Description
Imagine scooping into a vibrant, swirly blue ice cream that’s creamy, sweet, and packed with playful shark gummies and colorful candies, all without needing an ice cream maker. Sounds like a kid-friendly (and adult-approved) summer treat, right? That’s exactly what No-Churn Shark Ice Cream delivers! With a perfect 5-star rating from 4 reviews, this easy recipe is a fun, ocean-themed dessert perfect for beach parties, kids’ birthdays, or a whimsical treat at home.
Ingredients
This shark ice cream uses just a few ingredients to create its creamy, colorful magic. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): The sweet, creamy base.
- Why it matters: Provides richness and sweetness without needing to churn.
- Substitution: Use dairy-free condensed milk for a vegan version.
- Pure Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste (2 tsp): Adds warm, classic flavor.
- Why it matters: Enhances the creaminess with a rich vanilla taste.
- Substitution: Vanilla bean paste gives visible flecks for a gourmet look.
- Fine Salt (Pinch): Balances the sweetness.
- Why it matters: Enhances flavors without making it salty.
- Sky Blue Gel Food Coloring (1 tsp): Creates the ocean-blue swirl.
- Why it matters: Gives the ice cream its fun, shark-themed look.
- Substitution: Use liquid food coloring, but start with a few drops to avoid excess moisture.
- Cold Heavy Cream (2 cups): Creates a fluffy, creamy texture.
- Why it matters: Whips into a light base that mimics churned ice cream.
- Substitution: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option (chill and whip).
- Assorted Blue and Green Candies (1 tbsp, plus more for serving): Add fun texture and color.
- Why it matters: Mimic ocean elements like bubbles or fish.
- Substitution: Use mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed meringue.
- Gummy Sand Sharks (for garnish): Bring the shark theme to life.
- Why it matters: Add a playful, kid-friendly touch.
- Substitution: Use other gummy candies like fish or worms.
Pro Tip: Chill the heavy cream and mixing bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes before whipping for faster, fluffier results. Choose gel food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the mixture.
Instructions
- Chill the Pan:
- Place a 9x5x3-inch metal loaf pan in the freezer to chill while you prep.
- Tip: A cold pan helps the ice cream set faster and prevents melting during assembly.
- Mix the Base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together one 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste), and a pinch of fine salt until smooth.
- Divide the mixture evenly into two medium bowls. Stir 1 tsp sky blue gel food coloring into one bowl until fully combined. Set both aside.
- Tip: Stir gently to avoid splashing, and adjust blue coloring for your desired shade.
- 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 over-whipping, which can make the cream grainy.
- Combine Cream and Base:
- Add 1/2 cup whipped cream to each bowl of condensed milk mixture (one plain, one blue). 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 light and fluffy.
- Tip: Fold gently to maintain the whipped cream’s airiness for a creamy texture.
- Layer and Swirl:
- Using separate ice cream scoops or large spoons, drop scoops of the plain and blue mixtures into the chilled loaf pan, alternating colors for a marbled effect.
- Drag a long wooden skewer through the mixture, reaching the bottom of the pan, to create swirls.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp assorted blue and green candies over the top.
- Tip: Swirl gently to create a wave-like pattern without overmixing the colors.
- Freeze:
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze until solid and scoopable, at least 5 hours or overnight.
- Tip: Ensure the pan is level in the freezer for an even set.
- Serve:
- Remove from the freezer and let sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
- Scoop into serving dishes or cones, topping with extra blue and green candies and gummy sand sharks for garnish.
- Health Benefit: Heavy cream provides calcium, but this candy-filled treat is best enjoyed as a fun indulgence!