Easy recipe for homemade cotton candy ice cream

Welcome back to carnivals and childhood summertime: an easy recipe for cotton candy ice cream is here! And it’s super easy–especially when you don’t need an ice cream maker to do it. The following no-churn ice cream recipe simplifies the process of homemade ice cream without sacrificing taste or texture; a simple method for first-time ice cream makers, with optional customizations to make your flavor just the way you like it.

Table of Contents:

• No-Churn Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe
• Ingredients needed for homemade cotton candy ice cream:
• Step-by-step instructions to create this mouthwatering dessert:
• Preparing Your Kitchen Space and Tools
• Importance of Chilling Containers Prior to Use
• Tips on Keeping Bowls and Whisks Cold During Preparation
• Making No-Churn Cotton Candy Ice Cream in a Blender
• Customizing Your Cotton Candy Ice Cream Creation
• Using Pink/Blue Food Coloring Gel for Added Visual Appeal
• Incorporating Sprinkles or Real Bits of Cotton Candy as Toppings
• Storing Your Homemade Cotton Candy Ice Cream
• Best Practices for Storing Homemade Ice Cream
• Shelf Life and Freshness of No-Churn Cotton Candy Ice Cream
• FAQs in Relation to Recipe for Cotton Candy Ice Cream
• What is cotton candy ice cream made of?
• How would you describe cotton candy ice cream?
• How is cotton candy made step by step?
• Why did they stop selling cotton candy ice cream?
• Conclusion

No-Churn Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe

Photo Credit: desserts on a dime

Discover the secret to making creamy, delicious cotton candy ice cream without an ice cream machine. This no-churn recipe requires only five simple ingredients and is perfect for home bakers, at-home chefs, cooks, and DIYers looking for a homemade treat that satisfies their sweet tooth. Say goodbye to store-bought versions with additives and preservatives; it's time to indulge in this mouthwatering dessert made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients needed for homemade cotton candy ice cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (chilled)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup granulated sugar or powdered sugar (optional)
• ¼ cup cotton candy flavoring syrup (available online)

Step-by-step instructions for homemade cotton candy ice cream:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cold heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and optional sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-mix. This is a no-churn ice cream making method that replaces an ice cream machine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chilled sweetened condensed milk and cotton candy flavoring syrup until well combined.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture using a rubber spatula or large spoon, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much. The final texture should be light and fluffy.
4. If desired, add food coloring in pink or blue to achieve your preferred shade of cotton candy color. Swirl gently with a toothpick or knife for a marbled effect.
5. Transfer the ice cream mixture into a cold loaf pan or other freezer-safe container, smoothing out the top with your spatula. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
6. Freeze for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until firm and scoopable.

Note: Food coloring gel works better than liquid food coloring, as it won't affect the texture of the ice cream. Also, adding sprinkles or candy pieces to the ice cream mixture before freezing can add a fun touch. If you have a candy making area nearby, you can also try using cotton candy sugar instead of flavoring syrup. Divide the mixture into smaller containers and experiment with different flavors and mix-ins.

Read on for more on mix-ins and food coloring!

Preparing Your Kitchen Space and Tools

Ensuring that your container, bowl, and whisk are very cold before beginning is crucial in achieving the desired texture of your cotton candy ice cream. Proper preparation of these items can make all the difference in creating a smooth and creamy final product.

Importance of Chilling Containers Prior to Use

The secret to making perfectly textured homemade ice cream lies in keeping everything as cold as possible. When you chill your containers beforehand, it helps prevent the mixture from melting too quickly during the freezing process. This results in a smoother, more evenly frozen treat that will delight everyone who tries it.

Before beginning your recipe, chill an empty loaf pan or other freezer-safe dish in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to prepare it for use. This ensures that when you pour your delicious cotton candy ice cream mixture into it later on, everything stays nice and frosty.

• Chill metal bowls: Using metal mixing bowls is highly recommended because they retain cold temperatures better than their plastic counterparts. Before use, chill the bowls and whisks in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
• Cool down whisks: To keep whisks chilled throughout preparation, store them inside the fridge along with mixing bowls until needed.
• Avoid heat sources: Make sure not to work near any heat sources like stovetops or ovens while preparing ingredients; this could cause unwanted temperature fluctuations which may affect overall consistency once combined together within each batch made up fresh right here in your own kitchen space today.

Work quickly: Once you start mixing ingredients, try to work as efficiently as possible without taking too many breaks. Maintaining a cool environment while prepping your ingredients is key for avoiding an overly soft or melted mixture.

Making No-Churn Cotton Candy Ice Cream in a Blender

Working quickly and following specific instructions are crucial for most no-churn ice cream recipes. However, some easy ice cream recipes and methods don’t require as much attention. Homemade ice cream making can be made even easier with an ice cream mix. With mixes like Hijinx, you can simply blend and freeze your mixture. Minimal prep time, maximum enjoyment. There’s a lot of easy recipes out there, but this blender-only cotton candy ice cream recipe has got to be the easiest:

INGREDIENTS

• HIJINX ice cream mix
• 1 ½ cups half & half or water*
• 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring/extract (more or less to taste)
• 2 - 3 drops pink food coloring
• 2 - 3 drops blue food coloring 

Note: For a lighter version use water. For a creamier version use half  & half.

