What is it about this time of year that makes me just crave peppermint? I can’t get enough of it! Peppermint ice cream, peppermint mochas, chocolate-peppermint scones (don’t worry – they’re coming!). Whatever it is, just put peppermint and chocolate in it and I’m IN!
A few years ago, I scoured the grocery stores for peppermint ice cream and had a ridiculously hard time finding it. I mean, HELLO?!! Did they think ice cream was only for summer or something?? How wrong they were…
‘Cuz this Paleo Peppermint Candy Cane Ice Cream deliciousness just had to happen. I mean, how can you NOT love creamy, chocolatey, pepperminty goodness sitting by a cozy fire all snuggly and warm?
Well, if you’re on my bandwagon, let’s DO this!
Why Make This Scrumptious Candy Cane Ice Cream?
‘Tis the (Pepperminty) Season
As I may have mentioned, it’s peppermint’s time to shine. Add in a little creamy ice cream goodness and some chocolate and BOOM, it’s party time. Make some for you. Make some for your friends. And, hey, if it’s cold outside, you don’t even have to worry about it melting too fast, right?
Vegan & Paleo
It’s Pegan! (Yes, that’s a thing.) Because the candy cane ice cream is made with only a few real ingredients (and a sugar-free option), it’s Paleo-tastic. Plus, using coconut cream and milk makes it purely vegan. So, you CAN have your treats AND a happy tummy!
Smooth and Creamy
Vegan ice cream has come a long way, baby. I struggled for YEARS to get mine just right – silky smooth and creamy without being a big blog of ice. The secret to that last part is the tablespoon of booze. It keeps the mixture from completely freezing so it’s perfect to scoop!
Save the Sugar for Santa
If you’re wanting the sweets without the sugar, opt for the sugar-free chocolate chip option (sans candy canes) OR get a clean-eating sugar-free option. Either way, you’ll side-step the sugar high and simply enjoy the ice cream!
Benefits of Peppermint (in case you were needed convincing)
If you wanted a primer on peppermint (or needed just that little “push” to get you over the peppermint hill), I’ve got the skinny on how AMAZING this dessert really is! Here are the top reasons to include peppermint in your life:
- Tummy love. Ever had an upset stomach and someone gives you a peppermint candy? That’s ‘cuz peppermint is a natural digestive aid! Gas, bloating, indigestion…if it’s in the GI tract and it’s bothering you, try a little peppermint.
- Migraines and headaches. I used to suffer some serious migraines, my friend. And I noticed that many of the over-the-counter creams, oils, and lotions often had peppermint in them. Why? Because it acts as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever. Thanks, peppermint!
- Fresher breath AND clear sinuses?! Because of its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint not only cleans up the bacteria lingering around, it smells great, too! It’s no wonder it’s in so many toothpastes and mouthwashes. Plus, that menthol in it can open up your sinuses so you can breathe better.
And there you have it. This Paleo Peppermint Candy Cane Ice Cream is so good for you, it’s practically a health food! Go on, have it for breakfast. I mean, putting a dollop in your coffee might be just what you need to make it a very merry day.
Paleo Peppermint Candy Cane Ice Cream
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 2-5 Hours for freezing
- Total Time: 2-5 Hours
- Yield: 16-20 Scoops 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Peppermint and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Make a batch and enjoy it all winter long. Top your favorite chocolate cookies, cakes or brownies with it. Or put some in your coffee. Peppermint is so good for you, it’s practically a health food – go wild!
Ingredients
- 1 13.5-oz Can Full Fat Coconut Milk (about 1 3/4 cups)
- 1 13.5-oz Can Coconut Cream (about 1 3/4 cups)
- 3/4 Cup 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- 2 tsp Peppermint Extract
- 1 TB Vodka
- 1 Pinch Salt
- 2/3 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (sugar-free and vegan – see note 2)
- Optional: crushed peppermint candies for topping, if desired (see note 3)
Instructions
- Be sure to start with a chilled insert for your ice cream maker, if using (see Note 1).
- Combine all ice cream ingredients apart from chocolate chips and optional peppermint candies in a blender and blend until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until well-chilled (1-2 hours).
- Pour into ice cream maker and churn until a frozen yogurt texture (be sure to follow instructions on your ice cream maker).
- You can eat it at this point (it will be soft) or pour into a freezer-proof container, stirring in the mini chocolate chips (or crushed peppermint candies) and allow to further chill until it reaches the desired texture (about 5 hours).
- Top with optional crushed peppermint candies and enjoy!
Notes
Note 1: You can make this without an ice cream maker, just know that the ice cream will be a little more icy than creamy.
Note 2: To make this in the more traditional way, you can sub the chocolate chips for crushed peppermint candies, instead of simply topping with them.
Note 3: You can either choose to go old-school with the traditional peppermint candies or opt for a sugar-free version, which will keep this recipe Paleo. You do you.
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Paleo Peppermint Mocha
Clean-Eating Holiday Cookie Roundup
Peanut Butter Ice Cream with ‘Magic Shell’ Chocolate Drizzle