Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

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Author: Catherine
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Delicious peppermint bark ice cream featuring creamy texture and festive toppings

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Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

Peppermint Bark Ice Cream is a quintessential holiday treat that combines the rich creaminess of ice cream with the festive crunch of peppermint bark. This delectable dessert promises to evoke warmth and joy in every spoonful, making it a perfect indulgence for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. With a delightful mix of flavors and textures, this ice cream is not just a dessert; it’s an experience! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, guiding you step-by-step to create this frozen wonder, ensuring your friends and family will be asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making Peppermint Bark Ice Cream is not only a delightful experience but also incredibly easy. This recipe requires minimal prep time and is family-friendly, making it a fun activity to do with kids who will love crushing the candy canes. With no complicated techniques involved, you can whip up this delicious treat in a short span. Plus, it’s a no-churn ice cream recipe that simplifies the process of homemade ice cream – no ice cream maker needed! It’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces without overwhelming you in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

To whip up this delightful Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: This creates a luscious, creamy base.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For a warm, comforting flavor that complements the peppermint.
  • 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped: Adds richness and a lovely sweetness.
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold: Ensures a light, airy texture.
  • 5 (1.55 ounce) Hershey’s chocolate bars, chopped: Introduces a rich chocolate flavor.
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy canes: Provides that signature peppermint twist.

Each of these ingredients brings something special to the table, working harmoniously to create a delightful ice cream experience.

Step-by-Step Directions for Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

  1. Line a 9” x 5” loaf pan with parchment paper. This will help in easily removing the ice cream once it’s set.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract; stir to combine. This creates a sweet and flavorful base for the ice cream.

  3. Melt the chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and stir until smooth. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before adding to your mixture for the best results.

  4. Gradually add the melted white chocolate to the sweetened condensed milk mixture, whisking thoroughly. This ensures that the chocolate blends well, contributing a creamy texture.

  5. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This step is vital for achieving a light and airy consistency.

  6. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture, then add the remaining whipped cream and fold until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

  7. Fold in the chopped chocolate and crushed candy canes evenly. This step adds delightful surprises of crunch and flavor in every bite.

  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, cover, and freeze for 4 to 6 hours or overnight until firm. Patience is key here; a long freeze ensures the ice cream sets up perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the perfect Peppermint Bark Ice Cream can be enhanced with a few chef’s secrets. Ensure that your heavy whipping cream is very cold before whipping; this makes it easier to achieve stiff peaks. For a bit of texture, consider using a mixture of white chocolate and dark chocolate shavings. If you want to intensify the peppermint flavor, you can substitute a peppermint extract for the vanilla.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or candy canes to create variations of flavors.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

When it’s time to serve your Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, consider using festive bowls or glasses to elevate the presentation. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an irresistible look.

This ice cream pairs well with hot chocolate or a warm slice of pie, creating a delightful contrast between warm and cold. For a more indulgent dessert, serve alongside brownies for the ultimate chocolate experience.

Nutritional Information

Enjoying a treat like Peppermint Bark Ice Cream can be an indulgence; a single serving typically contains around 250 calories, making it a delightful splurge. It’s rich in flavor, offering a balance of sweetness from the condensed milk and chocolate, with a refreshing coolness from the peppermint candy canes. Be mindful of portion sizes, and indulge mindfully to savor this delightful dessert.

Storing Tips & Variations for Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

Storing extra Peppermint Bark Ice Cream? Make sure it is tightly covered in the loaf pan or transferred to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy it leisurely. If you wish to make it a bit healthier, consider substituting light whipped cream or experimenting with dairy-free alternatives.

For variations, try adding different seasonal flavors like crushed gingerbread cookies or cinnamon to create a holiday twist. You can also create a peppermint ice cream sandwich by layering this ice cream between festive cookies!

Conclusion for Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

Don’t wait any longer to treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful Peppermint Bark Ice Cream! Its creamy texture combined with the crunch of peppermint makes it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe promises satisfaction with every scoop. Trust us, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to ice cream recipe, year after year!

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?
    Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate, but this will alter the taste and color of your Peppermint Bark Ice Cream.

  2. How can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
    Substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or any non-dairy whipping cream available.

  3. How long will it take to freeze?
    Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, but overnight is recommended for the best texture.

  4. Can I add other candies to this ice cream?
    Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other types of candy, like crushed Oreos or butterscotch chips for a unique twist.

  5. How do I know when the ice cream is fully set?
    The ice cream should be firm to the touch. If you insert a knife or spoon, it should come out clean without leaving any soft ice cream behind.

Print

Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

A delightful holiday treat combining rich ice cream with festive peppermint bark for a perfect indulgence.

  • Author: catherine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 360 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Churn
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 5 (1.55 ounce) Hershey’s chocolate bars, chopped
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions

  1. Line a 9” x 5” loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract; stir to combine.
  3. Melt the chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and stir until smooth.
  4. Gradually add melted white chocolate to the condensed milk mixture, whisking thoroughly.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
  6. Fold half of the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture, then add the remaining whipped cream and fold until fully combined.
  7. Fold in chopped chocolate and crushed candy canes evenly.
  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, cover, and freeze for 4 to 6 hours or overnight until firm.

Notes

Ensure heavy whipping cream is very cold before whipping for best results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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