1. Heat the half & half (or water) and cotton candy extract for 60 seconds in the microwave.
2. Using a blender, combine 1 packet of HIJINX ice cream mix with the half & half. Blend for one minute or until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour mixture into two separate bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue to the other. Stir until incorporated.
4. Let bowls rest on the counter for 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, alternate pouring each color into a freezer safe container with an airtight lid.
6. Freeze for 3 - 6 hours. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE to read Hijinx best practices for ideal results! Using a blend-and-freeze ice cream mix is the simplest way to cut down your total time, while avoiding the expense and hassle of an ice cream maker. Plus, you can make homemade ice cream more often (and with less stress).

Customizing Your Cotton Candy Ice Cream Creation

Credit: Baking Beauty

Why settle for plain cotton candy ice cream when you can add your personal touch? With a few simple additions, you can transform your homemade cotton candy ice cream into an eye-catching and mouthwatering masterpiece. Let's explore some creative ways to customize your no-churn creation.

Using Pink/Blue Food Coloring Gel for Added Visual Appeal

To achieve that classic cotton candy look, consider adding pink or blue food coloring gel to the mix. These gels provide vibrant colors without altering the taste of your ice cream. To use them effectively:

1. Add a small amount of food coloring gel (start with just a drop) to the whipped heavy cream mixture.
2. Gently fold in the color until it is evenly distributed throughout.
3. If desired, add more drops one at a time until you reach your preferred shade.

You could even create multiple batches with different shades of pink and blue, then layer them in your container for an extra fun twist on this nostalgic treat. This will mimic the swirl of pink and blue cotton candy.

Incorporating Sprinkles or Real Bits of Cotton Candy as Toppings

Take customization up another notch by incorporating additional toppings such as sprinkles or real bits of cotton candy. Here are some ideas:

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles directly into the mixture or sprinkle them on top of the ice cream before freezing. This adds a fun pop of color and texture to your dessert.
• Real Cotton Candy: Gently fold small pieces of cotton candy into the mixture for an extra burst of flavor and authenticity. Be sure not to over mix, as this can cause the cotton candy to dissolve too much.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your homemade cotton candy ice cream. Feel free to get creative with different colors, sprinkles, and mix-ins that cater specifically to your tastes, or those of your friends and family that you’ll undoubtedly impress with your DIY cotton candy ice cream!

Storing Your Homemade Cotton Candy Ice Cream

Credit: ice cream from scratch

Now that you've created your creamy, homemade cotton candy ice cream, it's essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. With the right storage techniques, you can enjoy your no-churn creation for days without compromising on taste or quality. Storing homemade ice cream correctly is key to preserving flavor and shelf life, with air-tight containers being an essential factor.

Best Practices for Storing Homemade Ice Cream

• Use an air-tight container: To prevent freezer burn and preserve the texture of your cotton candy ice cream, use an air-tight container. This will also help keep any unwanted odors from seeping into your dessert. Affordable containers are available on Amazon, and worth the investment if you’d like to continue making homemade ice cream.
• Add a layer of plastic wrap: Before placing the lid on your container, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream. This extra barrier helps minimize exposure to air which can affect both texture and taste over time.
• Store at consistent temperature: Keep your homemade cotton candy ice cream stored in the coldest part of your freezer (usually towards the back) where temperatures remain more stable. Frequent fluctuations in temperature can cause crystallization within the dessert leading to icy textures when served later on.
• Date & label: Don't forget to write down what type of ice cream is inside along with the date made so you know exactly how long it has been stored.

Shelf Life and Freshness of No-Churn Cotton Candy Ice Cream

When stored properly, your homemade cotton candy ice cream can last up to two weeks in the freezer. However, for optimal taste and texture, it's best to enjoy within one week.Keep in mind that unlike store-bought versions containing preservatives and other additives which may detract from the natural goodness inherent within each scoop served up lovingly by hand right here in your own kitchen space today.

To maintain the freshness and flavor of homemade cotton candy ice cream, it is important to store it properly. Use an air-tight container, add a layer of plastic wrap, store at consistent temperature and date & label the container for up to two weeks in the freezer.

What is cotton candy ice cream made of?

Cotton candy ice cream is typically made from a base of heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. The signature cotton candy flavor comes from adding cotton candy flavored syrup or extract. Some recipes also include food coloring to achieve the desired pastel colors.

How would you describe cotton candy ice cream?

Cotton candy ice cream has a smooth and creamy texture with a distinct sweet taste reminiscent of spun sugar found in traditional carnival-style cotton candy. It often features vibrant pink and blue swirls, giving it an appealing visual presentation that matches its unique flavor profile.

How is cotton candy made step by step?

1. Melt granulated sugar in a specialized cotton candy machine.
2. The melted sugar gets forced through tiny holes as the machine spins rapidly.
3. The centrifugal force causes the liquid sugar to solidify into thin strands as it cools down.
4. Gather these fine strands using a paper cone or stick while spinning around the bowl's edge.

Why did they stop selling cotton candy ice cream?

If certain stores stopped selling cotton candy ice cream, it could be due to changes in consumer preferences or supply chain issues affecting specific ingredients like flavored syrups. However, this delectable treat remains popular at many specialty shops and can be easily recreated at home following our no-churn recipe above.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making your own no-churn cotton candy ice cream is a fun and easy way to indulge in a childhood favorite treat. Don't forget to customize it with food coloring gel or toppings like sprinkles or real bits of cotton candy!

If you're looking for more unique and delicious ice cream flavors, check out Hijinx Ice Cream's website for their selection of artisanal flavors. Hijinx’s easy recipes require no ice cream maker, and make it easy to create unique homemade ice cream with just a blender.

Ready to try the recipe for cotton candy ice cream yourself? Visit Hijinx Ice Cream today!