Fruity Pebbles Ice Cream Recipe – A Cereal Lover’s Dream
This homemade fruity pebbles™ ice cream recipe combines everyone’s favorite cereal, fruity pebbles with creamy vanilla ice cream. A cereal lover’s dream come true! And, if you are looking for other cereal recipes check out cinnamon toast crunch and captain crunch french toast.
I must confess, I have a major sweet tooth! And, this recipe is perfectly sweet. I love the crunch of the cereal mixed with the creamy ice cream. The kids LOVE this dessert and so do I. So fun and colorful.
What is fruity pebble ice cream?
Fruity Pebble™ ice cream is a delicious frozen dessert that combines the flavors of Fruity Pebbles cereal with ice cream. It typically starts with a vanilla ice cream base mixed with crushed Fruity Pebbles cereal steeped in the ice cream base. The cereal pieces add a crunchy texture and fruity flavor to the creamy ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun for all ages: This ice cream recipe appeals to kids and adults. It’s a delightful nostalgia trip for those who grew up enjoying Fruity Pebbles™ cereal and a playful, colorful treat that kids will adore. It’s a fun and colorful dessert that’s perfect for kids and the young at heart.
- Crunchy Texture: The Fruity Pebble™ crunch mix-in adds a satisfying crunch to the creamy ice cream. It creates a contrast in texture that many people find enjoyable.
- Irresistible Taste: The taste of Fruity Pebbles™ Ice Cream is a delightful blend of sweet vanilla and the fruity goodness of Fruity Pebbles cereal.
- Easy to make: This recipe takes a little time to chill the ingredients, but it is not hard to make. Allow the time needed to chill the ice cream base and freeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need & Why
- Heavy Whipping Cream & Whole Milk: These dairy ingredients provide the creamy base for the ice cream. Heavy cream contributes richness, while whole milk adds a smooth and balanced texture.
- Fruity Pebbles™: The star of the show! Everyone’s favorite cereal, Fruity Pebbles™, infuses the ice cream with its vibrant fruity flavor and adds colorful specks.
- Sugar: Sugar sweetens the ice cream, striking the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the fruity cereal’s flavor.
- Kosher Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor and adds depth to the taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract imparts a classic vanilla flavor to the ice cream.
- Milk powder: Milk powder helps improve the ice cream’s creaminess and texture, acting as a stabilizer. I came across this informational post, about ice cream stabilizers, from Serious Eats. The author of the article, Max explains using milk powder brings in some protein, which not only adds creaminess but also gives the ice cream that delightful chewiness. And here’s the science behind it: powdered milk is like a sponge; it absorbs water. And when you’re making ice cream, less water freezing into ice means a smoother, creamier end result. All you need is a simple whisk to incorporate it, and you’re on your way to a better ice cream texture! You can find powdered milk in the baking section in the grocery store. I use the Carnation brand.
Fruity Pebble Crunch Mix-In:
- Fruity Pebbles™: More Fruity Pebbles™ cereal is used in the mix-in to maintain the fruity flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
- Powdered milk: Milk powder creates clusters in the mix-in, enhancing its texture and flavor.
- Kosher Salt: A small amount of salt in the mix-in enhances the taste and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the dry ingredients in the mix-in, creating clusters and adding a rich, buttery flavor.
What is the best ice cream machine for home?
I’ve been having a blast with my ice cream maker in my kitchen, and I think you will too! While those no-churn recipes are handy, there’s something uniquely satisfying about crafting your very own churned ice cream. It’s like a culinary adventure for food enthusiasts like us, a chance to explore new flavors and ingredients – that’s where the foodie fun truly begins!
Now, let’s talk ice cream makers. I did some thorough research, just like I know you appreciate, and read through countless reviews. After all that, I settled on the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. It’s not only budget-friendly but also has far exceeded my expectations. Get ready for some exciting homemade ice cream creations!
How to make Fruity Pebble™ Ice Cream
1. Steep the Milk:
- In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, combine 2 cups of chilled heavy cream and 1 cup of chilled whole milk.
