Craving a fun and nostalgic frozen treat? This homemade Ninja Creami cotton candy ice cream recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with the classic carnival flavor we all love.
Just like bubble gum ice cream, this one is a kid favorite. The bright colors and sweet cotton candy flavor make it irresistible!
I used my vanilla base recipe as the foundation. Then, I added Lorann Oil’s cotton candy flavoring for that classic taste.
Extracting cotton candy is not an option, but this extract gives all the flavor without extra sugar. It’s just right!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This?
- What is Cotton Candy Flavor?
- 🛒Ingredients
- Substitution and Additions
- How to Make Cotton Candy Ice Cream?
- 🍒Fun Mix-Ins and Topping Ideas
- Flavor Variations to Try
- How to Store Leftovers
- 👪Serving Size
- 🌀Tools You’ll Need
- Tips for Success
- FAQ: Your Ice Cream Questions Answered
- Related Recipes
- Ninja Creami Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe
Why You'll Love This?
- No pudding mix or gums – Just simple, quality ingredients.
- Made with a Ninja Creami – No ice cream machine needed!
- Fun colors – You can make it pink, blue, or both.
- Rich and creamy – Thanks to the half-and-half and condensed milk.
- Kid-approved – A guaranteed hit for the whole family!
What is Cotton Candy Flavor?
Cotton candy flavor is sweet and slightly fruity. It reminds you of the fluffy treat at fairs and carnivals.
The taste comes from a mix of vanilla, raspberry, and sometimes a hint of citrus. It’s light but distinct. It’s pure nostalgia in ice cream form!
🛒Ingredients
- Half-and-half – Creates a rich, creamy texture.
- Cottage cheese – Adds creaminess and protein.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Gives the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste – Enhances the flavor.
- Cotton candy flavoring (Lorann Oils recommended) – The key to that classic taste.
- Red and Blue food Coloring (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitution and Additions
- Replace half-and-half with equal parts heavy cream and whole milk.
- Use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese for a slight tang.
- Add mix-ins like mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips.
- Try natural food coloring if you prefer to avoid artificial dyes.
How to Make Cotton Candy Ice Cream?
- Blend – Mix all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
- Freeze – Pour half of the mixture into each of two Ninja Creami pint containers. Add 1–2 drops of blue food coloring to one pint and 1–2 drops of red (or pink) to the other. Mix. Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.
- Spin – Use "ice cream" mode on your Ninja Creami to spin the ice cream.
- Respin if needed – If too crumbly, add a splash of milk and respin.
- Scoop & Serve – Scoop half of one color and half of the other for a classic cotton candy swirl. Serve and enjoy!
🍒Fun Mix-Ins and Topping Ideas
- Sprinkles 🎉 – Adds a pop of color and crunch.
- Mini marshmallows ☁️ – A fun, soft addition.
- White chocolate chips 🍫 – A creamy, sweet contrast.
- Crushed cotton candy 🍭 – Extra cotton candy flavor and texture.
- Gummy bears 🐻 – A chewy surprise in every bite.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Strawberry Cotton Candy – Add strawberry extract for a fruity twist.
- Blue Raspberry Cotton Candy – Use blue raspberry extract.
- Cotton Candy Crunch – Stir in crushed sugar cookies for texture.
- Cotton Candy Cheesecake – Add a bit of cream cheese for a tangy taste.
- Cotton Candy Caramel – Drizzle with caramel for extra sweetness.
How to Store Leftovers
- Flatten the ice cream before freezing to make respinning easier.
- Thaw slightly before eating or use your microwave’s ice cream setting.
- Respin in the Ninja Creami for the best texture.
- Avoid mix-ins before freezing – They’ll get crushed during the spin.
👪Serving Size
This recipe is designed for the Ninja Creami Deluxe, making 4 servings per batch.
🌀Tools You’ll Need
- Blender: Makes mixing ingredients effortless.
- Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker: The star of the show, perfect for creating creamy, smooth ice cream.
- Ninja Creami Pint Container: The pint container is essential for freezing and churning your ice cream mix.
Tips for Success
- If crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and respin.
- Flatten leftovers to keep the blade safe during respinning.
- Taste the base before freezing – It should be slightly sweeter than desired.
- Freeze on a level surface – Prevents uneven textures.
FAQ: Your Ice Cream Questions Answered
What is the flavoring in cotton candy ice cream?
It’s usually a mix of vanilla, raspberry, and a hint of citrus.
Is cotton candy healthier than ice cream?
Cotton candy is just sugar, while ice cream has fats and protein. Ice cream is more filling.
Is cotton candy ice cream just vanilla?
No, it has a fruity, slightly tangy taste in addition to vanilla.
Is cotton candy ice cream popular?
Yes! It’s a childhood favorite and a nostalgic treat for many.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Ninja Creami Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe
Craving a fun and nostalgic frozen treat? This homemade Ninja Creami cotton candy ice cream recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with the classic carnival flavor we all love.
Equipment
- 1 Ninja Creami Deluxe
- 24 ounces Ninja Creami Container Pint
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups Half and half
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract/ vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavor i used Lorann oils
- 1-2 drops Food color (red)
- 1-2 drops Food color (blue)
Instructions
- Blend – Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Freeze – Pour half of the mixture into each of two Ninja Creami pint containers. Add 1–2 drops of blue food coloring to one pint and 1–2 drops of red (or pink) to the other. Mix. Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.
- Spin – Use ice cream mode on your Ninja Creami to churn each pint separately.
- Respin if needed – If the texture is crumbly, add a splash of milk and respin.
- Scoop & Serve – Scoop half of one color and half of the other for a classic cotton candy swirl. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and respin.
- Flatten leftovers to keep the blade safe during respinning.
- Taste the base before freezing – It should be slightly sweeter than desired.
- Freeze on a level surface – Prevents uneven textures.
Rose Sioson says
My family absolutely loved this cotton candy ice cream! The flavor was spot on—sweet, creamy, and perfectly reminiscent of our favorite carnival treat. The texture was so smooth, and the vibrant color made it even more fun to eat. It was a huge hit with both the kids and adults!I hope you all enjoy it just as much. Let me know if you try it!