This Easy Homemade Birthday Cake Ice Cream is like a party in a bowl! It’s creamy, sweet, and bursting with fun cake pieces and rainbow sprinkles that bring a smile to your face.
Making this ice cream is a breeze—just mix, freeze, and enjoy! I love serving it topped with extra sprinkles. Who can resist more sparkles in their treat? 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Whole Milk: Whole milk is best for creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, almond milk or oat milk can work, but the texture might be slightly different.
Granulated Sugar: You can use other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but note they may change the flavor slightly.
Yellow Cake Mix: This is key for that authentic birthday cake taste. If you want to skip the mix, you can substitute it with 1/2 cup of crushed vanilla cookies or a similar alternative, keeping in mind the flavor will differ.
Rainbow Sprinkles: Feel free to use different types of sprinkles, but avoid nonpareils as they tend to bleed color. I find jimmies are best for mix-ins!
How Do I Churn Ice Cream for the Best Results?
Churning is the magic step that gives ice cream its velvety texture. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe with some patience.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish if not using an ice cream maker.
- Freeze the mixture for about 30-45 minutes. When the edges start to freeze, stir well with a fork.
- Return to the freezer and repeat every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours until it’s creamy and firm.
Don’t forget to add those colorful sprinkles in the last minutes of churning or mixing—this keeps them from sinking to the bottom!
Easy Homemade Birthday Cake Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup yellow cake mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies style)
- Optional: pinch of salt for balance
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll need about 20-25 minutes for churning in the ice cream maker, plus a freezing time of at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let it firm up perfectly. So, plan for about 4 hours and 35 minutes before it’s ready to scoop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, granulated sugar, and dry cake mix. Use a whisk to mix everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the cake mix is fully combined. This forms the base of your ice cream, bursting with cake flavor!
2. Add Cream and Vanilla:
Now, stir in the heavy whipping cream and the vanilla extract to your mixture. Mix gently until everything is blended smoothly. You’ll see a creamy concoction that’s so delicious even before it’s frozen!
3. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour your mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the machine’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes. It should become light and fluffy, reaching a soft-serve consistency!
4. Mix in the Sprinkles:
In the last few minutes of churning, add the rainbow sprinkles. This is where the fun really starts as they get evenly spread out in your creamy mixture.
5. Freeze until Firm:
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Make sure it’s well-sealed, then pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm. You can leave it overnight for the best results!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s set, scoop the birthday cake ice cream into bowls or cones. If you’re up for it, sprinkle some extra rainbow sprinkles on top for that festive touch! Enjoy every delicious bite!
This ice cream is a perfect treat for birthdays or any sunny day! Enjoy!
FAQ – Easy Homemade Birthday Cake Ice Cream
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Yes! While whole milk gives the best creamy texture, you can substitute it with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk substitute. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor and creaminess of the ice cream.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir with a fork for about 2-3 hours until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
How Long Will Leftover Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
This homemade ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-4 weeks. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it becomes too hard.
Can I Customize the Sprinkles or Add-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to use your favorite sprinkles or mix-ins like chocolate chips, cookie dough, or even pieces of cake! Just make sure to fold them in during the last few minutes of churning to keep the texture right.
