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Cotton Candy Ice Cream 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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