Description

Picture scooping into a vibrant, swirly blue and white ice cream that’s as creamy as it gets, studded with blue and green candies and topped with adorable gummy sharks. Sounds like a kid-friendly, shark-themed treat straight out of a summer dream, right? That’s exactly what No-Churn Shark Ice Cream delivers! This easy recipe yields 12 servings, requires no ice cream maker, and transforms simple ingredients into a fun, ocean-inspired dessert.

Ingredients

This ice cream uses just a few ingredients to create a creamy, fun dessert. Here’s what you need and why each matters:

Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): The sweet, creamy base.
- Why it matters: Provides sweetness and a smooth texture without needing to churn.
- Substitution: No direct substitute, but ensure it’s sweetened (not evaporated milk).
Pure Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste (2 tsp): Adds warm, classic flavor.
- Why it matters: Enhances the creamy base and balances the sweetness.
- Substitution: Vanilla bean paste adds specks for a gourmet look; almond extract works for a twist.
Fine Salt (pinch): Balances sweetness.
- Why it matters: Enhances flavors without making the ice cream salty.
Sky Blue Gel Food Coloring (1 tsp): Creates the ocean swirl effect.
- Why it matters: Adds a vibrant, shark-themed blue color to half the mixture.
- Substitution: Use liquid food coloring (add drop by drop) or skip for a plain swirl.
Cold Heavy Cream (2 cups): Creates a rich, whipped texture.
- Why it matters: Whips into soft peaks for a creamy, scoopable ice cream.
- Substitution: Use coconut cream for dairy-free (texture may be denser).
Assorted Blue and Green Candies (1 tbsp, plus more for serving): Add color and crunch.
- Why it matters: Mimic ocean elements and add fun texture.
- Substitution: Use M&M’s, sprinkles, or crushed candy (blue/green preferred).
Gummy Sand Sharks (for garnish): Create the shark-themed topping.
- Why it matters: Add a playful, kid-friendly element and visual appeal.
- Substitution: Use any gummy candies (e.g., worms or fish) or skip for simplicity.

Pro Tip: Keep heavy cream cold until whipping for best results. Source gummy sharks and blue/green candies at candy stores, online (e.g., Amazon), or grocery stores for the full shark effect.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Chill the Pan:
- Place a 9-by-5-by-3-inch metal loaf pan in the freezer to chill while preparing the mixture.
- Tip: A chilled pan helps the ice cream set faster and prevents melting during assembly.
Prepare the Base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of fine salt until smooth.
- Transfer half the mixture to another medium bowl and stir in 1 tsp sky blue gel food coloring until evenly colored. Set both bowls aside.
- Tip: Adjust blue coloring gradually to achieve a vibrant ocean hue; a little gel goes a long way.
Whip the Cream:
- In a large bowl, whip 2 cups cold heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until firm peaks form, about 2 minutes.
- Tip: Watch closely to avoid overwhipping, which can make the cream grainy; firm peaks hold their shape but aren’t stiff.
Combine Mixtures:
- Add 1/2 cup whipped cream to each bowl of condensed milk mixture (blue and plain). Fold gently with separate rubber spatulas until combined.
- Divide the remaining whipped cream evenly between the two bowls and fold until fully incorporated, keeping the mixtures separate.
- Tip: Folding gently preserves the whipped cream’s airiness for a light, creamy texture.
Assemble and Swirl:
- Remove the chilled loaf pan from the freezer.
- Using separate ice cream scoops or large spoons, drop scoops of the blue and plain mixtures into the pan, alternating colors to create a marbled effect.
- Drag a long wooden skewer through the mixture, reaching the bottom of the pan, to swirl the colors for an ocean-like pattern.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp blue and green candies over the top.
- Tip: Don’t overswirl to maintain distinct blue and white streaks; work quickly to keep the mixture cold.
Freeze:
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for at least 5 hours, or overnight, until solid and scoopable.
- Tip: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
Serve:
- Remove from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Scoop into serving dishes or cones, topping with extra blue and green candies and gummy sand sharks for a playful finish.
- Health Benefit: Heavy cream and condensed milk provide calcium, but this sugary treat is a fun indulgence to enjoy sparingly!