No Churn Skittles Ice Cream

This homemade Skittles Ice Cream transforms the classic rainbow candy into a delightful frozen treat that brings the vibrant colors and fruity flavors of Skittles to life in creamy form. The beautiful rainbow swirls create a stunning dessert that tastes just like the candy we all know and love.

I first made this for my niece's birthday party and it was an absolute hit. The kids were mesmerized by the rainbow colors and the adults couldn't believe it actually tasted exactly like Skittles. Now it's requested at every family gathering during summer.

Ingredients

• Heavy cream: Cold This creates the fluffy base of our ice cream. Make sure it's very cold for the best whipping results.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to no churn ice cream that stays creamy and scoopable even after freezing. Its sweetness balances perfectly with the tart Skittles flavors.
• Skittles candy: The star ingredient that provides both flavor and color. Original Skittles work best but you could experiment with other varieties.
• Gel food coloring: Intensifies the colors to match the vibrant Skittles hues. Gel coloring prevents watering down the ice cream mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pan:

Place a loaf pan in the freezer at least 30 minutes before starting. This helps the ice cream freeze more quickly and evenly once you pour it in. A metal pan works best for efficient freezing.

Crush the Skittles:

Set aside a small handful of whole Skittles for garnish. Sort the remaining Skittles by color into five separate ziplock bags. Use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces, applying firm even pressure. The finer the crush, the more evenly the flavor will distribute in your ice cream.

Separate the colors:

Transfer each color of crushed Skittles into separate small bowls, keeping colors segregated to maintain the vibrant rainbow effect. Make sure no colors mix at this stage to preserve the distinct layers in the final dessert.

Whip the cream:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium high speed for approximately 3 minutes until stiff peaks form. The cream should be thick enough that when you lift the beaters, the peaks hold their shape without folding over.

Combine with condensed milk:

Add the sweetened condensed milk to the whipped cream. Fold it in gently using a spatula with a down and over motion, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. This maintains the air bubbles that give the ice cream its light texture.

Create the colored mixtures:

Divide the cream mixture evenly between the five bowls containing crushed Skittles. Gently fold each portion until the Skittles are incorporated. Add matching gel food coloring to each bowl, starting with just a small amount and adding more until you achieve vivid Skittles colors.

Assemble the ice cream:

Remove the chilled loaf pan from the freezer. Add the colored mixtures in either horizontal stripes or random spoonfuls. For stripes, layer each color completely before adding the next. For a marbled effect, drop spoonfuls of different colors side by side and give a gentle swirl with a knife.

Garnish and freeze:

Sprinkle the reserved whole Skittles across the top of the ice cream. Press them lightly into the surface so they don't fall off when serving. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent ice crystals. Freeze on a level shelf for 6 to 8 hours until completely firm.

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This recipe brings back wonderful memories of making it with my daughter for her first sleepover party. The girls loved customizing their own bowls with different color combinations, and the joy on their faces when they tasted it was absolutely priceless. The red Skittles flavor is my personal favorite as it creates the perfect sweet tart cherry flavor in the finished ice cream.

Flavor Variations

While the original Skittles create a classic rainbow ice cream, you can experiment with different Skittles varieties for unique flavor profiles. Wild Berry Skittles create beautiful jewel tones with more berry forward flavors. Tropical Skittles add exotic fruit notes like pineapple and mango. Sour Skittles intensify the tartness factor making a delightful sweet and sour frozen treat. Just be aware that with sour varieties, you might need to add an extra tablespoon of condensed milk to balance the increased acidity.

Make Ahead and Storage

This ice cream keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two weeks when stored properly. After the initial freezing, transfer any leftover ice cream to an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping for the perfect consistency. If the ice cream becomes too hard, place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes rather than leaving it at room temperature, which can cause uneven melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant ice cream in sugar cones dipped in white chocolate and rolled in crushed Skittles for an extra special presentation. For an impressive dessert, scoop it between two large sugar cookies for colorful ice cream sandwiches. Create a Skittles sundae by topping with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry. This ice cream also pairs beautifully with a slice of vanilla pound cake or alongside a colorful fruit salad for a complete rainbow themed dessert spread.

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This ice cream is such a fun way to enjoy Skittles in an entirely new way, and it's guaranteed to be the highlight of any party or gathering. Give it a try and let your creativity run wild!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, you can use regular food coloring, but you may need to use more to achieve bold, vibrant colors since gel dye is more concentrated.

→ What’s the best way to crush Skittles for this ice cream?

Divide the Skittles by color into small ziploc bags and use a rolling pin to crush them. This keeps each color separate and makes it easier to mix into the ice cream base.

→ How long does the ice cream need to freeze?

Let the ice cream freeze for about 6-8 hours in a level spot to ensure it sets properly before serving.

→ Can I use other candies instead of Skittles?

Yes! While Skittles provide a bold fruity flavor and color, you can experiment with other small, colorful candies for a different twist.

→ Do I need an ice cream maker for this dessert?

No, this is a no-churn recipe. The cream is whipped until stiff peaks form, which gives it a light and creamy texture without the need for an ice cream maker.