Celebrating birthdays is always special, and there’s no better way to make it memorable than with a delicious treat. Birthday cake ice cream combines the joy of a birthday cake with the creamy delight of ice cream. This unique dessert is perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying on your own. In this article, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making birthday cake ice cream at home.
Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake Batter Ice Cream Base:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 cups (or 480 milliliters)
- Whole Milk: 1 cup (or 240 milliliters)
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (or 150 grams)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Egg Yolks: 4 (large)
- Salt: A pinch
For the Birthday Cake Mix-Ins:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (or 62.5 grams)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (or 50 grams)
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: A pinch
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (or 1/2 stick, softened at room temperature)
- Milk: 1/4 cup (or 60 milliliters)
- Large Egg: 1 (at room temperature)
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Rainbow Sprinkles: 1/4 cup (optional, for added fun)
- Mini Chocolate Chips: 1/4 cup (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
For the Frosting Swirl (Optional):
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (or 125 grams)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (or 1/2 stick, softened at room temperature)
- Milk: 1-2 tablespoons (adjust as needed)
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Food Coloring: A few drops (optional, for birthday cake color)
Equipment
To make birthday cake ice cream, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools and equipment:
- Mixing Bowls: 2 large bowls (one for the ice cream base and one for the cake batter)
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: For mixing the ice cream base and cake batter
- Whisk: For mixing the dry ingredients and egg yolks
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients
- Rubber Spatula: For folding and mixing ingredients
- Ice Cream Maker: For churning the ice cream
- Freezer-Safe Container: For storing the ice cream
- Piping Bag and Tips (optional): For swirling the frosting on top of the ice cream
Instructions
Let’s dive into the recipe step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter Mix-Ins
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and mix until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Mix-Ins (Optional): Fold in the rainbow sprinkles and mini chocolate chips if using.
Bake the Cake Batter Bits: Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
Cool and Chop: Let the baked cake batter cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, use a knife to chop it into small bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Combine Milk and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Heat the Mixture: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Prepare the Egg Yolks: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and a pinch of salt until smooth and pale yellow.
Temper the Egg Yolks: Slowly pour about half of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the yolks from scrambling. Once combined, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture.
Cook the Custard: Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 170°F or 75°C). Be careful not to let it boil.
Cool the Custard: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly, then pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove any lumps. Place the bowl in an ice water bath and stir occasionally until the custard is completely cool.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the custard for at least 2 hours, or until it is fully chilled.
Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream
Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up your ice cream maker.
Churn the Custard: Pour the chilled custard into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Fold in Cake Batter Bits: Once the ice cream is churned, use a rubber spatula to fold in the chopped cake batter bits until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add Frosting Swirl (Optional)
Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using) until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Swirl the Frosting: If you want to add a frosting swirl, transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Use a piping bag fitted with a tip of your choice to swirl the frosting over the top of the ice cream. Use a knife to gently swirl the frosting into the ice cream for a marbled effect.
Step 5: Freeze and Serve
Freeze the Ice Cream: Cover the container with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is fully set.
Serve: When ready to serve, scoop the birthday cake ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Conclusion
Making birthday cake ice cream at home is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and visually appealing dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want to indulge in something special, birthday cake ice cream is a perfect choice. Enjoy the process of making it and savor every bite!
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