- Crush 2 cups (100 grams) of Fruity Pebbles™ cereal to a coarse sand or gravel texture and then steep them in the milk and cream mixture.
2. Let it Steep:
- Allow the mixture to steep for 20 minutes at room temperature. This will infuse the milk with the fruity cereal flavor.
3. Strain and Mix:
- After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl, collecting the milk while leaving behind the cereal.
- Use the back of a large spoon to press the milk out of the cereal, but avoid forcing the mushy cereal through the sieve.
- Whisk in 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of non-fat milk powder into the fruity pebble-flavored milk. This creates the ice cream base.
4. Refrigerate:
- Refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
5. Prepare the Fruity Pebble Crunch:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of Fruity Pebbles™ cereal, 2 tablespoons of milk powder, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Toss the mixture to coat the cereal evenly with the butter. The butter will act as glue, creating small clusters.
- Spread the clusters on a parchment or silpat-lined sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes or until they appear toasted and smell buttery. Set aside.
6. Churn the Milk: Take the chilled Fruity Pebble™ milk mixture and churn it according to your ice cream maker’s instructions.
- Drop in a couple of drops of pink food coloring. I used AmeriColor fuchsia to make it the pink color. The color is a little unappealing, so giving it a little color is nice.
7. Add the Crunch: Once the churning is complete, fold in 1/2 cup of the Fruity Pebble™ crunch you prepared earlier. You will have extra fruity pebble™ crunch to top your ice cream or munch!
Freeze: Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 4-5 hours or overnight.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure your heavy cream and whole milk are thoroughly chilled before use. Cold ingredients help in whipping up the cream, making it fluffy and airy. When you churn the mixture, it helps incorporate air more efficiently, leading to a smoother and creamier texture.
- Crush Cereal Mindfully: When crushing the Fruity Pebbles™ cereal, aim for coarse sand or gravel-like texture. This ensures that the cereal flavor is evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
- Steeping for Flavor: Allowing the crushed cereal to steep in the milk and cream mixture for at least 20 minutes is essential. This process infuses the ice cream base with the fruity flavor of Fruity Pebbles, enhancing its taste.
- Straining the Mixture: When straining the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, be gentle. Use the back of a large spoon to press the liquid out of the cereal without forcing any mushy bits through the sieve.
- Balancing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. This ice cream is rather sweet, I think the 1/2 cup is a perfect amount, but you could add less.
- Properly Cool the Crunch Mix-In: Allow the Fruity Pebble™ crunch mix-in to cool completely before using it in the ice cream. This prevents it from melting the ice cream.
- Churning Process: Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions for churning. This will help achieve the right texture. Over-churning can result in a dense ice cream, so pay attention to the recommended time.
- Mix-Ins Timing: Add the Fruity Pebble™ crunch mix-in after churning, just before transferring the ice cream to the freezer. This ensures that the cereal clusters remain crunchy and intact.
- Storage: Place the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness. You can also place plastic wrap directly on the ice cream’s surface to minimize ice crystal formation.
Storage Tips
- Airtight Container: Transfer the freshly churned ice cream into an airtight container with a lid. Ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the ice cream without leaving too much empty space, as excess air can lead to freezer burn.
- Freezer Placement: Store the container in the coldest part of your freezer, typically towards the back. Please don’t put it near the freezer door, as temperature fluctuations can affect the ice cream’s consistency.
- Label and Date: If you plan to store the ice cream for an extended period, label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Ice cream is best consumed within 1-2 months.
- Use an Ice Cream Tub: If you frequently make homemade ice cream, consider investing in ice cream storage tubs designed to store frozen desserts. These containers often have tight-fitting lids designed to keep ice cream fresher for longer.
- Consume Promptly: For the best quality, consume homemade Fruity Pebbles Ice Cream within two weeks. Store-bought ice creams typically last longer due to preservatives, but it’s always best to check the expiration date.
