As the golden hue of toasted marshmallows wafts through my kitchen, it brings back memories of summer nights spent around the campfire, laughter echoing as we savor sweet treats. What if I told you that you could capture that nostalgic experience in a simple, homemade dessert? This Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream requires just three ingredients and no ice cream maker, making it perfect for spontaneous cravings or gathering with friends. Not only is it a delightful way to beat the heat, but it also promises a creamy, dreamy texture with every bite. Plus, it’s crowd-pleasing enough to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Are you ready to dive into this indulgent treat and perhaps discover a few fun variations along the way?

Why is Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream Amazing?

Simplicity at Its Finest: With just three ingredients, this ice cream requires no complex techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

Decadently Delicious: The rich, caramelized flavor of toasted marshmallows adds a unique twist to your typical ice cream, delivering a tasty nostalgic experience.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or a touch of vanilla extract, allowing for endless possibilities that cater to any palate—just like my Lemon Blueberry Cream!

No Ice Cream Maker Needed: Skip the fuss and enjoy a creamy treat without any special equipment. Just mix, freeze, and savor!

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, this ice cream is bound to impress your friends and family, becoming the star of your dessert table.

Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream Ingredients

• For the Ice Cream Base

Whipping Cream – Provides creaminess and richness to create a smooth ice cream texture; opt for heavy whipping cream for best results.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – Acts as both a sweetener and a texture enhancer; if unavailable, you can substitute it with evaporated milk and a touch of extra sugar.

• For the Toasted Flavor

Mini Marshmallows – Offers a delightful toasted flavor profile; toasting them caramelizes their sugars for an extra depth of taste. Feel free to swap with regular marshmallows if mini ones aren’t on hand, or omit them entirely for a simplified ice cream.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream

Step 1: Toast the Marshmallows
Preheat your broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spread the mini marshmallows evenly across the sheet and place it under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely for the marshmallows to turn golden brown, as they can burn quickly. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the ice cream base.

Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy whipping cream with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Use a handheld or stand mixer to whip the mixture on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The cream should be light and fluffy yet still hold its shape. This creamy base is essential for the luscious texture of your Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream.

Step 3: Incorporate Marshmallows
Carefully fold the previously toasted marshmallows into the whipped cream mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix, ensuring that the marshmallows are evenly distributed without deflating your fluffy cream. This step adds delightful bits of chewy marshmallow throughout your ice cream, enhancing its flavor and texture.

Step 4: Freeze the Mixture
Transfer the marshmallow-infused cream mixture into an airtight container, spreading it evenly. Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place it in the freezer for at least 8 hours, or until the ice cream is completely firm and scoopable. The longer it freezes, the more deliciously creamy your Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream will be.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once fully frozen, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping. Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream into bowls or cones. For a special touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, evoking the charm of s’mores and making your serving even more delightful!

Expert Tips for Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream

Toast Carefully: Watch the marshmallows closely while they’re under the broiler to prevent burning; they can go from golden to charred in seconds.
Chill Your Cream: Ensure that your whipping cream is thoroughly chilled before whipping to achieve the best volume and creamy texture in your ice cream base.
Gentle Folding: When mixing in the toasted marshmallows, fold delicately using a spatula to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream and prevent deflation.
Storage Matters: Store your Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream in an airtight container. This prevents ice crystals and keeps the dessert smooth and delicious for up to two weeks.
Wait to Scoop: Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to serve without losing any of that creamy goodness.

Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream Variations

Discover the delightful ways you can customize your Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream for a unique twist on this timeless treat!

Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a delightful s’mores spin. The combination of rich chocolate and toasted marshmallow creates a mouthwatering experience.
Vanilla Twist: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream mixture for an aromatic depth that enhances the traditional flavor profile of this classic dessert.
Fruit Infusion: Incorporate crushed strawberries or raspberries into the mixture for a fruity surprise. The sweet-tart fruit balances the creaminess beautifully, making every bite a treat.
Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and richness. They provide a satisfying texture that complements the smooth ice cream.
Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the base mix. It’ll tantalize your taste buds with a surprising warmth that enchants all palates.
Almond Joy: Include shredded coconut and almond pieces for a tropical twist reminiscent of the famous candy bar. This variation adds layers of flavor and texture that elevate your ice cream.
Caramel Swirl: Drizzle a ribbon of caramel sauce through the mixture before freezing. When you scoop, you’ll get an alluring sweet surprise that’s sure to impress without any extra work.
Mocha Delight: Mix in instant coffee granules or espresso powder for that coffee lover in your life. The coffee enhances the toasted marshmallow flavor while giving a robust, empowering twist.

