Creamy pink bubblegum ice cream

This playful and creamy pink ice cream captures the fun flavor of bubblegum, making it a perfect treat for reunions, celebrations, or whenever you want to bring a little joy to dessert time. Its bright color and colorful sprinkles add a whimsical touch that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.

I first whipped this up for a family get-together, and everyone was instantly charmed by the cheerful color and fun texture. Now, it’s a go-to dessert for birthdays and special moments at our house.

Ingredients

• Heavy cream: Two cups for a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth
• Whole milk: One cup to balance the creaminess and help with smooth churning
• Plain white sugar: Three-quarters of a cup to sweeten the base without overpowering the bubblegum flavor
• Bubblegum flavor: Two teaspoons to deliver that characteristic sweet, nostalgic taste look for high-quality extracts or flavorings online or in specialty stores
• Vanilla essence: One teaspoon to add warmth and depth, ensuring the ice cream doesn’t taste one-dimensional
• Kosher salt: Quarter teaspoon to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness
• Food dye: A few drops of pink or red food dye to make the ice cream look as fun as it tastes gel-based dyes usually give the most vibrant colors
• Colorful gumballs: One cup to decorate and add a playful crunch on top pick fresh, vibrant candies without cracks or dents
• Rainbow sprinkles: Half a cup to mix in and garnish choose gluten-free if needed to accommodate dietary preferences

Step-by-Step Instructions

Scoop the Chilling:

Place your ice cream maker’s bowl into the freezer at least one full day before making the ice cream. This is crucial because it ensures the bowl is rock solid and ready to freeze your mixture evenly for smooth results.

Mix the Base:

In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, bubblegum flavor, vanilla essence, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly for several minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved, which helps achieve a silky texture without graininess.

Add the Color:

Slowly stir in a few drops of pink or red food dye, mixing well after each addition. Keep going until you reach your preferred shade, remembering that colors will appear slightly lighter once frozen.

Chill for Flavor:

Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour or overnight if you can. This resting period deepens the flavors and results in smoother ice cream though you can skip it if pressed for time.

Start the Churn:

Pour your chilled mixture into the ice cream maker bowl and churn according to your machine’s instructions. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes as the liquid thickens to a soft-serve consistency.

Add the Sprinkles:

When two minutes remain on the churning timer, add the majority of the rainbow sprinkles. This step folds colorful crunch throughout the ice cream without losing their brightness.

Freeze to Set:

Transfer the churned ice cream to a shallow dish or loaf pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula and sprinkle the reserved rainbow bits on top for extra cheer. Cover tightly with plastic wrap directly on the ice cream to prevent ice crystals and freeze for at least four hours until firm.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let your ice cream sit at room temperature for about five minutes before scooping for ideal texture. Top with colorful gumballs for a final festive touch. The gumballs can be chewed or just admired as decoration.

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You Must Know

Bubblegum flavor is the star of the show here; it brings back childhood memories for many of us and adds a sweet nostalgic kick to the creamy treat. One of my fondest moments was seeing my niece’s eyes light up when she saw the bright pink ice cream topped with rainbow sprinkles for the first time. It’s like serving up pure happiness in a scoop.

Storage Tips

Store leftover ice cream in a tightly sealed container to keep it fresh and prevent ice buildup. Pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing helps retain creamy texture. Use it within two weeks for best flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half to reduce fat content but expect a less rich ice cream. If bubblegum flavor is tricky to find, try cotton candy flavor as a fun alternative, keeping in mind this will alter the final taste. Vegan versions can be made using coconut cream and plant-based milk with suitable emulsifiers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this ice cream on its own with some extra sprinkles or pair with a simple sugar cookie for an extra sweet treat. It also shines when scooped over warm brownies or alongside fresh fruit like strawberries to balance the sweetness.

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Cultural Context

Bubblegum-flavored treats have a playful history tied mainly to American candy culture, evoking fun and nostalgia. This ice cream channels that spirit by turning a beloved candy flavor into a creamy dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or just to brighten up any day.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What gives this ice cream its bubblegum flavor?

The ice cream gets its distinct bubblegum taste from adding bubblegum flavoring, balanced with vanilla for depth.

→ How do I achieve the bright pink color?

Adding a few drops of pink or red food coloring to the mixture before chilling creates the vibrant pink hue that lightens once frozen.

→ Can I use other toppings besides sprinkles and gumballs?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other colorful candies or your favorite crunchy toppings for variety.

→ What’s the best way to store this ice cream?

Keep it in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness, ideally consuming within two weeks.

→ Can I skip chilling the mixture overnight?

Chilling helps develop smoother texture and flavor, but if short on time you can refrigerate for at least one hour before churning.