M&M Ice Cream is a treat that will please both adults and kids alike. It has a rich and smooth base with crispy bits of M&M candies that remind me of a McFlurry from McDonald’s with a bit more vanilla flavor. If you're looking for a dessert to serve to guests this summer, this recipe is a must-try.
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I absolutely love how the vanilla flavor really shines in this simple ice cream recipe. Each bite is filled with plenty of chocolate and a delightful texture. You don’t need an elaborate recipe for it to be a hit!
If you like easy ice cream recipes, you will love Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream, Monster Cookie Ice Cream, Banana Boat Ice Cream, Dr. Pepper Ice Cream and Butter Pecan Ice Cream Sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love This Ice Cream with M&M's
- Easy recipe: This is a basic vanilla ice cream with M&Ms mixed in. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best ones.
- Kid-approved: It’s not surprising that kids love this recipe! It’s a delightfully sweet and cold treat filled with crunchy candy!
- Budget-friendly: The ingredients in this recipe are affordable, making it easy to enjoy it again and again.
Ingredients
These are all of the components needed for this easy ice cream recipe. It’s no churn, so heavy cream and condensed milk are the most important items here.
- Heavy cream: I whip the cream to add air and a fluffy texture to the ice cream. It works beautifully with the condensed milk to get the right consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract over imitation if possible. It makes a big difference in a simple recipe.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is key in achieving the sweet flavor and creamy texture of a no-churn ice cream. It helps that it stabilizes the ice cream so it reduces the amount of ice crystals, too!
- M&Ms: I like to use a combination of whole and crushed original M&Ms. It adds a slight differentiation in texture that works well in the ice cream.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Strawberry Flavor: Add a swirl of strawberry jam or preserves for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate: Stir in cocoa powder or chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey version.
- M&M pretzel ice cream: Add crushed pretzels for a more crunchy texture and salty flavor.
How to Make M&M Ice Cream
Here are the simple steps for making this no-churn ice cream recipe. Before you get started, be sure to grab your loaf pan so it’s ready to go!
Step 1: Combine. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Whip the cream. Beat the cream at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Add the milk and candy. Mix in the condensed milk and crushed M&Ms at low speed until the ingredients are just combined.
Step 4: Freeze and serve. Transfer the ice cream to the loaf pan and top it with more M&Ms. Cover it with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours. Scoop and enjoy!
⭐ Hint: Don’t overmix the ice cream after beating the cream. Mix just until the milk and M&Ms are combined to maintain its airy texture.
If you love homemade ice cream recipes like this one, you may also enjoy Kit Kat Ice Cream Cake.
Serving Suggestions
- Some unique topping ideas for this ice cream recipe are this homemade cranberry syrup and fruity watermelon syrup.
- Cake and ice cream are the ultimate combo! Serve a scoop of ice cream with M&Ms over a slice of this chocolate cake loaf.
- Try these cake mix donuts to create a unique ice cream sandwich!
- An easy meal like buffalo chicken mac and cheese is perfect to enjoy for dinner before this ice cream for dessert.
- Make the ultimate M&M ice cream cone by dipping the top of a waffle cone in melted chocolate and crushed M&Ms, and then finish with a scoop of this ice cream with M&M's.
Recipe Tips
- Storage directions: Store this ice cream tightly covered in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Soften before serving: Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes to make it easier to scoop.
- Layer the M&Ms: To ensure there are M&Ms in every bite, you can sprinkle layers of the candies throughout the ice cream.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Try peanut butter, pretzel, peanut, or even caramel (just to name a few) in place of regular M&Ms for a twist.
This is normal. If you like, freeze the M&Ms for a few minutes before you mix them into the ice cream base to prevent the colors from bleeding too much.
Sure! Use coconut cream and coconut condensed milk in place of the regular version. Try these Unreal Dark Chocolate Gems for a vegan alternative to M&Ms!
More Delicious M&M Recipes
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
M&M Ice Cream
Equipment
- 9x5 inch loaf pan or similar sized plastic container
- Large spoon or spatula
- Blender or food chopper
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups M&Ms crushed
Instructions
- Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl. Beat the cream for about 3 minutes, or until it forms stiff peaks.
- Once your cream begins to form freestanding peaks, add the condensed milk and crushed M&Ms. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold the mixture together until homogenous.
- Transfer the ice cream mixture to a 9x5 inch loaf pan and cover it with plastic wrap. Freeze your ice cream for about 5 hours, or until it is firm in the middle.
- Give your ice cream a few minutes to soften on the counter before scooping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ice too hard? Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before serving to make it easier to scoop.
- Dairy-free. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and coconut condensed milk in place of the regular version. Try these Unreal Dark Chocolate Gems for a vegan alternative to M&Ms!
- Prevent bleeding. It's usual for the M&M's to bleed when mixed with the ice cream. To stop them from bleeding, freeze the candies for 20 minutes before mixing into the ice cream if you want to stop them from bleeding.
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