Homemade no churn peppermint ice cream recipe is made with just 5 ingredients. It has a refreshing minty flavor and the color is perfectly festive for the holiday season.

Calling all ice cream lovers. This is one treat you don’t want to miss. I took my classic pink and white ice cream recipe and turned it into a candy cane lover’s dream. The refreshing peppermint flavor comes from using peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies.

But the best part? You don’t need an ice cream maker! Be sure to check these 14 no churn ice cream recipes for more easy homemade frozen treats.

No churn peppermint ice cream in a small glass dish.

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We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.

And if you’re a chocolate lover you can fold in a few chunks or chips to the ice cream before freezing or sprinkle them on top before serving. Use milk, dark or white chocolate – they’re all good with this easy no churn recipe.

For more recipes with peppermint, be sure to add candy cane pie and peppermint cake balls to your list of holiday goodies to make.

Ingredients Needed

heavy whipping cream – for the creamiest ice cream
peppermint extract – enhances the minty flavor
vanilla extract
sweetened condensed milk – sweetens the ice cream mixture and helps to make it creamy
soft peppermint candy rounds – for flavor and texture
red food coloring gel – this is optional but makes the ice cream a festive pink color

Get the complete ingredients & directions in the recipe card below.

How to Make No Churn Peppermint Ice Cream

Freeze a large mixing bowl, beaters, and loaf pan for 20 minutes (we used a stand mixer but you can use a hand mixer if that’s what you have.

Two image collage of candy cane ice cream ingredients in a white bowl before and after mixing with text overlay.

Pour the heavy cream into the mixing bowl and beat until soft peaks form.

Add the peppermint and vanilla extracts, condensed milk, crushed peppermint candy pieces, and candy cane powder. Fold gently into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

Add the food coloring if using and gently stir until evenly incorporated.

Two image collage of ice cream mixture in a loaf pan and after adding crushed candy canes on top.

Transfer the condensed milk mixture to the chilled loaf pan and smooth the top using a spatula. Top with the remaining powdered and crushed peppermint pieces .

Cover the top of the ice cream tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for 8 to 10 hours.

To serve, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.

Tips for Making Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream

Easy way to crush candies: place them in the blender or food processor and pulse until reaching desired consistency.
We prefer the soft peppermint candies with this recipe but you can use peppermint candy canes or peppermint sticks if preferred.
For best results, freeze the bowl, beaters, and pan before starting. And keep the cream refrigerated until you’re ready to begin. This helps to keep the ice cream mixture cold and the cream will whip up faster.
Do not over mix the whipping cream. Overmixing may give butter vibes and the ice cream may not set up properly.
Adding a teaspoon of red food dye will yield pink ice cream. Add more for a deeper color, but keep in mind the mixture will darken more as it freezes.
If you are going to transfer the ice cream to an airtight container after freezing, line the loaf pan with parchment paper so it’s easier to remove. Storing in a freezer-safe container will keep it fresher for longer.
Use these ice cream storage containers instead of the loaf pan if you don’t want to transfer after freezing.

Variations

A combination of red and green mints can be used for a festive Christmas look.
Make mint chocolate chip ice cream: fold in ⅓ cup of mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks to the ice cream mixture before freezing.

Close up view of ice cream in a clear glass cup topped with crush candy canes.

Serving Suggestions for Peppermint Ice Cream

While you don’t want to overdo it with add-ins and toppings because of the mint flavor, here are some popular ways to serve homemade peppermint ice cream.

Add a couple scoops on top of my cast iron cookie skillet
Drizzled with hot fudge or chocolate sauce
A perfect addition to an ice cream sundae bar party
Additional peppermint candy or chocolate sprinkled on top
Chopped nuts
Whipped cream and sprinkles
Piled in waffle cones or waffle bowls

Ice Cream Storage Tips

If the pan is covered tightly, the candy cane ice cream will stay fresh for up to 6 days.
When using the ice cream storage containers, it will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks.
Pro Tip: keep the ice cream in the back of the freezer. The front of the freezer space is warmer because of the air that enters when you open and close the door.

This creamy mint ice cream can be enjoyed as a festive holiday treat or any time of the year you’re craving a frosty dessert. So what are you waiting for?

Grab your ingredients and whip up a batch of our No Churn Peppermint Ice Cream today. You know you want to!

More holiday recipes…

front view of cooked gingerbread cake pops one with a bite out of it

Save the No Churn Candy Cane Ice Cream recipe for later!

Close up view of peppermint ice cream in a glass sundae dish with a smaller image of a loaf pan filled with ice cream with text overlay

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