FAQ’s
You can use other cereals instead of Fruity Pebbles™ for the ice cream recipe. However, the taste and texture will change based on your chosen cereal. For example, using Cocoa Pebbles would give you a chocolatey twist, while something like Cinnamon Toast Crunch would add a spicy, cinnamon flavor to your ice cream. Remember that the cereal should complement the ice cream base you’re using. Experimenting with different cereals can be fun to create new and exciting flavors!
Fruity Pebbles™ has a sweet, fruity flavor that mixes fruit flavors like cherry, lemon, orange, and grape.
Cocoa PEBBLES™ is the chocolate version of Fruity Pebbles™
Yes, you can add toppings to your Fruity Pebbles Ice Cream. Besides the crushed Fruity Pebbles that go on top of the ice cream before it sets, you can also add other toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, or even more cereal if you like.
The Fruity Pebbles™ Ice Cream is homemade so it will taste different from store-bought ice cream. It has a unique fruity pebbles flavor you won’t find in regular ice cream flavors. The texture is creamy, similar to soft-serve ice cream. It’s a fun and delicious treat that cereal lovers will enjoy.
To infuse the ice cream with fruity pebbles flavor, you start by making cereal milk. Let the cereal soak in milk for 20 minutes.
Let me know if you try this delicious Fruity Pebble™ ice cream recipe! Leave a comment, and if your family loves it as much as mine, give it a five-star ⭐️ rating! Subscribe to our mailing list to receive more delicious recipes.
Fruity Pebble Ice Cream
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, chilled
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, chilled
- 2 cups (100 grams) Fruity Pebbles cereal
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
- 2 tablespoons non-fat powdered milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use the same weight or half as much by volume
For the Fruity Pebble Crunch Mix-in:
- 1 1/4 cups (60 grams) Fruity Pebbles cereal
- 2 tablespoons (10 grams) milk powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use about half as much by volume or the same weight
- 3 tablespoons (43 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Ice Cream Base:
- In a medium-sized bowl or large measuring cup, mix together the chilled heavy cream and whole milk.
- Use your hands to crush 2 cups of Fruity Pebbles until they reach a coarse sand-like texture.
- Add the crushed Fruity Pebbles to the milk and cream mixture, stirring well.
- Let the mixture steep for 20 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld.
Strain and Season the Milk:
- Place a fine-mesh sieve over a medium-sized bowl.
- Carefully strain the milk mixture, collecting the infused milk in the bowl below.
- Using the back of a spoon, press gently on the Fruity Pebbles to extract as much liquid as possible, but avoid forcing the cereal mush through the sieve.
- To the collected milk, whisk in the sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and non-fat milk powder.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill thoroughly.
Make the Fruity Pebble Crunch:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 1 1/4 cups of Fruity Pebbles, milk powder, and salt.
- Add the melted butter to the bowl and toss everything together. The butter will help form small clusters of the cereal mix.
- Spread these clusters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the clusters look toasted and smell buttery.
- Allow the crunch to cool completely before using or storing. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge or freezer for up to a month.
- You will have extra to-top ice cream and to snack on!
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Prepare your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Pour the chilled Fruity Pebble milk mixture into the ice cream maker and churn until it reaches the consistency of soft serve.
- While the machine is running, drop in a couple of drops of food coloring.
- Remove the churned ice cream and fold in 1/2 cup Fruity Pebble crunch.
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight. I recommend overnight.
- Top with the extra fruity pebbles crunch, whipped cream or easy homemade salted caramel sauce.
Notes
Storage Tips
-
- Airtight Container: Transfer the freshly churned ice cream into an airtight container with a lid. Ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the ice cream without leaving too much empty space, as excess air can lead to freezer burn.
-
- Freezer Placement: Store the container in the coldest part of your freezer, typically towards the back. Please don’t put it near the freezer door, as temperature fluctuations can affect the ice cream’s consistency.
-
- Label and Date: If you plan to store the ice cream for an extended period, label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Ice cream is best consumed within 1-2 months. It won’t last that long trust me.
-
- Use an Ice Cream Tub: If you frequently make homemade ice cream, consider investing in ice cream storage tubs for frozen desserts. These containers often have tight-fitting lids designed to keep ice cream fresher for longer.
