From-scratch Cotton Candy Ice Cream

Indulge in the nostalgic flavor of a summer fair right at home with this tasty From-scratch Cotton Candy Ice Cream! It’s a breeze to make with no-churn required. Just pop it in the freezer overnight, and you’ll have a silky, dreamy treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

an ice cream cone full of homemade cotton candy ice cream topped with sprinkles

Why We Love Cotton Candy Ice Cream

There’s nothing better than the magic of brightly colored cotton candy melting in your mouth… except for when it’s turned into ice cream! With just 6 ingredients, this recipe does just that, bringing the magic of cotton candy to life in frozen form.

Cold, silky, and tasty, this cotton candy ice cream is the reliable treat for a hot summer day. Even better, it’s made without the hassle of fiddling with ice makers or bags of ice and salt like a middle school science project. Instead, the ingredients come together easily in a stand mixer!

Combined in minutes, the whole family can enjoy this delectable treat in just one overnight freeze. This ice cream is abundantly flavorful and customizable for any occasion – whether a backyard barbeque, birthday party, or lively afternoon snack. In a nutshell, this recipe is:

Simple to Make: Combine the ingredients and freeze overnight – that’s all it takes!
Customizable: Adjust the flavor by adding sprinkles, chocolate chips, or your go-to mix-ins.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe comes together with just three main ingredients. There’s no need for an elaborate grocery list.

Does Cotton Candy Ice Cream Taste Like Cotton Candy?

For a recipe so simple, get ready to be blown away by how much this from-scratch cotton candy ice cream tastes like the real deal. It’s silky, sweet, and contains the classic burst of flavor just like the fluffy cotton candy you get at the fair. It even looks the part with the classic pink and blue coloring of the original carnival cotton candy fluff. Simply put, this recipe takes a fan-go-to fair treat and turns it into the reliable from-scratch dessert!

overhead image of a tub of cotton candy ice cream topped with pink and white sprinkles

What Is Cotton Candy Ice Cream Made of?

Create this lively frozen treat with just six simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Heavy Cream – Gives the ice cream a silky and smooth texture. Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the same ingredient and can be used interchangeably.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – Acts as a sweetener, and softens the ice cream for simple scooping.
Cotton Candy – An infusion of blue and pink cotton candy creates the classic carnival colors and an extra sweet taste.
Toppings – We recommend sprinkles and either funfetti or white chocolate chips, but feel free to go crazy with drizzles, candies, or other go-to toppings you have on hand.

an ice cream cone stuffed with homemade cotton candy ice cream in a wine glass

How to Make From-scratch Cotton Candy Ice Cream

Skip the hassle of an ice cream maker, and combine the ingredients in a stand mixer instead! Here’s what to do:

Combine. Addhalf the heavy cream, half the sweetened condensed milk, and the pink cotton candy into a stand mixer. Beat until soft peaks form, and set aside in a separate bowl.
Repeat. Perform step one again with the remaining heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk, and use the blue cotton candy.
Scoop. In a loaf pan, drop spoonfuls of each cotton candy-colored ice cream mixture into the pan in random and alternating colors to create a beautiful marbled cotton candy look.
Freeze. Place the pan in the freezer, and let sit overnight to harden and set.
Enjoy. Top with sprinkles, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, or whatever toppings you like finest, and dig in!

How Long Does This Cotton Candy Ice Cream Last?

From-scratch ice cream does not contain the same preservatives as store-bought versions, meaning they don’t last quite as long. As a result, this recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for 1-2 weeks. Any longer and the texture will begin to change becoming slightly grainy.

The key to longer-lasting from-scratch ice cream is to limit the amount of counter time. When serving, take the ice cream out of the freezer, and let it sit on the counter just long enough to slightly soften for simple scoops. Then, place it back in the freezer immediately to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Can I Make this Recipe Dairy-Free?

We have not tested this cotton candy ice cream using dairy-free alternatives. However, if you want to give it a try, dairy-free alternatives for heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk can be found at most grocery stores. Just note that the taste and texture of your ice cream are likely to change slightly depending on what you use.

For example, sweetened condensed coconut milk is dairy-free, but it has an intense coconut flavor that will transfer into the flavor of the ice cream. Similarly, heavy cream becomes light and fluffy after a few minutes of beating, but dairy-free heavy cream notoriously does not. It will still be tasty but not quite as smooth and silky in texture or rich in taste.

For naturally dairy-free treats, check out these delectable dairy-free desserts instead:

Common Questions about From-scratch Cotton Candy Ice Cream

Can I make cotton candy ice cream without an ice cream maker?

You can definitely make cotton candy ice cream without an ice cream maker! Just use a hand mixer or a stand mixer and a freezer-safe container.

Can I use different flavors of cotton candy for my ice cream?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors like blue raspberry, grape, or cherry.

How can I make my cotton candy ice cream extra fluffy?

One trick to make your ice cream extra fluffy is to mix it for a longer period of time. You can also add a little bit of whipped cream (like we do in this recipe) to the ice cream base.

What’s the finest way to serve cotton candy ice cream?

The finest way to serve cotton candy ice cream is however you like! You can serve it in a cone, a bowl, or even as a milkshake. Get creative and have fun with it!

More Lively Ice Cream Desserts

On the hunt for more from-scratch ice cream recipes? Check out some of our favorites below!

Simple No Churn Biscoff Ice Cream – Made from your go-to cookie and frozen into your go-to snack, this is a recipe you’re guaranteed to make again and again.
Fried Ice Cream – No deep fryer needed! Try something new with this tasty crowd-pleasing recipe.
Copy Cat Tonight Dough Ice Cream – A smooth, silky mouthwatering dessert just like the original version from the store.

an ice cream cone stuffed with homemade cotton candy ice cream

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 16 servings

Prep: 15 mins
Chill Time: 1 d
Total: 15 mins

Bring the flavor of a summer fair into your home with this simple and tasty, no-churn From-scratch Cotton Candy Ice Cream. Simply freeze overnight, and enjoy the reliable summer treat everyone will want on repeat! Email

Ingredients

4 cups heavy cream divided
14 ounces sweetend condensed milk divided
2 cups pink cotton candy
2 cups blue cotton candy
1 cup funfetti sprinkles or white chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons sprinkles

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 7 ounces condensed milk, and the pink cotton candy. Beat until soft peaks form. Transfer to a separate bowl, and set aside. 4 cups heavy cream, 14 ounces sweetend condensed milk, 2 cups pink cotton candy
In the same bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups heavy cream, 7 ounces condensed milk, and the blue cotton candy. Beat until soft peaks form.2 cups blue cotton candy
In a loaf pan, layer the ice cream alternating the pink and blue. Top with sprinkles and chocolate chips, if desired. Freeze overnight. 1 cup funfetti sprinkles or white chocolate chips, 2 Tablespoons sprinkles
Store in the freezer 1-2 weeks.