Feel free to experiment and mix these delightful additions into your give your ice cream a personal touch! For inspiration on how to serve it, don’t forget to check out my Garlic Tomato Soup or try topping it off with a drizzle of White Hot Chocolate for extra sweetness!

Make Ahead Options

This Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy weeks! You can toast the marshmallows up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container to preserve their flavor. The ice cream base can also be mixed together and refrigerated for about 3 days prior to freezing, ensuring a quick finish when you’re ready to enjoy it. When it’s time to serve, just fold in the toasted marshmallows, pour the mixture into your container, and freeze for at least 8 hours. This way, you’ll have a luscious, homemade dessert ready at your fingertips, just as delicious as if you made it in one go!

What to Serve with Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream

Indulging in this creamy delight invites a host of sweet companions that enhance its flavors and experience.

Graham Cracker Crust:
The perfect crunchy counterpart, graham crackers echo the campfire spirit and add a delightful crunch to your bowl.
Fresh Berries:
Juicy strawberries or raspberries offer a tart contrast to the sweetness, brightening each spoonful with freshness.
Chocolate Sauce:
A warm drizzle of rich chocolate enhances the dessert’s sweetness and adds indulgent depth with every creamy bite.
Whipped Cream:
Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds an airy touch that complements the density of the ice cream beautifully.
S’mores Platter:
Setting up a s’mores station with melted chocolate, additional marshmallows, and graham crackers allows everyone to customize their treat.
Cold Brew Coffee:
A glass of cold brew works wonderfully to balance the sweetness of the ice cream, providing a refreshing sip alongside each scoop.
Toasted Coconut Flakes:
These add a gourmet flair, bringing a nutty and tropical vibe that perfectly intertwines with the marshmallow flavor.
Caramel Drizzle:
Sweet and buttery caramel sauce creates a lovely, gooey addition that heightens the decadence of each bite.

How to Store and Freeze Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream

Fridge: Keep leftovers in the fridge if consuming within 1-2 days; however, this ice cream is best stored in the freezer to maintain its texture.

Freezer: Store your Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Reheating: You can’t really reheat ice cream, but allowing it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes makes scooping much easier.

Thawing: If frozen solid, thaw slightly before serving to enjoy the creamy, dreamy texture without the risk of a too-hard scoop!

Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right marshmallows?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for mini marshmallows as they toast quickly and evenly. They offer a delightful caramelized flavor that enhances your ice cream. If you only have regular marshmallows on hand, feel free to use those, but they may take a little longer to toast.

Can I store leftover Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream?
Yes! Store your ice cream in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming and keeps the texture creamy. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to make serving easier.

How do I freeze Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream?
It’s simple! Once you’ve mixed the ingredients, transfer them into an airtight container, spreading it evenly. Cover it tightly and freeze for at least 8 hours or until firm. The longer it freezes, the creamier the texture will be when you scoop it out!

What if my marshmallows burn while toasting?
Very! It can happen if you’re not watching closely. If the marshmallows turn too dark, they can develop a bitter taste. Set your oven’s broiler to high and keep a vigilant eye, checking them every 30 seconds or so. It usually takes about 1-2 minutes to get them perfectly toasted.

Can this ice cream be made dairy-free?
Certainly! To create a dairy-free version of Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream, substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative. Always double-check the ingredient labels to avoid any hidden dairy!

Are mini marshmallows safe for pets?
It’s essential to be cautious! While marshmallows are not toxic to dogs, they’re not particularly healthy either. They contain sugar and can be a choking hazard due to their shape and size. It’s best to avoid sharing this treat with your furry friends!