Cotton Candy Ice Cream from Baskin-Robbins features a swirl of vibrant pink and blue ice cream infused with sweet, fluffy cotton candy flavor, delivering a visually playful and delightfully creamy treat.
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Freezer-safe container
- Food coloring (pink and blue, optional)
- Spoon or knife (for swirling colors)
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring
- Pink food coloring
- Blue food coloring
Ensure you use high-quality cotton candy flavoring to achieve the authentic sweet and fluffy taste characteristic of Baskin-Robbins' Cotton Candy Ice Cream. Heavy cream and whole milk must be fresh and cold to create a creamy texture without ice crystals. Measuring the sugar precisely is important to balance sweetness without overpowering the cotton candy flavor. Using pink and blue food coloring is optional but essential if you want to replicate the iconic swirl and vibrant colors. Your homemade Cotton Candy Ice Cream from Baskin-Robbins copycat menu will delight with its playful colors and creamy, sweet flavor.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves.
- Add vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring; mix well.
- Divide the mixture evenly into two separate bowls.
- Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other; stir each until colors are uniform.
- Pour the pink mixture into the ice cream maker; churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Repeat with the blue mixture.
- Layer churned pink and blue ice creams alternately in a freezer-safe container.
- Use a spoon or knife to gently swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.
- Cover the container and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Scoop and serve.
Substitution
The Cotton Candy Ice Cream from Baskin-Robbins copycat recipe captures the iconic pink and blue swirls with a creamy, sweet cotton candy taste that's perfect for at-home enjoyment. If cotton candy flavoring is unavailable, you can substitute with a blend of vanilla and a small amount of bubblegum extract to mimic the sweetness and aroma. When working with food coloring, use gel-based colors to avoid thinning the ice cream base and achieve more vibrant hues. Be cautious not to overmix the colors during swirling to maintain the distinct pink and blue swirls characteristic of the original treat. Your ice cream maker's freezing time may vary, so check consistency periodically to ensure a smooth, scoopable texture.
Tips
Make sure the granulated sugar completely dissolves in the heavy cream and milk mixture to avoid a grainy texture in your Cotton Candy Ice Cream. Your ice cream maker's bowl should be thoroughly frozen beforehand for optimal churning and creamy results. When adding food coloring, use only a few drops to achieve vibrant pink and blue hues without overpowering the cotton candy flavor. Swirling the ice creams gently with a spoon or knife prevents colors from mixing too much, preserving the marbled, playful appearance of Baskin-Robbins' signature treat.
Nutritions
Cotton Candy Ice Cream from Baskin-Robbins contains a blend of heavy cream and whole milk, contributing to its rich and creamy texture while providing essential fats and calcium. The sugar content, primarily from granulated sugar and cotton candy flavoring, adds sweetness but also increases the calorie count, which may impact your daily sugar intake. Vanilla extract and flavorings enhance taste without significantly affecting nutritional values. You can enjoy this playful treat in moderation, balancing its indulgent flavors with your overall dietary needs.
Storage
Store your Cotton Candy Ice Cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent ice crystals and maintain its creamy texture. Keep the ice cream tightly covered and place it in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at or below 0degF (-18degC). Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations by limiting the number of times you open the freezer, preserving the vibrant pink and blue swirl and cotton candy flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute cotton candy flavoring with bubblegum or vanilla extract to create a similarly sweet and nostalgic taste profile. For a dairy-free alternative, replace heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and coconut cream while maintaining the same proportions for a creamy texture. Swirling fruit purees like strawberry or blueberry instead of food coloring adds natural flavor and vibrant color to the ice cream. Using an electric mixer to pre-chill the mixture before churning can enhance the ice cream's smoothness and reduce freezing time.
Allergies
Cotton Candy Ice Cream from Baskin-Robbins contains dairy ingredients like heavy cream and whole milk, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The presence of food coloring additives may cause sensitivity or allergic reactions in some people, especially those prone to dye allergies. Your best option is to review ingredient labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific food allergies before consuming this treat.
Why this recipe?
Cotton Candy Ice Cream from Baskin-Robbins stands out for its vibrant pink and blue hues that appeal visually, combined with a sweet, nostalgic taste reminiscent of actual cotton candy. Its light, fluffy texture creates a unique ice cream experience that delights customers, especially children and those seeking playful flavors. You can recreate this fun, colorful treat at home with simple ingredients, making it a worthwhile copycat recipe to enjoy anytime. Replicating this ice cream allows you to customize sweetness and intensity, bringing the joy of Baskin-Robbins' popular menu item directly to your kitchen.