October 19, 2023
Review RecipeCotton Candy Flavored Ice Cream (No-Churn!)
This simple homemade, no-churn cotton candy ice cream makes for a delightfully creamy sweet treat that is perfect for parties or summer afternoons.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
- Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe Ingredients
- Substitutions And Additions
- How To Make Cotton Candy Ice Cream
- Troubleshooting a Recipe for Cotton Candy Ice Cream
- How To Serve Cotton Candy Flavor Ice Cream
- How To Store Cotton Candy Flavored Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Cotton Candy FAQs
- Why You Will Love This Recipe For Cotton Candy Ice Cream
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
- MORE FAVORITES YOU’LL LOVE
This easy cotton candy ice cream recipe is the perfect summer treat. With only a handful of simple ingredients, this creamy confection is a sure-fire winner. Its bright colors and classic taste are reminiscent of a county fair.
Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 2 cups of whipping cream (35% heavy cream), chilled
- 1 (10-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk, chilled
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of cotton candy extract
- Red and blue food coloring
- Sprinkles, optional
PRO TIP:
Chill your condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, and loaf tin in the fridge before you start. This will make everything freeze more easily.
Substitutions And Additions
SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK: For a dairy-free alternative, you could use coconut milk for your ice cream.
SPRINKLES/DECORATIONS: The fun part about making ice cream is customizing it with your favorite toppings! While the recipe calls for cotton candy-flavored sprinkles, you can use any kind of sprinkles you like.
From chocolate chips and crushed cookies to chopped nuts and mini marshmallows—the options are endless!
CHOCOLATE/FRUIT SAUCE: After swirling the cotton candy ice cream base, you can further enhance the flavors by adding chocolate or fruit sauce. A drizzle of hot fudge, caramel sauce, or raspberry syrup can elevate the taste and appearance of the ice cream.
PRO TIP:
You can find cotton candy extract at craft stores such as Hobby Lobby or online at Amazon.
How To Make Cotton Candy Ice Cream
STEP ONE: Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Lining the loaf pan with parchment paper prior to filling will make cleaning up much easier.
If you are using a glass pan, you don’t need the parchment paper.
STEP TWO: In a large bowl, whip the whipping cream for 4 minutes until soft peaks form.
PRO TIP:
“Soft peaks” refer to the consistency achieved when you lift the beater and turn it upside down, and the whipped cream or meringue gently forms a curved peak.
STEP THREE: Stir in the vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, and cotton candy extract, and then divide the mixture evenly into two separate bowls.
STEP FOUR: Using your food coloring, dye one bowl of the ice cream pink and the other bowl light blue.
PRO TIP:
If you are using gel food coloring, you will need fewer drops to achieve the desired color than if you are using liquid food coloring.
STEP FIVE: Pour the pink ice cream into the loaf pan. Smooth down with a spoon or spatula.
STEP SIX: Drop spoonfuls of the blue ice cream randomly over the pink ice cream, and then use the spoon to swirl it in.
Tap the pan gently on the table a few times to get the cream to settle evenly.
STEP SEVEN: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap, letting the wrap rest on top of the ice cream, and then cover the pan with aluminum foil.
STEP EIGHT: Place the loaf pan in the freezer for 2 hours or overnight.
STEP NINE: Scoop, top with sprinkles, and serve!
Troubleshooting a Recipe for Cotton Candy Ice Cream
There are ice crystals in my ice cream: This can occur if the ice cream is exposed to air in the freezer. To prevent this, press a piece of wax paper onto the surface of the ice cream before you put the lid on the container, and make sure the container is airtight.
My ice cream is too soft: This is usually a result of not freezing the ice cream long enough. Freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. In some freezers, it is best to leave it overnight.
My ice cream is too hard: This can happen if the ice cream mixture is frozen too quickly. To prevent this, ensure that your freezer is set to the right temperature – it should be cold enough to freeze the ice cream, but not so cold that it freezes it too quickly and creates ice crystals.
How To Serve Cotton Candy Flavor Ice Cream
Suggestion 1 – Classic Cone: The most traditional way to serve cotton candy ice cream is in a cone. The sweet, slightly salty taste of a waffle cone pairs well with the sugary cotton candy flavor. You can also use a sugar cone for an extra sweet treat.
I like to pop a mini marshmallow in the bottom so the ice cream doesn’t drip out while you’re eating.
Suggestion 2 – Ice Cream Sundae: Create a whimsical sundae by scooping cotton candy ice cream into a bowl and topping it with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry. The whipped cream adds a lightness that balances the sweetness of the ice cream, while the sprinkles and cherry add a fun pop of color.
Try out our chocolate chip cookie cups for a fun way to serve up this yummy ice cream.
Suggestion 3 – Ice Cream Sandwich: For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of cotton candy ice cream between two sugar cookies. The cookies add a nice crunch and the additional sweetness complements the cotton candy flavor.
