How to make homemade cotton candy ice cream with and without an ice cream maker!
How to make cotton candy ice cream
The best way to get a good cotton candy flavor is with a good extract. The one I have is AMAZING but unfortunately it’s no longer on the market. Many of them have terrible reviews on amazon so just try to find one that has decent reviews.
I also really wanted to include real cotton candy in the recipe so I went out and got some cotton candy and mixed it right in. I had no idea how it would freeze but it mostly just dissolves and gives you a concentrated area of cotton candy goodness.
If you aren’t able to find a good cotton candy extract, you can just flavor the ice cream with vanilla and then layer more cotton candy into the ice cream. Just make sure to make them small chunks because it can’t get kinda chewy if it’s a large chunk.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Vs No Churn Ice Cream
Old fashioned or classic ice cream is the kind that starts off liquid and gets churned until it thickens. It’s a little more solid and stays frozen a little longer than the no churn version. No churn ice cream is generally a little softer and creamier and melts quicker at room temperature.
How to make old fashioned ice cream
Old fashioned ice cream generally involves making a custard out of egg yolks, sugar, cream and milk. The custard gets cooked and then chilled overnight before churning. Then it gets churned just until it looks like soft serve ice cream and then freeze until it’s firm.
It’s definitely the more complicated of the two versions but it’s not difficult, just time consuming. The quality of the ice cream also feels more like classic ice cream.
How to make no churn ice cream
No churn ice cream is basically the easiest recipe ever invented. It’s just cream whipped into stiff peaks, combined with sweetened condensed milk and whatever other flavors you want. Mix them all together, freeze and enjoy! I actually prefer this method because I like how soft and creamy the ice cream turns out.
How to store cotton candy ice cream
Store homemade ice cream in the freezer, fully covered, for 2-3 months. I like to separate mine into two large glass Tupperware containers with a lid so that I don’t keep opening the same box when eating out of it.
If you have any questions just comment down below. Make sure to tag me @baranbakery on Instagram if you make this ice cream, as always have a blessed day and happy baking!
In a large bowl, using the whisk attachment, beat the heavy whipping cream just until it forms stiff peaks.
2 cup (480mL) heavy whipping cream cold
Add in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, cotton candy, salt and food coloring, if using, into the whipped cream and beat just until they’re fully combined.
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk, 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract, 2 tsp cotton candy extract*, pinch of salt, gel food coloring *optional
Fold in the sprinkles, if using. Spread half of the ice cream into a container with a lid, place half of the cotton candy on top and then repeat with the rest. Top with extra sprinkles and freeze for at least 8 hours.
1/4 cup (40g) rainbow sprinkles *optional, handful of cotton candy chunks *optional
Notes
*depending on the brand you use, start with 1 tsp and then taste it before adding more
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, salt and egg yolks until they’re smooth and pale in color. Set aside.
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, 6 large egg yolks room temperature
Place the heavy whipping cream and whole milk in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil, at about 200F (93C).
2 cups (480mL) heavy whipping cream, 1 cup (240mL) whole milk
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the egg mixture, while whisking continuously. The custard should now be at about 170F (77C). If it’s not, return the whole custard to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, just until it reaches 170F (77C).
Stir in the vanilla and cotton candy extract and pour the custard into an airtight container or jar and allow it to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate over night. *Also make sure to freeze your ice cream machine overnight or per instruction manual.
After everything has chilled overnight, prepare your ice cream machine per instruction manual. Pour in the custard and churn for 25 minutes, until it looks like the consistency of soft serve ice cream.
Fold in the sprinkles and cotton candy chunks, cover the ice cream with a lid or with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4-6 hours.
1/4 cup (40g) rainbow sprinkles *optional, handful of cotton candy chunks *optional
What is the Cotton candy extract that you have? I know you said it’s discontinued. However, I’d like to know incase I could find it. Or if they start selling it again. Thank you
What is the Cotton candy extract that you have? I know you said it’s discontinued. However, I’d like to know incase I could find it. Or if they start selling it again. Thank you
Hi Syndie, the brand is called Real Flavors but I still haven’t been able to find it!