There’s something undeniably nostalgic and joyful about sprinkles. Whether they’re topping cakes, cookies, or ice cream, sprinkles add a burst of color and excitement to any dessert. But when it comes to ice cream, sprinkles aren’t just a topping—they can be incorporated directly into the creamy goodness, creating a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Sprinkles ice cream, sometimes called funfetti ice cream, is a delightful fusion of rich vanilla ice cream swirled with colorful sprinkles. This simple yet delicious dessert is a hit with both kids and adults alike. The vibrant colors of the sprinkles stand out against the creamy backdrop, making each bite as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Why Make Sprinkles Ice Cream?
If you’ve ever wondered why sprinkles are so popular in desserts, it’s because they bring more than just color. Sprinkles add texture, a bit of crunch, and a playful element to otherwise smooth treats like ice cream. In fact, sprinkles ice cream is more than just a novelty—it’s a celebration of fun in every scoop!
Making your own sprinkles ice cream at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients—heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and of course, sprinkles—you can whip up this delicious treat in no time.
How to Make Sprinkles Ice Cream at Home
Making sprinkles ice cream at home is not only fun but also surprisingly easy. You don’t need any fancy equipment beyond an ice cream maker, and the ingredients are simple and readily available. Whether you’re making it for a birthday party, a summer treat, or just because you love ice cream, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy and colorful dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1½ cups heavy cream – This adds richness and creaminess to the ice cream.
- 1½ cups whole milk – Whole milk helps balance the texture without making it too heavy.
- ⅔ cup sugar – Sugar sweetens the ice cream and helps with the smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the base.
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt – A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness.
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles or jimmies (divided) – The star of the show! These add both color and texture to your ice cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make sprinkles ice cream from scratch:
- Whisk Together Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined. This forms the base of your ice cream.
- Churn in Ice Cream Maker: Pour this mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Add Sprinkles: When your ice cream is almost done churning (about 5 minutes before it’s finished), add ¾ cup of rainbow sprinkles into the mixture. The sprinkles will get evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze or Serve: If you prefer soft-serve style ice cream, you can serve it immediately. However, for a firmer texture, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Top with Extra Sprinkles: When ready to serve, don’t forget to add extra sprinkles on top for that final touch of fun!
Fun Variations and Toppings for Sprinkles Ice Cream
One of the best things about sprinkles ice cream is how versatile it can be. You can easily switch up the flavors, add new ingredients, or experiment with different types of sprinkles to create a unique dessert every time. Here are some fun ideas to take your sprinkles ice cream to the next level:
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Sprinkles Ice Cream: If you’re a chocolate lover, try adding cocoa powder to your ice cream base and use chocolate sprinkles instead of rainbow ones. This creates a rich, chocolatey version of sprinkles ice cream that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Birthday Cake Ice Cream: Add a teaspoon of butter extract and a handful of crushed cake pieces into your ice cream base. The result? A birthday cake-flavored ice cream that’s perfect for celebrations!
- Mint Chocolate Chip with Sprinkles: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and mix in mini chocolate chips along with your sprinkles for a refreshing twist on this classic flavor.
Topping Ideas
While sprinkles are already a fun topping, you can get creative with additional toppings to make your ice cream even more exciting:
- Whipped Cream and Cherries: A classic combination that adds extra sweetness and texture to your ice cream.
- Crushed Cookies or Candy: Crumble some Oreos, graham crackers, or candy bars like Snickers or M&Ms over your sprinkles ice cream for added crunch.
- Syrups and Sauces: Drizzle chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or even strawberry sauce over your ice cream to enhance the flavor profile.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Options
If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan version of sprinkles ice cream, it’s easy to adapt the recipe. Simply replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk. There are also plenty of vegan-friendly sprinkles available that are free from animal products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sprinkles Ice Cream
When it comes to making sprinkles ice cream, there are often a few common questions that come up. Here, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you perfect your homemade ice cream.
Can I Make Sprinkles Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! You can absolutely make sprinkles ice cream without an ice cream maker. The no-churn method is simple and only requires a few extra steps. After mixing your ice cream base, pour it into a shallow container or loaf pan and freeze for about 3-4 hours. For the first 2 hours, stir the mixture every 30 minutes to help incorporate air, which will give your ice cream a smooth and creamy texture.
What Type of Sprinkles Should I Use?
For the best results, use high-quality rainbow sprinkles or jimmies. These sprinkles hold their shape well in the ice cream and add a nice crunch without melting too much into the base. Avoid using nonpareils (the tiny round sprinkles) as they tend to dissolve quickly and can bleed their colors into the ice cream.
How Long Will Homemade Sprinkles Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
Homemade sprinkles ice cream can last up to 2 weeks in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container. To prevent freezer burn, press a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to My Sprinkles Ice Cream?
Absolutely! While sprinkles are the star of this recipe, you can get creative with other mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even pieces of candy bars. Just be sure to add these mix-ins during the last few minutes of churning so they’re evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
Is Sprinkles Ice Cream Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sprinkles. Most rainbow sprinkles are gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the packaging just to be sure.
Conclusion:
Sprinkles ice cream is more than just a dessert—it’s a fun and festive treat that brings out the kid in all of us. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you love colorful desserts, this homemade recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
The combination of creamy vanilla ice cream and crunchy rainbow sprinkles creates a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. And with so many ways to customize it—whether by adding different mix-ins, trying dairy-free alternatives, or experimenting with new flavors—sprinkles ice cream is truly a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round.
So why not give it a try? With just a few simple ingredients and an ice cream maker (or even without one!), you can whip up this delicious treat in no time. And don’t forget—more sprinkles always mean more fun!