cane desserts and festive ice cream flavors. This Peppermint Ice Cream with homemade marshmallow fluff will get you in the holiday spirit!

    Head-on view of a small bowl of peppermint ice cream with marshmallow fluff with crushed candy canes all around and second bowl of ice cream in the background with recipe title at top

    (This recipe for Peppermint Ice Cream with Marshmallow was originally posted in December 2011, but was updated with new photos and content in 2019).

    Peppermint again? Yes. Ice cream right when it starts snowing in Boston? Yup. If ice cream wasn't meant to be enjoyed year round, it wouldn't pair so well with holiday flavors.

    And if I wasn't meant to cook and bake with peppermint every day leading up to Christmas, it wouldn't be so delicious. But it is.

    And peppermint ice cream is one of the very best ice cream flavors. Add a little homemade marshmallow fluff in for extra silkiness and you'll want December to last year round, too.

    In case you don't know, my absolute favorite holiday song from childhood is Marshmallow World. The Johnny Mathis version. I played the song so much when I was a kid, my sister hid the cassette tape on me.

    But that obviously didn't stop me from singing it out loud all season long. Which was probably worse for her.

    But it's a seriously catchy song that will make you happy… Annd stay in your head forever. Shhh I'm allowed to be a Johnny Mathis fan for Christmas. Leave me alone.

    And since it really is a marshmallow world in the winter, I'm tempted to add it to all my holiday treats. So, that's the plan. Starting with this peppermint ice cream.

    How to Make Peppermint Ice Cream with Marshmallow

    As you may know, making ice cream is a bit of a process and, while it's not difficult (I promise!), it requires a bit of patience since it needs time to chill at two different stages. I'm pretty sure that making lots of ice cream is what has taught me the art of patience.

    And the reward is so sweet with this peppermint ice cream.

    To start, heat the cream, milk, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.

    In a small, heat-resistant bowl, whisk the egg yolks (make sure you save one of the whites of the eggs… you'll need it for the fluff!). Slowly pour half the heated milk mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking the entire time.

    Then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk, continuing to whisk. This is done to "temper" the eggs, so you're not just adding them into a bunch of hot liquid and cooking them.

    Now, cook the mixture over medium-heat until the mixture begins to thicken and coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Then strain the mixture into a heat-resistant bowl.

    Collage showing cream and milk heating up, egg yolks being whisked, eggs being tempered with milk and cream, and ice cream base being strained into a bowl

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very cold. I recommend refrigerating for at least 4 hours, though I often do it overnight.

    While the peppermint ice cream mixture is cooling, you can get started on the homemade marshmallow fluff. If you've never made your own fluff before, get excited because it's SO easy!

    In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the egg white, corn syrup, and salt on high-speed for about 4-5 minutes, until it's nice and thickened and turns white.

    Now, mix in the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar on low-speed until combined.

    Hello, marshmallow fluff.

    View of homemade marshmallow fluff in mixture

    The marshmallow fluff should stay good in your fridge for about 10 days, so just pop it in there until you're ready to use it in your ice cream.

    Once your milk/cream mixture is sufficiently cold, you're ready to make ice cream the old fashioned way. Er, with an electric ice cream maker. If you're looking for a good one, I highly recommend the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment (affiliate link).

    I've made hundreds of batches of ice cream in mine and it works like a charm every time.

    Before you pour the mixture into your ice cream maker, stir the peppermint extract in. Then freeze in your ice cream maker, according to manufacturer's instructions.

    When the ice cream is almost done processing, add in marshmallow fluff and crushed candy canes. Crushing candy canes is one of my most-hated kitchen tasks, but it's so worth it for this peppermint ice cream!

    Overhead view of ice cream being processed in mixer and crushed candy canes being added in

    Now, pop your ice cream into airtight containers and put them in the freezer, for another 4 hours hours. Told ya it was all about patience.

    Overhead view of peppermint ice cream just processed and in quart container

    I served up a huge bowl of peppermint ice cream with some extra candy cane crumbles on top.

    If I was going to go through the work of crushing up my candy canes manually, I was going to enjoy them, darn it.

    Head-on view of a pink bowl of peppermint ice cream with marshmallow fluff with crushed candy canes on top and all around and second bowl of ice cream, Christmas ornaments, and mini candy canes in background

    The marshmallow makes this ice cream a bit softer than the typical homemade ice cream, but there's something so wonderful about this. It's smooth and creamy, almost like silk.

