Can’t stop, won’t stop with the peppermint + chocolate holiday combos! This creamy easy ice cream is like peppermint bark in ice cream form. Gluten-free, dairy-free, tree nut-free and only 5 ingredients, this one is a must try!
My boys and I always had the holiday tradition to get Candy Cane ice cream or milkshakes. It was time for a come back when I made this easy candy-cane flavored ice cream.
I definitely recommend investing in an ice cream maker. We are pretty budget-focused in this household, but an ice cream maker was such a worth it investment for us! We love this Cuisinart one, so simple and fast. However, you can also just throw this in the freezer if you don’t have an ice cream maker. It won’t be as creamy, but still delicious!
Paleo Peppermint Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut cream (the white solid cream from a chilled 15oz can coconut cream) **see notes
- 1/2 cup almond or other dairy-free milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate mini chips We love Enjoy Life Foods. Can also use chopped up larger chips.
- 3-4 candy canes, crushed optional, for a fun crunch and added flavor
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all ingredients except chocolate chips on low-medium speed until combined. In a higher power blender like a Vitamix, this is on like 3 out of 10 speeds. For less powerful blenders, use medium speed. If you over blend, the coconut cream gets chunky and there's no going back! Aim to mix, not pulverize.
- Pour combined liquid into a freezer-friendly dish (if using ice cream maker, skip to below step. Sprinkle in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes if using. Seal and freeze until firm, about 3 hours.
- If using an ice cream maker, pour combined liquid into the ice cream maker and follow ice cream maker instructions. Add in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, if using, halfway through the ice cream churning process. Enjoy right out of the ice cream maker for more of a soft serve texture (our favorite!), or place in freezer for another hour for more solid scoops.
Notes
**Coconut cream must be used in this recipe, not coconut milk. They sell cans of coconut cream in the Asian section of my Walmart and most natural food stores. Also, you need to make sure you use JUST the cream - which only happens when the coconut cream is cold. This is vital in the texture of your ice cream. I keep my coconut cream in the fridge. You know it is chilled enough if you open the can and there is a very solid section of cream. I pour out the milky liquid (use it in smoothies!) and just use the solid cream for this recipe. Some brands of coconut cream weirdly do not solidify, due to some kind of stabilizer. I have had good success with the Thai Kitchen Coconut Cream.
.
Use of candy canes is optional, but my boys loved them for a bit of a fun crunch and boost of flavor. We used the Wholesome brand from our local natural food store that has fewer ingredients and no high fructose corn syrup (they do have white sugar).
.
Use of candy canes is optional, but my boys loved them for a bit of a fun crunch and boost of flavor. We used the Wholesome brand from our local natural food store that has fewer ingredients and no high fructose corn syrup (they do have white sugar).
I can’t wait to try this one. Peppermint is a house favorite around here, year round!
Lol, you would fit right in here – my boys love that flavor too!
Can’t wait to try this recipe. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
I got an ice cream maker because of your recipe is that good!!! Also I love your website. My kids love it. Thanks
I love that this one has been a favorite, thank you!
How are candy canes and chocolate paleo? I’m confused
Good question! For Paleo, use Hu hunks for the chocolate (we like them chopped up smaller) and leave out the candy canes (not available in Paleo sadly, which is why they are optional) – just use the peppermint extract instead.
Your recipes are amazing! Thank you for doing all the hard work for us moms trying to make healthy customized options for our children!
What a kind comment – thank you so much for the support!
How much ice cream does this make?
Good question! It only makes 1-2 servings at 1 1/4 cups total yield, so we always at least double it!
This looks amazing and so easy, can’t wait to make with my kids!
We love this one – hope your family does too, thank you!