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Sprinkles ice cream comes together so fast you will barely believe you are making a homemade treat This cool creamy dessert is always the birthday request at our house because everyone can scoop out their favorite rainbow swirl
I still remember my daughter’s face the first time she added her own sprinkles at the counter The smiles were worth every second
Ingredients
- Heavy cream: The base of most dreamy ice creams Choose fresh cold cream with high fat content for the softest texture
- Whole milk: Lightens the mix so it is not too rich Use whole not low fat for the best scoop
- Sugar: Sweetens and keeps everything smooth and creamy Finely ground everyday sugar will dissolve best
- Vanilla extract: The key to true vanilla flavor Reach for pure extract not imitation for a richer taste
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch opens up all the flavors and keeps the ice cream from tasting too flat
- Rainbow sprinkles: Adds color crunch and kid appeal Check labels for sprinkles that keep their color in freezing do not melt or bleed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Ice Cream Base:
- Whisk together cream milk sugar vanilla and salt in a large bowl Mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved means a silkier result
- Churn the Ice Cream:
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn per its instructions Avoid overfilling so the ice cream can aerate properly These steps usually take about twenty minutes
- Add the Sprinkles:
- Wait until the ice cream is almost done then pour in three quarters cup of sprinkles This keeps them from sinking to the bottom or dissolving too much
- Serve and Store:
- Eat immediately for luscious soft serve or store in an airtight container in the freezer Let it firm up for about two to four hours for classic ice cream texture Top with more sprinkles when serving for a little party on your spoon
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If I had to pick one favorite part it would be those colorful sprinkles stirring them in at the last minute always brings back memories of birthday parties from my own childhood My kids are now obsessed with inventing new sprinkle combinations with every batch
How to Store Leftovers
Store any extra ice cream in a tightly sealed container in your freezer It stays at its best for up to two weeks If it gets too firm let it soften on the kitchen counter for ten minutes before scooping Small shallow containers work best for easy serving
Substituting Ingredients
If you are short on heavy cream substitute an extra half cup of whole milk with a spoonful or two of melted butter for richness Clear vanilla extract can be swapped in for a brighter white color and coconut-based sprinkles make the treat dairy free
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Best Ways to Serve
Pile scoops into cones top with hot fudge or sandwich between cookies Little bowls with extra sprinkles on the side make for a fun topping station at gatherings
Sprinkles History
Jimmies and sprinkles have been the spin on classic ice cream since at least the 1930s Some say the tradition began in Philadelphia for topping sundaes and cones either way every scoop gets a pop of color
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
For best results, whole milk gives a richer texture, but low-fat milk can be used for a lighter treat. The final ice cream may be less creamy.
- → What type of sprinkles work best?
Rainbow jimmies hold their shape well in frozen treats. Avoid nonpareils, which may bleed color into the mixture.
- → How do I prevent the ice cream from becoming hard?
Store the ice cream in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to minimize ice crystals and maintain smoothness.
- → Can I prepare this without an ice cream maker?
Yes, whisk the mixture and freeze in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes until firm for a no-churn approach.
- → How long does homemade ice cream keep?
For optimal flavor and texture, enjoy within 1–2 weeks when stored tightly sealed in the freezer.