If you love the nostalgic taste of cake batter and the creamy delight of ice cream, why not combine the two? Cake batter ice cream is a fun, indulgent dessert that tastes just like licking the bowl after baking your favorite cake. Making it at home is easier than you think, and you can customize it with sprinkles or cake pieces for extra fun. Let’s dive into how you make cake batter ice cream that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with that classic cake flavor.
What Is Cake Batter Ice Cream?
Cake batter ice cream is exactly what it sounds like — ice cream flavored with cake mix to mimic the taste of raw cake batter. It’s sweet, creamy, and often includes colorful sprinkles for that birthday-cake vibe. This ice cream is popularized by places like Cold Stone Creamery, but you can easily recreate it at home with just a few ingredients and an ice cream maker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients to make your own cake batter ice cream:
– Cake mix (yellow or funfetti works best)
– Granulated sugar
– Heavy cream
– Whole milk
– Vanilla extract
– Salt
– Optional: Rainbow sprinkles for that festive touch
Some recipes also use egg yolks for extra creaminess, but it’s optional depending on your preference and safety considerations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cake Batter Ice Cream
1. Prepare the Cake Mix Base
Start by combining the dry cake mix with sugar in a bowl. Whisk them together until they’re well blended and free of lumps. This step ensures the cake flavor is evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
2. Mix the Dairy Ingredients
In a separate bowl or pot, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using egg yolks for richness, you’ll want to heat the milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks gently on the stove to pasteurize the mixture and dissolve the sugar. This step also helps create a smoother, creamier texture.
3. Combine Cake Mix and Dairy
Slowly add the cake mix mixture into the dairy base, whisking until fully incorporated. This is where the magic happens — the ice cream base starts to take on that unmistakable cake batter flavor.
4. Chill the Mixture
Cover the combined mixture and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken, which helps the ice cream churn better.
5. Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. During the last few minutes of churning, you can add rainbow sprinkles if you want that classic birthday cake look and crunch.
6. Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover it, and freeze for a few hours until it firms up to your preferred consistency. This step ensures you get that perfect scoopable texture.
Tips for Perfect Cake Batter Ice Cream
– Cook the cake mix briefly: Some recipes recommend heating the cake mix in the oven for a few minutes before mixing it in to eliminate any raw flour taste and ensure safety.
– Use quality cake mix: For the best flavor, use a classic yellow or funfetti cake mix. Some brands, like Duncan Hines Butter Recipe, are known to match the iconic Cold Stone taste perfectly.
– Add mix-ins: Feel free to fold in extra sprinkles, small cake pieces, or even chocolate chips after churning for a loaded ice cream experience.
– Avoid raw eggs if concerned: If you prefer not to use eggs, you can skip the cooking step and use pasteurized egg products or omit eggs altogether for a safer, simpler recipe.
Why Make Cake Batter Ice Cream at Home?
Making cake batter ice cream at home lets you control the ingredients, customize flavors, and enjoy a fresh batch anytime. Plus, it’s a fun project that brings the joy of baking and ice cream making together. Whether you want a simple, creamy treat or a loaded version with cake chunks and sprinkles, homemade cake batter ice cream is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Enjoy your delicious creation with toppings like hot fudge, whipped cream, or extra sprinkles to make it even more special!
Cake batter ice cream is a delightful blend of childhood nostalgia and creamy indulgence, and now you know exactly how to make it yourself. Happy churning!