Name: Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 4 h 25 min
Total time: PT-497593H27M10S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons bubblegum flavoring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; Pink or red food coloring, to desired color; 1/2 cup confetti sprinkles; 1 cup gumballs, for decoration

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

If you’re ready to indulge in a nostalgic treat, this Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe is an absolute must-try. It captures the fun and sweetness of bubblegum in a creamy, dreamy frozen dessert that’s perfect for parties, summer days, or any time you need a cheerful pick-me-up. With its vibrant pink hue, sprinkles folded into every bite, and playful gumball toppings, this ice cream isn’t just a dessert — it’s a joyful experience that will have everyone smiling and asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of several baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two clear measuring cups filled with white liquid near the top left and top right. A white bowl filled with colorful round candies is placed near the top center. A small wooden bowl with a pinch of salt sits below the candies. Near the middle right, a small clear glass bowl holds a brown liquid. A white plate filled with white granulated sugar is at the bottom left, next to a striped cloth. Below that, a small white bowl contains pink liquid, and beside it is a small bottle with red liquid and a red cap. Another white bowl filled with rainbow-colored round sprinkles is near the bottom center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build a luscious texture and that classic bubblegum flavor that makes this ice cream so memorable. From the richness of the cream to the pop of colorful sprinkles, every element plays a key role.

2 cups heavy cream: Provides the creamy, smooth base that makes ice cream so irresistibly rich.

1 cup whole milk: Adds a lighter dairy touch to balance the cream.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture perfectly without overpowering the bubblegum essence.
2 teaspoons bubblegum flavoring: The star ingredient that delivers the authentic bubblegum taste.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth with its warm notes.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
Pink or red food coloring: Gives the ice cream its iconic bubblegum pink, making it irresistible visually.

½ cup confetti sprinkles: Adds delightful bursts of color and a fun crunch inside the ice cream.
1 cup gumballs, for decoration: The whimsical finishing touch that turns every scoop into a celebration.

How to Make Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Chill the Ice Cream Bowl

Begin by chilling your ice cream maker’s bowl for at least 24 hours until it’s completely frozen solid. This step is essential because if you hear water sloshing inside when you shake it, the bowl isn’t cold enough to churn your ice cream to the perfect consistency.

Step 2: Combine the Creamy Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Add the bubblegum flavoring, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. These ingredients come together to create the luscious, sweet base with that distinct bubblegum twist.

Step 3: Whisk Until Smooth

Whisk the mixture vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the sugar dissolves fully. You want the texture to be silky smooth with no gritty sugar crystals — a sure sign your ice cream base is ready.

Step 4: Add Color

Slowly stir in your pink or red food coloring until your mixture reaches that perfect bubblegum pink shade. Watching the ice cream base turn this joyful color is one of the small pleasures of this recipe.

Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the mixture into your chilled ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions, usually about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it thickens to soft-serve consistency — this is when the creamy dream begins to take shape.

Step 6: Mix in the Sprinkles

During the last two minutes of churning, add the confetti sprinkles, holding back a tablespoon to sprinkle on top later. This step incorporates colorful pops into the ice cream for a festive crunch in every bite.

Step 7: Freeze and Set

Scoop the ice cream into a shallow container or loaf pan and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining sprinkles, then press plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours until solid and scoop-ready.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop generous amounts into bowls or cones, and add gumballs for that final playful flourish that makes this Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe so fun to share.

How to Serve Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe

A clear rectangular glass dish holds light pink ice cream with many colorful confetti sprinkles mixed in and scattered on top. Three round scoops of the ice cream are placed in the dish, showing a creamy and slightly textured surface. A metal ice cream scoop with a bright yellow handle rests on the bottom right side of the dish, slightly inside the ice cream. Around the container, bright round candies in red, yellow, blue, green, and pink are scattered. To the left, there is a white bowl filled with shiny colorful candies, and a blue and white striped cloth is partially visible. In the top right corner, two beige waffle cones lie on a white marbled surface, along with a part of a clear glass dish with more colorful sprinkles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra confetti sprinkles or place colorful gumballs around your serving dishes for an eye-catching finish. Fresh berries or a drizzle of berry sauce can balance the sweetness and add a little tart contrast, though the classic gumballs truly seal the deal.

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs wonderfully with light, simple desserts such as a buttery shortbread cookie or a fresh fruit salad. These sides keep the focus on the Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe’s playful flavor without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a whimsical twist, serve the ice cream in waffle cones dipped in sprinkles or chocolate. You could also create a bubblegum-themed sundae bar with toppings like crushed cookies, candy pieces, and whipped cream to let everyone customize their frozen treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe keeps best in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Press plastic wrap against the surface before sealing the lid to maintain that creamy texture and vibrant color.

Freezing

Once churned and set, this ice cream freezes well for up to two weeks. Beyond that, the texture may start to degrade slightly, so for the freshest taste, plan to enjoy it within that window.

Reheating

Since this is a frozen dessert, reheating is not recommended. For the best flavor and creaminess, simply let frozen ice cream sit for 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping and serving.

FAQs

Can I use bubblegum flavoring from any brand?

Yes, most bubblegum flavorings work well, but quality varies. Look for one with natural or high-quality synthetic flavors for the most authentic taste.

What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

You can try a no-churn method by whipping the cream separately and folding it into your mixture before freezing, but the texture may be different from churned ice cream.

Can I substitute gumballs with something else?

Absolutely! Mini marshmallows, candy-coated chocolates, or extra sprinkles are great alternatives if you want a similar fun, colorful topping.

How do I make the ice cream less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup, but be careful not to cut too much because sweetness balances the bubblegum flavor and texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The fun colors and sweet bubblegum flavor make it a hit with kids, but keep in mind some kids might be sensitive to the food coloring or candy toppings.

Final Thoughts

This Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe is a delightful blast from the past that brings smiles and sweet memories with every spoonful. It’s easy to make at home, beautifully colorful, and utterly delicious. So grab your ice cream maker, gather your ingredients, and dive into this fun, cheerful dessert that’s sure to brighten up any day!