
This delightful bubblegum ice cream recipe transforms simple ingredients into a whimsical frozen treat. The vivid pink color and authentic bubblegum flavor create an irresistible dessert that captures pure nostalgia in every scoop. Perfect for parties and celebrations, this homemade version delivers silky smooth texture with playful bursts of color.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to recreate that classic bubblegum taste while maintaining the perfect ice cream consistency. The careful balance of ingredients results in scoops that are both visually appealing and irresistibly creamy.
Key Ingredients
- Heavy cream and whole milk - Creates the rich, creamy base
- Bubblegum flavoring - Provides authentic taste without actual gum
- Rainbow sprinkles - Adds festive color and delightful crunch
- Pink food coloring - Achieves that signature bubblegum hue
- Decorative gumballs - Perfect for garnishing finished scoops

Preparation Method
- Bowl Preparation
- A properly frozen ice cream maker bowl is essential for the right texture. Freeze for at least 24 hours before churning to ensure optimal results. The bowl's temperature directly impacts the final consistency of your ice cream.
- Base Preparation
- Thoroughly combine the sugar with liquid ingredients, whisking continuously to achieve complete dissolution. The specific ratio of heavy cream to whole milk creates the optimal fat content for smooth, creamy results.
- Flavoring Technique
- Add bubblegum flavoring gradually, as its potency can vary by brand. The addition of vanilla extract helps create depth while a pinch of salt enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Color Integration
- Incorporate pink food coloring slowly, aiming for a slightly more intense shade than desired as the color will soften during freezing. Gel coloring produces the most vibrant results without excess liquid.
- Churning Guidelines
- Follow machine specifications precisely, typically churning for 20-25 minutes until reaching soft-serve consistency. Add sprinkles near the end of churning for even distribution.
- Freezing Instructions
- Use a shallow container for even freezing. Cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystal formation. Allow minimum 4 hours freezing time, preferably overnight for ideal scooping texture.
The final product demonstrates how homemade ice cream can surpass commercial versions in both taste and texture. This recipe consistently produces smooth, creamy results with that perfect bubblegum flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside crisp shortbread cookies or pair with classic vanilla cake for special occasions. Create an ice cream sundae station with various toppings like hot fudge, caramel sauce, and extra sprinkles. Traditional cake cones provide the perfect vessel for this nostalgic treat.
Recipe Variations
Consider adding marshmallow swirl for extra sweetness, incorporating white chocolate chips for texture contrast, or creating a strawberry ribbon effect throughout. Each variation maintains the classic bubblegum base while offering unique flavor combinations.

This bubblegum ice cream recipe delivers consistent results for any occasion requiring a special frozen dessert. Its appealing color and familiar flavor create an engaging treat that bridges generations through shared enjoyment of a classic flavor combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this recipe be made without an ice cream maker?
- Yes, you can still make it! Swap the regular milk and sugar for sweetened condensed milk. First, whip the cream into firm peaks. Then fold in the bubblegum flavoring and color. Freeze the mixture in a container as instructed.
- → Where can I buy bubblegum flavoring?
- You’ll find bubblegum flavoring in baking supply stores, craft shops with baking products, or online platforms like Amazon. Reputable brands to look for include LorAnn Oils (concentrated oils) and Frontier Co-op (extracts).
- → Can I swap flavoring for real bubblegum?
- Absolutely! Warm 2 cups of milk with a cup of bubblegum pieces until steamy but not boiling. Turn off the heat and let it steep for half an hour. Strain the gum (it loses its flavor) and proceed. Just know the flavor will be a bit subtler this way.
- → Why won’t my ice cream set solidly?
- A few things can impact freezing: 1) The ice cream maker bowl might not be frozen solid (leave it at least 24 hours), 2) Warm ingredients can hinder freezing—chill them beforehand, 3) Too much alcohol or sugar reduces freezing ability, 4) Overloading the machine affects churn and freeze times.
- → What’s a natural way to color the ice cream pink?
- If you’d rather skip artificial coloring, go for beet powder, or pulverized freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries. Cranberry juice works too, but add it gradually to keep your pink tone lighter. The color might end up milder but looks charmingly natural.