Easy Bubblegum Ice Cream

Featured in Treats That Make Everything Better.

Combine cream, milk, sugar, and bubblegum flavor, churn till creamy, mix in vibrant sprinkles, and freeze for a delightful frozen treat.
Clare Recipes
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:19:29 GMT
A bowl of bright pink bubblegum ice cream with sprinkles Pin it
A bowl of bright pink bubblegum ice cream with sprinkles | lilicooks.com

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
Bubblegum Ice Cream Homemade Pin it
Bubblegum Ice Cream Homemade | lilicooks.com

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.

Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe Pin it
Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe | lilicooks.com

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.

Bubblegum Dessert

Playful and creamy pink ice cream flavored like bubblegum, finished with cheerful sprinkles—a fun dessert for reunions and celebrations.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 quart)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Ice Cream Base

01 2 cups of heavy cream
02 1 cup of whole milk
03 ¾ cup of plain white sugar
04 2 teaspoons of bubblegum flavor
05 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
06 ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
07 A few drops of pink or red food dye, depending on your preference

→ Mix-ins and Toppings

08 1 cup of colorful gumballs (to decorate)
09 ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles, save a bit for garnishing

Instructions

Step 01

Stick the bowl from your ice cream maker into the freezer and let it chill for at least one full day. This will help freeze the mixture properly when it’s time to churn.

Step 02

Throw the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, bubblegum flavor, vanilla extract, and salt into a big bowl. Mix it up with a whisk for a few minutes until the sugar’s all melted in.

Step 03

Stir in drops of pink or red coloring bit by bit, mixing well after each drop. Adjust to your liking, but remember—colors get slightly lighter when frozen.

Step 04

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or even overnight if you've got time. This step boosts flavor and helps make smoother ice cream, though you can skip it if you’re in a hurry.

Step 05

Pour your cold mixture into the ice cream maker, and let it churn following the instructions for your specific machine. It should take around 20 to 25 minutes to reach the consistency of soft-serve.

Step 06

With just two minutes left on the churn, toss in most of the sprinkles, saving a tablespoon or so for later, and let them mix evenly throughout the batch.

Step 07

Scoop your churned ice cream into a shallow dish or loaf pan. Smooth out the surface and sprinkle the reserved rainbow bits on top.

Step 08

Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, laying it directly on top of the ice cream to block ice crystals from forming. Then let it freeze solid for about 4 hours or longer.

Step 09

Take your ice cream out and let it sit at room temp for about 5 minutes so it’s easier to scoop. Serve it up with some bright gumballs on top for fun. The gumballs can be eaten separately or left as decoration.

Notes

  1. To make sure your ice cream turns out great, confirm the ice cream maker’s bowl is frozen rock-solid first.
  2. This ice cream stays good for up to 2 weeks if you keep it stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
  3. Want a stronger bubblegum punch? Use 2 ½ teaspoons of the flavor instead.
  4. Gumballs are optional for decorating. Feel free to swap them out for other colorful candies.

Tools You'll Need

  • Ice cream maker
  • Big bowl for mixing
  • Whisk or something to stir with
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • A shallow dish or loaf pan for freezing
  • Plastic wrap to cover the container
  • An ice cream scoop

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This recipe has dairy (milk and cream)
  • The sprinkles might include gluten, soy, or other allergens, so check their labels

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 3 g