Get ready to take a delicious trip down memory lane with a treat that combines the simple joy of childhood snacks with creamy, homemade goodness. This easy, no-churn Frosted Animal Cracker Ice Cream recipe is designed to bring back smiles with every single bite. Forget complicated methods or special equipment – just 4 ingredients and a few minutes are all it takes to prepare this delightful dessert.
Imagine the look on your guests’ faces as you serve them a scoop of this vibrant, cookie-studded ice cream, featuring their favorite colorful, fudge-covered cookies swirled throughout. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to spark conversations about cherished childhood memories.
I absolutely love revisiting the nostalgic things that bring pure happiness. Remember those adorable pink and white, fudge-covered, sprinkle-topped circus animal cookies? They held a special place in my mother-in-law’s heart. We always made sure to bring her bags of them when we visited, and it truly made her day. Years ago, when we heard rumors they might be discontinued, we even stocked up in bulk!
Thankfully, they didn’t go out of business, or we wouldn’t be able to create this incredible no-churn Circus Animal Cookie Ice Cream. Making it was such a simple process, and as you know, I appreciate ease in the kitchen. My husband ran out to the store, and I managed to whip up a batch and get it chilling in the freezer before he returned. Later that evening, after dinner, he gave me his usual look and asked, “So, what do you have for dessert?” I was thrilled to surprise him with this delightful ice cream, and he was absolutely ecstatic.
I adore those cookies, and adding them to homemade ice cream creates something truly perfect.
Homemade frosted animal cracker ice cream with pink and white cookie pieces in a bowl
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Commonly Asked Questions About No-Churn Ice Cream
Got questions about making this easy homemade ice cream? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?
Unfortunately, no. This recipe relies on the high fat content of heavy cream to achieve the correct texture without an ice cream maker. Half and half will not whip properly and will result in an icy texture.
Can I use a sweetened condensed milk substitute?
I haven’t personally tested this recipe with a sweetened condensed milk substitute, so I cannot guarantee the results. A straight sugar substitute might change the consistency and potentially affect the freezing process due to less liquid and different properties. I don’t recommend making that substitution.
How long can I store this homemade ice cream in the freezer?
You can safely store your homemade Frosted Animal Cracker Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. For the best flavor and texture, aim to enjoy it within this timeframe before making a fresh batch.
Why did my ice cream become icy instead of smooth and creamy?
If your no-churn ice cream turned out icy rather than smooth and creamy, it usually means the mixture froze too slowly. This slow freezing allows larger ice crystals to form throughout the mixture. To help prevent this, ensure your freezer is set to a sufficiently cold temperature, and transfer the mixture to the freezer immediately after folding in the cookies. Using a very cold container can also help.
Frosted Animal Cracker Ice Cream Recipe
This recipe makes about 8 servings, assuming standard scoop sizes (1-2 scoops per person). It’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, absolutely! You can easily double this recipe if you need a larger batch for a party or family gathering. Just be mindful of the capacity of your mixing bowl when whipping the heavy cream.
How to Make Frosted Animal Cracker Ice Cream
Making this delicious treat is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results:
- In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Stir them together until well blended.
- Pour the cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip the cream on high speed for several minutes until stiff peaks form. This means the cream will hold its shape when the beaters are lifted.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla mixture into the whipped cream. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in your desired amount of Circus Animal Cookies (frosted animal crackers), using a spatula. You can use a mix of whole and broken cookies for texture.
- Carefully transfer the mixture to an airtight freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours before serving. Freezing overnight is preferred for the firmest texture.
Ingredients
To make this simple frosted animal cracker ice cream, you will need just four key ingredients:
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pint heavy cream (2 cups)
- 3-4 cups Circus Animal Cookies (Frosted Animal Crackers), some whole and some broken
Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, absolutely! A hand mixer will work perfectly fine for whipping the heavy cream. It may take a little longer than a stand mixer, so be patient and keep whipping until stiff peaks form.
What You’ll Need
This frosted animal cracker ice cream recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious! If you’re new to making homemade ice cream, don’t be nervous – you’re going to love how simple it is. Here are the basic things you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls (one small, one large)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment
- Spatula
- Airtight freezer-safe container
Why This is the Best Frosted Animal Cracker Ice Cream Recipe
This simple, no-churn method makes it accessible for anyone to create creamy, delicious ice cream at home without needing specialized equipment like an ice cream maker. The combination of rich whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk creates a smooth base that perfectly complements the crunchy, sweet pieces of frosted animal crackers. It’s quick, easy, and delivers maximum nostalgic flavor.
Other Delicious Treats
If you love this Easy Frosted Animal Cracker Ice Cream recipe, you’re sure to enjoy these other sweet treats too.
Chocolate Malted Crunch Ice Cream – Just like you remember from Thrifty!
Funnel Cake
Bubblegum Milkshake
Don’t Miss These Favorites:
Homemade Fortune Cookies
Santa’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas M&M Sprinkle Cookies
Frosted Animal Cookies
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Frosted Animal Cracker Ice Cream
Course: Dessert
Servings: 8 servings
This Frosted Animal Cracker Ice Cream is a simple, no-churn recipe that will bring back all those great childhood memories with those colorful, fudge-covered cookies.
Print Recipe | Pin Recipe | Save Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freeze Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pint heavy cream (2 cups)
- 3-4 cups Circus Animal Cookies (Frosted Animal Crackers), some whole/ some broken in half
Instructions
- Combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract in a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the heavy cream to a large mixing bowl and whip on high for several minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Reduce the speed on your mixer to low and slowly add the vanilla mixture.
- Once combined, slowly fold in your cookies using a spatula.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze at least 6 hours before serving (preferably overnight).
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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Meet the Creator
Hi, I’m Gina – a food photographer based in the Big Island, Hawaii area. I’m absolutely obsessed with creating amazing and beautiful food. When I’m not busy developing, tasting, and writing recipes, I love soaking up the island vibes, hiking scenic trails, catching the breathtaking Hawaiian sunrises, and living with the Aloha spirit.
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