If you’re craving a dessert that’s refreshingly vibrant and delightfully creamy, you absolutely must try this Mountain Dew Ice Cream Recipe. It’s a fun twist on classic homemade ice cream, combining the zesty citrus flavor of Mountain Dew with the richness of whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. The result? A luscious, green-hued treat that’s perfect for summer days, parties, or any time you want to impress friends with something truly unique and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mountain Dew Ice Cream Recipe is incredibly simple, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creaminess of the heavy whipping cream to the sweet tang of the Mountain Dew, every item brings magic to this dreamy dessert.
- 1 Cup heavy whipping cream: Provides a rich, creamy base that whips into fluffy peaks for that perfect ice cream texture.
- 1/2 Cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind the mixture for smoothness without needing an ice cream maker.
- 1/4 Cup Mountain Dew: Injects a fresh citrus kick and the signature Mountain Dew flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, familiar hint of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons green gel food coloring: Gives your ice cream that vibrant, eye-catching green color reminiscent of Mountain Dew.
- 1 teaspoon yellow gel food coloring: Adds a subtle sunny hue to brighten the green for an appealing look.
How to Make Mountain Dew Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream
Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl and begin beating it with an electric mixer at medium speed. You want to whip it until it thickens but watch carefully to avoid overbeating. This step is essential to develop the light, fluffy texture that makes homemade ice cream so special.
Step 2: Combine with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Flavorings
Once the cream has thickened, gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk, Mountain Dew, vanilla extract, and the green and yellow gel food coloring. Continue mixing on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and stiff peaks form. This luscious blend builds the flavor and color that define the Mountain Dew Ice Cream Recipe.
Step 3: Freeze the Mixture
Transfer the fluffy ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container or loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, ensuring even freezing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn and odors from seeping in. Pop it in the freezer for at least 6 hours or until fully frozen solid.
Step 4: Prepare to Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy, remove your container from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This makes scooping much easier and preserves that creamy consistency. Now you’re set to dish out generous scoops of this refreshing ice cream!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
For a fun finishing touch, consider topping your Mountain Dew Ice Cream with colorful sprinkles or freshly chopped nuts. These add an exciting crunch and burst of texture, making each bite even more delightful.
How to Serve Mountain Dew Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Bright sprinkles, crushed pistachios, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate this Mountain Dew Ice Cream Recipe to a party-worthy dessert. The vibrant green color pairs beautifully with contrasting toppings that make your creation pop.
Side Dishes
Pair this ice cream with simple cookies like shortbread or buttery graham crackers for a crunchy sidekick. Fresh fruit like pineapple or mango also complements the citrus notes nicely, offering a juicy freshness alongside the creamy ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Mountain Dew Ice Cream in waffle cones, fancy glass parfait cups, or even hollowed-out citrus fruits like oranges or limes for a playful presentation. You can also layer it with crushed candy or cake crumbs for an indulgent sundae experience that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store the ice cream in an airtight container in your freezer. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly or wrap the container with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and keep that fresh flavor locked in.
Freezing
This Mountain Dew Ice Cream Recipe freezes beautifully and maintains its creamy texture when stored properly. Allowing it to freeze for at least 6 hours ensures it’s firm yet scoopable, ready whenever you want a refreshing pick-me-up.
Reheating
Since this is a frozen treat, reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, simply let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes before scooping to soften it and bring out the full flavor and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this ice cream without food coloring?
Absolutely! The food coloring simply enhances the vibrant green look, but the flavor will still shine through without it. Your ice cream will be a bit paler but just as delicious.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
No ice cream maker needed here! The whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk create a creamy texture without the need for churning. It’s super simple and perfect for beginners or anyone without special equipment.
How long does this ice cream last in the freezer?
For the best flavor and texture, try to enjoy your Mountain Dew Ice Cream within 1 to 2 weeks. After that, it might start to develop ice crystals or lose some creaminess.
Can I use diet Mountain Dew or another citrus soda?
While you can experiment with different sodas, the full-sugar Mountain Dew balances sweetness and flavor best in this recipe. Diet sodas may alter the texture or sweetness level.
Is this recipe very sweet?
This ice cream has a fun balance of sweetness and tartness from the condensed milk and Mountain Dew, making it refreshing rather than overly sugary. It’s perfect for those who love a zesty twist on a traditional creamy dessert.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mountain Dew Ice Cream Recipe enough if you want to wow your taste buds with something playful, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor. It’s a simple recipe with bold results that’s sure to be a favorite in your household or at your next gathering. Go ahead, give it a try, and treat yourself to a scoop of fun!
Print
Mountain Dew Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This refreshing Mountain Dew Ice Cream recipe combines the fizzy citrus flavor of Mountain Dew with creamy whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk to create a colorful, no-churn frozen treat that’s perfect for summer or any fun occasion. The addition of gel food coloring gives it a vibrant green hue reminiscent of the iconic soda.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 1 Cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 Cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 Cup Mountain Dew
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coloring
- 2 teaspoons green gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon yellow gel food coloring
Instructions
- Beat Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream until it begins to thicken and soft peaks form.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate the sweetened condensed milk, Mountain Dew, vanilla extract, green gel food coloring, and yellow gel food coloring into the thickened cream. Continue beating at medium speed until all ingredients are fully combined and stiff peaks form, indicating a firm, fluffy mixture.
- Transfer to Container: Spoon the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container or loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and absorb odors.
- Freeze: Place the covered container in the freezer for at least 6 hours or until the mixture is completely frozen and firm.
- Prepare to Serve: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.
- Add Optional Toppings: Top with sprinkles or freshly chopped nuts if desired, adding extra texture and visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the Mountain Dew Ice Cream into bowls or cones and enjoy this deliciously unique frozen dessert.
Notes
- This is a no-churn ice cream recipe, so no ice cream maker is needed.
- Adjust the amount of Mountain Dew for a stronger or milder citrus flavor.
- Gel food coloring is used to achieve vibrant colors without altering the texture.
- Letting the ice cream sit a few minutes before scooping improves texture and ease of serving.
- Store leftover ice cream tightly covered in the freezer to maintain freshness.
- For a vegan variation, substitute coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk, but Mountain Dew contains non-vegan ingredients.
