Celebrate the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this Creole King Cake Ice Cream! Inspired by the traditional Mardi Gras king cake, this frozen treat combines creamy vanilla, warm spices, and chunks of sweet cake, topped with festive sprinkles in classic green, purple, and gold. Perfect for any carnival celebration or whenever you’re craving a taste of Mardi Gras magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Fun – Brings the excitement of Mardi Gras to your dessert table.
- Creamy & Flavorful – A rich, smooth texture with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps and an ice cream maker do the work for you.
- Customizable – Adjust the mix-ins to create your perfect frozen treat.
- Perfect for Parties – A unique dessert to impress guests during Mardi Gras celebrations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- King cake pieces, crumbled
- Green, purple, and gold sprinkles
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, gently fold in the crumbled king cake pieces.
- Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.
- Serve scoops of ice cream topped with festive sprinkles for the perfect Mardi Gras treat.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 6-8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Churn Time: 20-25 minutes (varies by ice cream maker)
- Freeze Time: 4 hours
Variations
- Boozy Twist – Add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult-friendly version.
- Extra Crunch – Stir in crushed pecans or candied pralines for added texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Top with a warm chocolate or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
- Different Cakes – Swap king cake for cinnamon rolls or pound cake if unavailable.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk and a dairy-free cake for a plant-based version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Softening: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping if it’s too firm.
FAQs
What is king cake?
King cake is a sweet, cinnamon-flavored pastry popular during Mardi Gras, often topped with colorful icing and sometimes filled with cream or fruit.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this?
Yes, an ice cream maker helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture, but you can also freeze the mixture in a container, stirring every 30 minutes until firm.
Can I use store-bought king cake?
Absolutely! Store-bought or homemade king cake both work well in this recipe.
What if I don’t have king cake?
You can substitute it with cinnamon rolls, brioche, or another spiced cake.
Can I make this ice cream ahead of time?
Yes, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Why are green, purple, and gold used in Mardi Gras?
These colors symbolize faith (green), justice (purple), and power (gold), representing the spirit of Mardi Gras.
Can I make this without cinnamon and nutmeg?
Yes, but these spices give it the signature king cake flavor, so consider adding a different warm spice like allspice or cardamom.
How can I make this recipe lower in sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute, but this may alter the texture.
Is this ice cream gluten-free?
Not unless you use a gluten-free king cake or cake alternative.
What toppings pair well with this ice cream?
Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, chopped pecans, or extra king cake crumbles all make great additions.
Conclusion
This Creole King Cake Ice Cream is a delightful and festive way to enjoy the flavors of Mardi Gras in frozen form. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or just craving a unique treat, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, warm spices, and bursts of sweet cake, it’s the perfect way to bring a little New Orleans magic to y
Mardi Gras Ice Cream Treat
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including freezing)
- Yield: About 1 quart 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this Creole King Cake Ice Cream, a festive frozen treat inspired by New Orleans’ famous king cake! Infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, this creamy homemade ice cream features crumbled king cake pieces and vibrant sprinkles in traditional purple, green, and gold. Perfect for any carnival party or a sweet indulgence at home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup crumbled king cake pieces
- Green, purple, and gold sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once churned, gently fold in crumbled king cake pieces.
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve scooped into bowls or cones, topped with extra Mardi Gras sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle caramel or cream cheese glaze over your ice cream.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (churning)
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: New Orleans, Creole
