There’s something wonderfully festive about the combination of white chocolate and peppermint that just warms my heart (and my tastebuds) every holiday season! This White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream is not only a creamy indulgence but also brings back memories of cozy family gatherings, huddled around the fire with a scoop (or two) of this delightful treat. Every spoonful feels like a celebration, and trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why it has earned a special place in my recipe repertoire.
What makes this ice cream unique is the way it balances the rich sweetness of white chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. It’s perfect for holiday parties, or even just as an after-dinner treat while you binge your favorite holiday movies. Let me take you through this quick and easy recipe that will surely impress your friends and family!
What’s in White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream?
Heavy Cream: This is the star of our ice cream! Heavy cream gives it that rich, creamy texture we all love. I usually go for a high-quality brand like Horizon Organic for the best flavor.
Whole Milk: Mixing whole milk with the heavy cream makes for a perfect balance of creaminess without being too rich. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Granulated Sugar: A little sugar goes a long way! It sweetens the ice cream beautifully without overpowering the peppermint and chocolate flavors.
Pure Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens! A drop (or several) of peppermint extract gives this ice cream its refreshing flavor. I prefer using a pure extract rather than imitation for a more authentic taste.
White Chocolate Chips: For a rich and sweet surprise, I love using Ghirardelli white chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and add a delightful texture.
Candy Canes: These little guys are not just for decoration—crushed candy canes add that delightful crunch and unmistakable peppermint flavor to every bite. Plus, they make everything extra festive!
Is White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the nitty-gritty—ice cream is a treat, and this one certainly keeps its status!
Hefty Cream: While it’s creamy and delicious, heavy cream can be high in calories and saturated fat, which may not be ideal for everyone. Enjoy this in moderation, and your taste buds will thank you!
Milk: Whole milk adds essential calcium and vitamins, but it’s also higher in calories than skim or semi-skimmed milk. Again, moderation is key.
Peppermint Extract: Fun fact: peppermint may aid digestion and relieve headaches—so a scoop or two could be beneficial after a big meal!
So, indulging in White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream isn’t the worst thing you could do; it’s all about balance!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups heavy cream (I recommend Horizon Organic)
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (more to taste if you love that minty zing!)
– 1 cup white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli is my go-to)
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
– Serves: about 4-6 people
How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream?
1. **Heat the Cream and Milk:** In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm (not boiling!).
2. **Melt the Chocolate:** Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips. Mix until they’re melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. **Add Flavor:** Stir in the peppermint extract. Taste the mixture; you can add more extract if you want a stronger flavor.
4. **Chill It Out:** Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (or longer, if you can wait!).
5. **Churn Away:** Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll typically churn for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
6. **Fold in the Fun:** Gently fold in the crushed candy canes once the ice cream is churned.
7. **Freeze to Perfection:** Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours (if you can resist) until it firms up.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Scoop out some ice cream, sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes if desired, and enjoy the pepperminty goodness!
Ice Cream Tips and Twists to Try!
– **Substitutions:** If you’re feeling adventurous, try using dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a more intense flavor.
– **Mix-Ins:** You can toss in mini marshmallows or chocolate chunks for a fun twist!
– **Presentation:** Serve in waffle cone bowls for extra fun, or drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top for a beautiful finish.
So there you have it, my festive take on White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream! I can’t wait for you to try this at home—believe me, the smiles as you serve it up will warm your heart. Give it a whirl, and don’t forget to share your experience (or any fun recipe tweaks you come up with) with me! Happy indulging!