Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer it into an airtight container and place it back in the freezer for 2-3 hours to firm up.
Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy your creamy, decadent Christmas treat. If desired, top with whipped cream, additional chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serving: This dessert is perfect for family gatherings or as a holiday treat after dinner. You can serve it in small bowls or waffle cones for an extra special presentation. Consider garnishing with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even a dollop of whipped cream for added festive flair.
Storage: Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, but trust us, it will be gone long before that! If the ice cream hardens too much after freezing, let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before serving.
Make-Ahead: If you’re preparing this dessert ahead of time for Christmas, it’s ideal to make it at least a day before so it has enough time to set and the flavors can develop. Plus, making it in advance means you can spend more time enjoying the holiday rather than being in the kitchen!
Variants
Holiday Flavors: If you want to give this recipe a seasonal twist, try adding crushed gingerbread cookies or a swirl of caramel sauce for a festive flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the holidays.
No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem! You can still enjoy this delicious dessert by making a no-churn version. Just follow the same instructions, but instead of using an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes. The end result will be a bit more rustic but just as tasty.
Chocolate Lovers: For a richer version, add a layer of chocolate ganache or fudge sauce between layers of the ice cream mixture before freezing. This will create a decadent, marbled effect that chocolate lovers will adore.
FAQ
Can I make this without an ice cream maker? Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, simply pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy, ice cream-like consistency.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make this ice cream up to 2 days ahead of time. The flavors will only improve with a little extra chilling, and it will be ready to serve when you are.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk? You can substitute low-fat milk, but keep in mind that the ice cream will be less rich and creamy. Whole milk gives it that luxurious texture that makes this treat so special.
How can I customize this recipe for different holidays? Feel free to switch up the flavor profile depending on the season! For Halloween, add a swirl of pumpkin puree and cinnamon. For Easter, try adding chopped mini eggs or a splash of lemon zest.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? After enjoying your treat, make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the freezer.
Conclusion
This Christmas treat is a crowd favorite that will disappear faster than you can say “holiday dessert”! Whether it’s made in secret in the middle of the night or shared with family, this recipe will definitely become a new holiday tradition. With its creamy, rich flavor and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s the perfect dessert for anyone looking to add a little extra sweetness to their celebrations. Just be prepared to keep it hidden if you want any leftovers – it’s that good!
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