Twist Peppermint Swirl (Printable version)

Creamy peppermint and vanilla swirl with a refreshing twist, ideal for a cool festive finish.

# List of ingredients:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Sweetener

03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar

→ Flavorings

04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Coloring & Swirl

06 - a few drops green food coloring (optional)

→ Toppings (optional)

07 - 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
08 - whipped cream, for serving

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
02 - Add peppermint and vanilla extracts to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
03 - If desired, divide the mixture into two bowls; tint one portion with green food coloring, leaving the other plain.
04 - Alternate spoonfuls of each mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container, then use a knife to create a swirling pattern.
05 - Cover the container tightly and freeze for a minimum of 2 hours until the dessert is firm.
06 - Scoop into bowls or glasses; top with crushed peppermint candies and whipped cream if desired, then serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like dessert met refreshment and they decided to stay married forever.
  • Zero cooking required, which means your kitchen stays cool and your stress stays lower.
  • The swirl effect makes people think you spent hours perfecting it, but you know the truth.
02 -
  • If your cream mixture isn't completely cold before freezing, the texture becomes grainy and weird—chill your bowl first if your kitchen is warm.
  • Peppermint extract is stronger than it smells, and a little goes a long way; I learned this by making something that tasted like toothpaste once.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze it in a loaf pan, then slice it into frozen squares for grab-and-go moments that feel fancy.
  • Keep some crushed peppermint stored in an airtight container year-round so you're never caught without topping inspiration.