    Is that a weird way to describe ice cream? I don't even care.

    The peppermint taste is like whoa. Which is exactly how I like it. Christmas in a bowl! But seriously, the ice cream doesn't have an overpowering peppermint flavor, but it's definitely there. Along with a little bit of crunch from the crushed candy canes.

    Bird's eye view of peppermint ice cream with marshmallow fluff with crushed candy canes on top and all around and second bowl of ice cream, bowl of marshmallow fluff, and candy canes in background

    If you generally leave cookies out for Santa, I highly recommend leaving a bowl of this candy cane peppermint ice cream out for him instead. It could mean extra gifts!

    Of course, you may want to simply write Santa a note letting him know this is waiting for him in the freezer… Otherwise it could just be a big bowl of soup by the time he arrives. A delicious bowl of soup, but still.

    You know, I'm actually really sad that Thanksgiving was so late this year. It doesn't feel like there's enough time to truly feel the holiday spirit or to try all the holiday ice cream flavors I want to experiment with.

    Instead of thinking of the time in "shopping days," I'm thinking of it in terms of "baking days" and "ice cream making days" and there just aren't enough left! That may be a sign I'm getting old.

    Head-on view of a small bowl of peppermint ice cream with marshmallow fluff with crushed candy canes all around and second bowl of ice cream in the background

    But for now, I'm happy I have a quart of this in the freezer. Peppermint ice cream is one thing, but peppermint ice cream with marshmallow is a whole different ballgame. Johnny Mathis would be proud.

    What's your favorite holiday flavored ice cream?

    If you're looking for more fun holiday ice creams, try my Triple Gingerbread Ice Cream or my Sweet Potato Ice Cream. I also really want to try this Cranberry Ice Cream from The View From Great Island!

    Peppermint Marshmallow Ice Cream -- 'Tis the season for candy cane desserts and festive ice cream flavors. This Peppermint Ice Cream with homemade marshmallow fluff will get you in the holiday spirit! | wearenotmartha.com #candycanes #peppermint #icecream #holidayicecream #christmasicecream

    Peppermint Marshmallow Ice Cream

    'Tis the season for candy cane desserts and festive ice cream flavors. This Peppermint Ice Cream with homemade marshmallow fluff will get you in the holiday spirit!
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    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Candy Cane Desserts, Christmas Ice Cream, Holiday Ice Cream, Peppermint Desserts
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Chill Time: 8 hours
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Makes: 1 Β½ quarts
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • 2 Β½ cups heavy cream
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • ΒΎ cup granulated sugar
    • 5 large egg yolks (save one of the whites for the fluff)
    • 1 Tbsp peppermint extract
    • 1 cup marshmallow fluff (recipe below or store-bought)
    • Β½ cup crushed candy canes (from about 6 regular-sized candy canes)

    Marshmallow Fluff

    • 1 large egg white
    • Β½ cup corn syrup
    • β…› tsp salt
    • ΒΎ cup confectioners' sugar
    • Β½ Tbsp vanilla extract
    • β…› tsp cream of tartar

    Instructions

    • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine  cream, milk, and sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.
    • In a small, heat-resistant bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour half the heated milk mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking the entire time. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk, continuing to whisk.
    • Cook mixture over medium heat until it begins to thicken and coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Strain the mixture into a heat-resistant bowl.
    • Cover bowl with plastic wrap so that plastic is touching top of cream mixture (this will prevent a skin from forming). Refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours.
    • Once mixture is chilled, stir in peppermint extract and freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When ice cream is almost frozen, mix in crushed candy canes and marshmallow fluff.
    • When ice cream is frozen, remove to airtight containers and place in freezer for at least 4 hours to continue to harden.

    Marshmallow Fluff

    • In the bowl of an electric mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together egg white, corn syrup, and salt on high-speed for about 4-5 minutes, until it thickens and turns white.
    • Mix in confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar on low-speed, until combined.
    • You can keep the marshmallow fluff in your fridge in an airtight container for about 10 days.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
    Celebrate the holidays with ice cream! This Peppermint Ice Cream with Marshmallow is a must-make for Christmas time! | wearenotmartha.com #icecream #pepperminticecream #candycanes #christmasicecream
    This homemade Peppermint Ice Cream with Marshmallow is easy to make and the best way to celebrate Christmas! | wearenotmartha.com #christmasdesserts #peppermintdesserts #homemadeicecream #candycanes
    Peppermint Marshmallow Ice Cream -- 'Tis the season for candy cane desserts and festive ice cream flavors. This Peppermint Ice Cream with homemade marshmallow fluff will get you in the holiday spirit! | wearenotmartha.com
    Peppermint Marshmallow Ice Cream
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. sara says

      December 14, 2011 at 1:35 am

      OK, yes I am so making this!!! My boyfriend is really into mint ice cream and so this will be a great X-mas gift! πŸ™‚

    2. Heather @ Bake, Run, Live says

      December 14, 2011 at 5:18 am

      Mint chocolate chip is my favorite ice cream! This looks so yummy- I believe I will be making this over the weekend (maybe with a few chocolate chips thrown in!).