Suggestion 4 – Cotton Candy Milkshake: Blend cotton candy ice cream with milk to create a sweet, creamy milkshake. Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cotton candy for an extra treat.
MORE ICE CREAM RECIPES
If you enjoy this (as I’m sure you will), be sure to try other varieties of our homemade ice cream favorites, like this red velvet no-churn ice cream or this birthday cake ice cream, both easy recipes that don’t require fancy ice cream makers.
How To Store Cotton Candy Flavored Ice Cream
MAKE AHEAD: Cotton candy ice cream can certainly be made ahead of time. In fact, it needs to be made ahead to allow it to freeze properly.
IN THE FRIDGE: Cotton candy ice cream should not be stored in the fridge as it will melt. Ice cream is best kept in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it.
IN THE FREEZER: To store cotton candy ice cream in the freezer, keep a piece of wax paper placed directly on the surface of the ice cream. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming.
Properly stored, the ice cream should maintain its best quality for about 2 months.
READY TO SERVE: When you’re ready to serve cotton candy ice cream, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
This will make it easier to scoop. If the ice cream becomes too soft or melts, it can be returned to the freezer to firm up. Note: The texture may change if the ice cream is taken out and put back in the freezer too many times.
The unmistakable flavor of the popular carnival treat makes this homemade cotton candy ice cream a household favorite. Its bright colors lend well to a variety of celebrations, including kid’s birthday parties. Best of all, it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Ice Cream Cotton Candy FAQs
What is no-churn ice cream?
Typically, when making ice cream from scratch, you will need to use an ice cream maker, and that usually entails the step of “churning” the ice cream.
A no-churn recipe means no ice cream machine and, as you could guess, no churning. It saves many steps and makes it super easy to make homemade ice cream that is just as tasty as regular ice cream but doesn’t need fancy equipment.
Could I use this ice cream recipe to make an ice cream cake?
This is a great idea, and although we haven’t tried it yet, I can’t see why you couldn’t use this creamy ice cream as part of an easy ice cream cake.
What is cotton candy flavor made of?
Cotton candy flavor is made from a combination of artificial flavorings. It is generally a blend of ethyl maltol, strawberry, and vanilla flavorings.
How long is homemade ice cream good for?
Homemade ice cream will keep in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Why You Will Love This Recipe For Cotton Candy Ice Cream
This cotton candy ice cream is a delicious and creamy blend of real cream and condensed milk combined with vanilla and cotton candy flavors.
You will love how simple it is to make and how much it tastes just like carnival cotton candy. The delightful pink and blue colors can’t help but make you smile as you dig in.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe
This simple homemade, no-churn cotton candy ice cream makes for a delightfully creamy sweet treat that is perfect for parties or summer afternoons.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (35% cream), chilled
- 1 (10-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cotton candy extract
- Red and blue food coloring
- Sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Whip the whipping cream for approximately 4 minutes until soft peaks form.
- Stir in the vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, and cotton candy extract, and then split the mixture in half into two bowls.
- Using your food coloring, dye one bowl of the ice cream pink and the other bowl light blue.
- Pour the pink ice cream into the loaf pan. Smooth down with a spoon or spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of the blue ice cream randomly over the pink ice cream, and then use the spoon to swirl it in.
- Place a piece of cling wrap on top of the ice cream batter letting it rest right on top of the cream. Cover the whole pan with foil.
- Freeze for 2 hours or overnight.
- Scoop, top with sprinkles, and serve!
Notes
- You can find cotton candy extract at craft stores such as Hobby Lobby or online at Amazon.
- Chill your condensed milk, heavy whipping cream and loaf tin in the fridge before you start – it will make everything freeze more easily.
- Lining the loaf pan with parchment paper prior to filling will make cleaning up much easier.
- Soft peaks is the consistency where when you lift the beater and turn it upside down, the whipped cream or meringue softly falls into a curved peak.
- If you are using gel food coloring, you will need fewer drops to achieve the desired color than if you are using liquid food coloring.
- Higher fat content ice cream melts quicker than the lower fat ice creams so have those cups or cones ready!
Nutrition
Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 58mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 875IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
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Comments
Hannah Griffin says
This may be one of my new favorite ice cream recipes. I have always been a sucker for cotton candy!
Tin Lopez says
This is perfect for my nephew’s birthday party theme! AMAZING!
Amy says
This ice cream looks so fun. Thank you for sharing at Waste Not Wednesday.
Kim~madeinaday says
What a great idea using frosting! Looks amazing! Sharing! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Jessica says
When do you add the frosting mix to the mixture? It doesnt say in the recipe. Thanks can’t wait to make this
Layne Henderson says
You’ll do it at the same time as the vanilla and sweetened condensed milk. Hope you enjoy!
T says
What brand of cotton candy frosting are you using in the recipe? Also it’s ok to completely substitute the frosting with cotton candy liquid flavoring?
