Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe

Introduction

This Cotton Candy Ice Cream brings the nostalgic flavor of carnival cotton candy right to your freezer. It’s a simple no-churn recipe that’s creamy, sweet, and perfect for a fun treat anytime.

Ingredients

• 2 cups very cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, cold
• 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring
• Food coloring in pink and blue (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a loaf pan or container in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before starting to chill it.
2. Step 2: Place a mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to chill.
3. Step 3: Ensure both the heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk are very cold before beginning.
4. Step 4: In the chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream using a mixer until stiff peaks form.
5. Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and cotton candy flavoring until fully combined.
6. Step 6: Gradually fold the sweetened condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream gently to maintain the airiness.
7. Step 7: If desired, divide the mixture evenly into two bowls to create pink and blue ice cream portions.
8. Step 8: Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue to the other, stirring to combine each color evenly.
9. Step 9: Remove the chilled container from the freezer, then drop spoonfuls of the ice cream mixtures into the container, layering or swirling the colors.
10. Step 10: Freeze the ice cream overnight to set fully.
11. Step 11: Serve the cotton candy ice cream with a side of cotton candy for an extra whimsical touch if you like.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality cotton candy flavoring for the best authentic taste.
• For a swirled effect, gently swirl the pink and blue mixtures together before freezing instead of layering.
• Substitute the food coloring with natural fruit juices like beet or blueberry for a natural color boost.
• If you want a lighter texture, whip the cream to soft peaks instead of stiff peaks.

Storage

Store the cotton candy ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this ice cream without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can whip the heavy cream by hand with a whisk, though it will take more effort to achieve stiff peaks.

What can I use if I don’t have cotton candy flavoring?

You can substitute with a mix of vanilla and a touch of berry or bubblegum flavoring to approximate the cotton candy taste, but the flavor won’t be exactly the same.

Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 52 reviews

This homemade Cotton Candy Ice Cream recipe is a delightful treat combining the nostalgic sweetness of cotton candy with creamy, rich ice cream. Made without an ice cream maker, it uses whipped heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk flavored with cotton candy essence, offering an easy-to-make, colorful dessert perfect for summer or any fun occasion.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: About 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ice Cream Base

• 2 cups very cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, cold
• 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring

Optional Coloring

• Food coloring in pink and blue (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare freezer and equipment: Place a loaf pan or container in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before starting to ensure it is very cold. Also place a bowl and whisk in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to chill, which helps achieve better whipped cream texture.
2. Whip the cream: Make sure the heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk are very cold. Using the chilled bowl and whisk, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form, meaning the cream holds firm peaks when you lift the whisk.
3. Mix flavor and condensed milk: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and cotton candy flavoring until well combined and smooth.
4. Fold mixtures together: Gradually add the cotton candy-flavored condensed milk mixture to the whipped cream by gently folding using a spatula. This careful folding keeps the whipped cream light and airy.
5. Add food coloring: If desired, divide the combined mixture evenly into two separate bowls. Add pink food coloring to one and blue food coloring to the other, gently mixing each to incorporate the colors.
6. Freeze the ice cream: Remove the chilled container from the freezer. Spoon dollops of the colored ice cream mixtures into the container, layering or swirling as preferred for a colorful effect.
7. Freeze overnight: Place the container in the freezer and let the ice cream set overnight, or for at least 8 hours, until firm.
8. Serve: Scoop the cotton candy ice cream into bowls or cones. Optionally, serve with fresh cotton candy on the side for extra fun and flavor.

Notes

• Use high-quality cotton candy flavoring available online or at specialty baking shops for the best taste.
• Make sure all dairy ingredients and equipment are very cold to achieve the best whipped texture without an ice cream maker.
• Gently folding the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream prevents deflating the whipped cream, which keeps the ice cream light.
• Food coloring is optional but adds a fun, pastel pink and blue look reminiscent of classic cotton candy.
• Store leftover ice cream covered tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Keywords: cotton candy ice cream, no churn ice cream, homemade ice cream recipe, cotton candy flavor, easy ice cream dessert, colorful ice cream