How To Turn Your Ice Cream Into Bubble Gum – A Simple Guide!

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup bubble gum flavoring
• Pink food coloring (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• Silicone mold or baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Ice cream maker

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sugar Mixture:

• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

2. Cook to Hard-Crack Stage:

• Continue cooking the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches the hard-crack stage (300°F on a candy thermometer).

3. Remove from Heat and Add Flavoring:

• Once the mixture reaches hard-crack stage, remove it from the heat immediately.
• Stir in vanilla extract and bubble gum flavoring.

4. Add Food Coloring (Optional):

• If desired, add pink food coloring and stir until the desired color is achieved.

5. Pour into Mold or Sheet:

• Line a silicone mold or baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Pour the hot sugar mixture into the prepared mold or sheet.

6. Let Cool and Set:

• Allow the mixture to cool for several hours, or until it has hardened and become brittle.

7. Break into Pieces:

• Once the mixture has hardened, break it into small pieces.

8. Churn in Ice Cream Maker:

• Place the broken pieces of ice cream bubble gum into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

9. Freeze and Enjoy:

• Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings.
• Do not overcook the sugar mixture, as it will become bitter.
• If the mixture crystallizes, add a small amount of water and reheat until dissolved.
• Allow the ice cream bubble gum to fully cool before breaking into pieces, as it will be very hot.
• For a more intense bubble gum flavor, use a concentrated flavoring extract.

Variations:

• Add other flavors, such as strawberry, blueberry, or grape, to the sugar mixture.
• Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or chocolate chips over the ice cream bubble gum before churning.
• Use a combination of bubble gum and other candy flavors, such as fruit loops or sour patch kids.

Final Touches:

• Serve the ice cream bubble gum with whipped cream, sprinkles, or chocolate sauce.
• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat.
• Package the ice cream bubble gum in individual bags for easy snacking.

Beyond the Basics:

Troubleshooting:

• If the ice cream bubble gum is too hard, add a little bit of milk or cream and churn again.
• If the ice cream bubble gum is too soft, freeze it for a longer period of time.
• If the ice cream bubble gum has a gritty texture, it may not have been cooked to the correct temperature.

Advanced Techniques:

• Use a silicone mold to create fun and unique shapes for your ice cream bubble gum.
• Experiment with different flavor combinations to create your own signature creations.
• Use a freeze-drying machine to create a crispy and airy ice cream bubble gum.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use regular corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
A: Yes, but it may result in a slightly darker color.

Q: What is the shelf life of ice cream bubble gum?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the freezer, ice cream bubble gum can last for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make ice cream bubble gum without an ice cream maker?
A: Yes, you can freeze the sugar mixture in a freezer-safe container and stir it every hour until it reaches the desired consistency.