Layne Kangas says
You could substitute, but I think it would change the consistency a little, not having the frosting. We used Betty Crocker for this, I believe. If you can’t find it in stores (I’ve heard it’s hard to find) then I would suggest using regular frosting and adding the liquid flavoring, to keep the consistency the same! Enjoy 🙂
Jon says
What size glass pan do you use?
Layne Kangas says
I use a standard, 9-inch loaf pan when I make this. Enjoy 🙂
jay platte says
this is so delicious!
Debbie A says
I don’t think Betty Crocker makes this frosting anymore. How many ounces was the pouch?
Pranadha says
Me to.
Gloria says
Such a fun treat, my kids loved it!
Pranadha says
Your ice cream is amazing .
Mike says
Yummy and fun!
Joanne says
I had no idea there was such a thing as cotton candy extract! This looks yummy; a perfect summertime treat.
Allyson @ Southern Sunflowers says
Thanks for linking at “Happiness is Homemade.” I’ve added your cotton candy ice cream recipe as my ~bonus feature~ on my blog. Drop by tomorrow!
Deanna says
I’m legit drooling right now. This ice cream was amazing (and that’s a lot to say since cotton candy is my favourite kind of ice cream).
I made these with the kiddos and they added some chocolate sprinkles – everyone was very happy!!!
Thanks again for the recipe! I’m going to use it and make this ice cream every summer!
Stephanie says
I have never made no churn ice cream & I look so forward to trying this recipe with glitter sprinkles on top😋😋😋😋😋
Isabel says
Love cotton candy and this looks delicious. Yes, I would add sprinkles, lots of them. Yum.
Marley says
Absolutely sprinkles ! Or pop rocks! Cotton candy is my all time favorite!
Ginnie C says
I can’t wait to try this! I have never made no churn ice cream. Wondering if it could be adapted to an ice cream maker? The colors are perfect and sprinkles are a must!
Maria says
I would totally add some rainbow sprinkles to this amazing recipe!!
Sue Kartzmark says
This would be great to use at children’s Birthday Parties my grand daughter will love this to accompany her Color Unicorn party theme
Elizabeth McLain-Warren says
I’m going to make this fabulous, yummy-looking dessert when the great grandkids come to visit next week. I can hardly wait to make this with them! And I love your hint of the marshmallow in the bottom of the cone 🙂
Dawn says
I have not made no-churn ice cream before or any ice cream but I will try this one!
FAITH MCKEE says
This sounds so yummy! I have a 12 year old grandbaby who wants to be a chef. I’m gonna let him make this and I will send pics! 🤗😋
Archea Cotton says
Definitely would add sprinkles love them and keep the spring like colors .
Joyce Mayes says
Thank You ! Spaceships & Laser Beams !!! I Love Cotton Candy it is one of My Favorites !!!! I have never made no churn ice cream before ! But this recipe seems easy enough to make and sounds so Delicious !!! I would put sprinkles on it , I Love the colors so I would not change them, besides serving Cotton Candy ice cream for birthday parties or for summer time !!! I would make it for any time I want an Extra Yummy treat.
Jodi says
I’ve made different versions of this with different flavors! Easy! Simple! Tasty!!!
Molly says
How cute, I’ve never tried handmade no churn ice cream before, so neat!
Julie Haugen says
Cotton candy is my absolute favorite ice cream! And now a recipe that I can easily make it at home! Thanks so much for posting this!
Dana says
I had NO idea ice cream could be made without the churning method. I’m SO excited for this recipe! No churning here again! Cotton Candy just happens to be my all time favorite sweet treat, so combined with ice cream this is Definitely a Winner for me!
Thank You!
Rebecca says
I have never tried or made no-churn ice cream! We’re excited to try this with sprinkles!
Brenda says
Add sprinkles!
Elaine Gonet says
I would not put sprinkles, I have never made no churn ice cream, I would definitely make this no churn recipe and I would probably make it for fourth of July barbeque.
I hope I win. Thank you so much for sharing recipe.
Elaine
Sarah Frishcosy says
I would serve it at a kids birthday party
Lori Pennington says
Omg I would love to make cotton candy ice cream and I would make it different colors for sure……I have never made cotton candy ice cream……..
Debbie Hall says
I would definitely put sprinkles on it! Can’t wait to try it
Shannon says
Totally making this for my daughters birthday next month!!! She would love it with pink sprinkles.
Glenda says
WOW! JUST WOW! That looks and sounds scrumptious. I am eager to try it with my littles. We all love cotton candy ice cream, but didn’t know where to start making it. Not having to churn it is a bonus.
I think we will make the caramel sauce as well, to drizzle lightly over the finished ice cream. Then we will top it off with a sprinkle of gold dust, to make it dazzle!
Can’t wait.
Donna Walker says
Sounds so good. Can’t wait to try it.
Pat says
I love ice cream mix with sprinkle. Compliments each other so much well.