    3. Erica says

      December 14, 2011 at 8:19 am

      Seriously, this makes me want to get the equipment to make ice cream!Favorite holiday ice cream? Hmmmm....I'm partial to anything pumpkin

    4. Simply Life says

      December 14, 2011 at 8:23 am

      oh this is so fun! I would take this over pie any day!

    5. Blog is the New Black says

      December 14, 2011 at 8:54 am

      You gals are GENIUSES!

    6. Katie says

      December 14, 2011 at 9:17 am

      mmm sounds absolutely amazing! love the addition of the fluff!!

    7. Elizabeth says

      December 14, 2011 at 9:23 am

      I love the fluff element. I can't even imagine the texture it gives the final product.

    8. Maureen says

      December 14, 2011 at 9:32 am

      This recipe alone makes me want the ice cream maker for my KitchenAid STAT!

    9. Gia Grossman says

      December 14, 2011 at 10:11 am

      Peppermint, Fluff and ice cream? I am SOLD!!

    10. Daisy says

      December 14, 2011 at 11:51 am

      what a great idea. marshmallow in ice cream is delicious!

    11. Michelle Collins says

      December 14, 2011 at 1:57 pm

      Oh my, this looks absolutely wonderful! I love peppermint ice cream this time of year.

    12. d.liff @ yelleBELLYboo says

      December 14, 2011 at 2:25 pm

      man oh man does that sound good!! I love peppermint stick ice cream any time of year!!

    13. Shannon says

      December 14, 2011 at 3:40 pm

      you make the best ice cream πŸ™‚ we should have a ice cream party! maybe in the summer...

    14. Sam @ The Second Lunch says

      December 14, 2011 at 5:05 pm

      I'm worried for my wallet when Wegmans comes to Chestnut Hill..

    15. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

      December 14, 2011 at 5:07 pm

      This ice cream sounds amazing, I would LOVE a huge bowl right now!

    16. Sharon says

      December 14, 2011 at 10:08 pm

      OMG, this ice cream would pair perfectly with a Yule Log for Christmas dessert...let's do it!!

    17. Joanne says

      December 15, 2011 at 8:03 am

      There is NEVER a wrong time for ice cream. Ever. Total WANT.

    18. Emily @ A Cambridge Story says

      December 15, 2011 at 9:16 am

      YUM. I absolutely love that you added marshmallow fluff (and that you made it yourself). This would go great alongside hot cocoa and peppermint schnapps!

    19. JUDE says

      December 15, 2011 at 3:53 pm

      You're gonna LOVE Wegman's......and yes you will go broke!!!

    20. Susan says

      December 15, 2011 at 6:59 pm

      Wow, that looks delicious! I wish we had a Wegman's nearby - I'd have to take a plane to get to one.

      My favorite holiday ice cream is made locally. It's called Nutcracker πŸ™‚ It's a buttered rum flavor loaded with four different kinds of nuts - delish!

    21. Lora says

      December 17, 2011 at 12:14 am

      The marshmallow idea is brilliant. Love this ice cream!

    22. Bridget says

      December 19, 2011 at 9:39 am

      I LOVE how creamy that ice cream looks!!!!

    23. Molly Galler says

      December 19, 2011 at 3:31 pm

      I would like a bowl of this right now please, with hot fudge! Yummmmm.

    24. Kate says

      September 18, 2012 at 7:40 pm

      I made this ice cream last weekend and I must say, it was the best ice cream I have ever made! Delicious! And why did I not think of putting hot fudge on it? Now I have to make it again. (and again)

    25. Sharon says

      December 05, 2019 at 11:24 am

      Sooo Pretty & YUMMY!!?

    26. Ann says

      December 06, 2019 at 11:14 pm

      5 stars
      Marshmallow fluff and peppermint? That is genius. And ice cream is a year round treat for sure!

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