Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe Cuisinart: Frozen Holiday Bliss in Every Scoop

There’s something magical about homemade peppermint ice cream, especially during the holiday season. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, refreshing treat that captures winter’s essence.

The Cuisinart ice cream maker does most of the work, churning a rich custard base with crushed candy canes into smooth frozen perfection. The process requires about 25 minutes of churning after a brief chill.

What emerges is a vibrant pink dessert with just the right balance of cool mint and sweet cream. Each scoop delivers that classic holiday flavor with satisfying crunch from the peppermint pieces.

Perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy night in. Here’s how to make this seasonal favorite.

Ingredients for Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe Cuisinart

Rich cream, fresh mint, and candy cane crunch make this holiday treat unforgettable.

The dairy is non-negotiable for that ultra-creamy texture. Whole Foods 365 or Organic Valley heavy cream and milk have the perfect fat content. For the candy canes, Bob’s Candy Canes crush easily and have that classic peppermint snap. Always use pure peppermint extract—the imitation stuff tastes like toothpaste. Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the custard.

Out of peppermint extract? One-fourth teaspoon pure mint extract works in a pinch. No candy canes? Peppermint candies or even crushed hard peppermint candies give the same crunch. Swap the milk for half-and-half if you want an even richer base. The food coloring is optional but gel-based works best for that vibrant pink without watering down the custard.

The custard base keeps in the fridge for 24 hours before churning. Ice cream stays fresh for 1 week in an airtight container. Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months—though it’s best eaten fresh for that perfect texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peppermint Ice Cream

Master the custard base and chilling process for ice cream with perfect texture and holiday flavor.

Step 1: Heat Cream, Milk, and Sugar to Infuse Flavors

In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups Heavy Cream, 1 cup Whole Milk, and 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar over medium heat. Stir frequently with a silicone spatula until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to steam—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

You’ll notice small bubbles forming at the edges before it reaches a full simmer. Remove from heat just as it begins to gently simmer—do not let it boil. This controlled heating ensures the sugar fully dissolves and the dairy warms evenly without scorching.

Step 2: Temper Egg Yolks to Create a Smooth Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk the 4 whole Egg Yolks until pale and slightly thickened. Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly—this tempering process prevents the eggs from curdling.

Once the yolk mixture is warm, pour it back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Return to low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This should take 8-10 minutes at a gentle simmer.

Test for doneness by drawing a line with your finger across the spoon—if the line holds its shape, the custard is ready.

Step 3: Add Extracts, Butter, and Color for Peppermint Flavor

Remove the custard from heat and stir in the 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, 1 tsp Pure Peppermint Extract, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, and 0.25 tsp Salt. The butter adds richness, while the extracts provide the signature peppermint flavor.

For a festive touch, add the 4 drops Red Food Coloring and stir until the custard takes on a soft pink hue. The color should be even but subtle—this enhances the holiday appeal without overpowering the natural appearance.

Step 4: Chill Custard and Prepare Candy Cane Mix-In

Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any cooked bits of egg. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely chilled to 40°F or below.

While the custard chills, crush the 6 pieces Candy Canes into small, irregular pieces. I place them in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin for this. The crushed candy canes will add texture and bursts of peppermint flavor to every scoop of ice cream.

Step 5: Churn in Ice Cream Maker and Freeze

Pour the chilled custard into your Cuisinart ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-25 minutes. The mixture will thicken into a soft-serve consistency with a pale, creamy texture.

During the last 2 minutes of churning, add the crushed candy canes through the spout. This ensures even distribution without overmixing. Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up completely before serving.

Perfect Pairings for peppermint ice cream recipe cuisinart

Holiday Dessert Pairings

Nothing complements this creation better than warm chocolate brownies straight from the oven. The rich, fudgy texture contrasts perfectly with the cool mint. I love using Ghirardelli brownie mix for an easy yet decadent pairing. 🍫

Hot Beverage Matches

A steaming cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream creates a magical temperature contrast. For adults, try a peppermint patty hot chocolate by stirring in 1 crushed candy cane per mug. The flavors harmonize beautifully.

Cookie Combinations

Serve with snickerdoodle cookies for a festive dessert spread. Their cinnamon-sugar coating enhances the peppermint notes. Alternatively, shortbread cookies offer a buttery contrast that’s hard to resist.

Coffee Pairings

A bold espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness nicely. I recommend Starbucks Reserve blends for their complex notes. The bitterness balances the dessert’s richness without overpowering it. ✨

Fruit Accompaniments

Fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries add a bright, tangy element that cleanses the palate. Their natural acidity contrasts beautifully with the creamy, sweet ice cream. A sprinkle of powdered sugar enhances the presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions