Christmas Tree Ice Cream

Okay, let me tell you about the most festive dessert to ever grace our holiday table – Christmas Tree Ice Cream! Seriously, this isn’t just ice cream; it’s a whole Christmas experience in a cone (or a bowl!). I remember making this with my grandma every year as a kid, and now it’s a tradition I happily carry on with my own little ones. It’s got that creamy, dreamy vanilla ice cream base, but the magic is in the green swirls and the little candy decorations that make it look just like a Christmas tree. It’s way easier to make than you might think, and honestly, it puts regular vanilla ice cream to shame. If you like peppermint ice cream, trust me, you’ll *adore* this!

What is Christmas tree ice cream?

Alright, let’s break it down. Christmas Tree Ice Cream is essentially a festive twist on homemade vanilla ice cream. Think of it as a blank canvas, where you can add green food coloring and a touch of peppermint extract to create a swirling, tree-like effect. And of course, no Christmas tree is complete without decorations, so we stud it with little candies – sprinkles, mini M&Ms, you name it! It’s incredibly customizable, and it’s a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering. The name comes from the visual effect, of course! Each scoop looks like a tiny, delightful Christmas tree. It’s really fun for kids (and adults who are kids at heart!).

Why do I love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? What I love most about this **Christmas Tree Ice Cream** is how incredibly festive it is! It just *screams* holiday cheer.

Flavor:What is the difference between a creamy vanilla and peppermint? It’s not overpowering, just perfectly balanced and refreshing. The added crunch from the candy decorations is the perfect textural contrast.
Simplicity:Do not let the festive appearance fool you; this is surprisingly easy to make! I don’t need any fancy equipment, just basic ingredients and a little bit of patience.
Cost-Why can’t I buy pre-made ice cream at the store? Plus, you get to control the quality of ingredients.
Versatility: You can serve this in cones, bowls, or even as part of a larger dessert platter. It’s perfect on its own or alongside warm cookies or brownies. And feel free to change up the candy decorations – get creative!

I think this **Christmas Tree Ice Cream** recipe trumps any other holiday dessert in its combination of flavour, festivity and ease of making. If you are looking for a dessert to please both kids and adults, you are looking in the right direction.

How do you make Christmas tree ice cream?

Quick Overview

Basically, we’re making a simple vanilla ice cream base, then swirling in some green goodness and sprinkling on the festive fun. The key is to work quickly once you add the coloring, so you get that nice swirly effect. Don’t be intimidated – it’s easier than decorating a real Christmas tree! I promise.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

2 cups heavy cream (the higher the fat content, the creamier the ice cream)
What is the best way to use 1 cup whole milk?
Is there a perfect balance of granulated sugar and 34 cup water?
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (use the real stuff – it makes all the difference!)
Pinch of salt (enhances the sweetness)

For the Swirl:

Green food coloring (gel food coloring works best for vibrant color)
12 teaspoon peppermint extract (a little goes a long way)

For the Decorations:

Sprinkles (Christmas-themed, of course)
Mini M&Ms (red and green are perfect): What do you think of them?
Other small candies (mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill Everything

This is crucial! Make sure your ice cream maker bowl is thoroughly chilled according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually at least 24 hours). Also, chill your mixing bowl and whisk – this helps the ice cream freeze faster and prevents ice crystals from forming.

Step 2: Whisk Together Base Ingredients

In your chilled mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don’t over-whisk; just make sure everything is combined.

Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream

How should I prepare ice cream in a blender according to manufacturer’s instructions? This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but it can vary depending on your machine. Should ice cream have a soft-serve consistency? While churning, I usually prepare a container in the freezer, ready to host the ice cream once its done. Is it simple and effective?

Step 4: Add the Green Swirl

Once the ice cream is churned, quickly transfer about half of it to a separate bowl. Add the green food coloring and peppermint extract to this bowl and gently stir until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, you want to get the swirl effect not make the ice cream completely green.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

In a freezer-safe container, layer the plain vanilla ice cream and the green. How do you create a marbled effect? I like to do this in a figure-eight motion for the really nice swirl.

Step 6: Decorate

Sprinkle the top of the ice cream with your chosen decorations – sprinkles, mini M&Ms etc. – while the ice cream is still soft enough for them to stick.

Step 7: Freeze

Cover the container tightly and freeze for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the gel to escape. How do you make ice cream to harden?

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to make it easier to scoop. How do I make Christmas tree ice cream?

What should I serve it with?

What are some good ideas for Christmas tree ice cream? How do I take my business to the next level?

What is the best Christmas Eve treat? Serve it in a waffle cone with a sprinkle of edible glitter. So magical!
What is the best Christmas dessert to serve on Christmas DayPair it with warm chocolate brownies or sugar cookies. What is the difference between cold and warm?
What are some ideas for a holiday party?Make an ice cream sundae bar with all sorts of toppings – hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream, etc. Let your guests customize their own creations!
For a Cozy Night In: Enjoy a scoop or two while watching your favorite Christmas movie. Perfection! I often pair this ice cream with a warm cup of cocoa for ultimate coziness.

Honestly, this ice cream goes with almost anything holiday-themed! Get creative and have fun with it.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Tree Ice Cream

Alright, after making this **Christmas Tree Ice Cream** countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for ice cream success:

Chill Everything: I cannot stress this enough! Chilling your equipment and ingredients is essential for preventing ice crystals and achieving a creamy texture. I even put my serving spoons in the freezer for a few minutes before scooping!
Don’t Overmix: When you add the green food coloring and peppermint extract, be gentle and avoid overmixing. You want to create a swirl, not a solid green color.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so you’ll get a more vibrant green color without adding too much liquid to the ice cream.
Adjust the Peppermint Extract: If you’re not a huge fan of peppermint, you can reduce the amount of extract or even omit it altogether. You could also try using another extract, like almond or vanilla, for a different flavor.
Get Creative with Decorations: The decorations are what make this ice cream truly special! Don’t be afraid to get creative and use whatever candies you like. I’ve even used crushed candy canes for a festive twist!
Let It Harden: Be patient and allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This will ensure that it’s firm enough to scoop and hold its shape.

And my top advice of all? Have fun and get the family involved. It’s a great activity for the holidays!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Okay, if you happen to have any leftover **Christmas Tree Ice Cream** (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store it properly:

In the Freezer: The best way to store this ice cream is in the freezer, in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2-3 weeks.
Preventing Freezer Burn: To prevent freezer burn, make sure the container is tightly sealed. You can also press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Softening Before Serving: When you’re ready to serve the ice cream, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. This will make it easier to scoop.
Re-freezing: I don’t recommend re-freezing melted ice cream, as it can affect the texture and quality. But if you just scooped some out and want to refreeze the rest, that’s usually okay.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze in this recipe, this does not apply here. You may want to sprinkle your Christmas themed sprinkles onto the ice cream just before serving for the very best presentation.

This ice cream is a little bit more solid when frozen solid compared to shop-bought ice cream, so it is vital to let it stand for a short time before serving, unless you are superhuman!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk. Just be sure to use full-fat coconut cream for the best results. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! Almond extract, vanilla extract, or even a touch of lemon extract would be lovely. Get creative and experiment with different flavors!

What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

While an ice cream maker is ideal, you can still make this without one! Simply pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 4-6 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals. It will require more effort, but it can be done!

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even small pieces of gingerbread. The possibilities are endless!

How can I make this more kid-friendly?

Let the kids help with the decorating! They’ll love sprinkling on the candies and creating their own festive designs. You can also use kid-friendly candies like gummy bears or mini marshmallows.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my family’s recipe for **Christmas Tree Ice Cream**! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a whole lot of holiday cheer in every bite. It’s so delicious! If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the season, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday dessert recipes, like my classic sugar cookies or my decadent Chocolate Fudge!
Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy holidays and happy ice cream making!

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