Copycat Blue Bell King Cake Ice Cream Recipe

There’s something magical about the flavors of king cake, the gooey cinnamon, the creamy vanilla, and those bright, festive sprinkles. Inspired by those Louisiana parades and family gatherings, I decided to whip up a Blue Bell King Cake Ice Cream in my own kitchen.

What Is Blue Bell King Cake Ice Cream?

Blue Bell King Cake Ice Cream, also known as Mardi Gras King Cake, is a special, limited-edition flavor from Blue Bell Creameries.

Ingredients:

For The Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For The King Cake Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup cinnamon cake (store-bought or homemade), cubed
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Purple, green, and gold/yellow candy sprinkles

For The Cinnamon Swirl:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Prepare The Ice Cream Base:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
2. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–30 minutes), until thick and creamy.

Make The Cream Cheese Swirl:

1. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Set aside for swirling later.

Create The Cinnamon Swirl:

1. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
2. Set aside.

Assemble Mix-Ins:

1. Cube your cinnamon cake into bite-sized pieces.
2. Gather the candy sprinkles.

Combine And Layer:

1. Once the ice cream has finished churning, transfer half to a freezer-safe container.
2. Dollop or spread half the cream cheese mixture over the ice cream, drizzle half the cinnamon swirl, and sprinkle with cake pieces and candy sprinkles.
3. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and toppings in layers.
4. Use a butter knife to swirl everything together for that signature king cake look, gently.

1. Freeze: Cover and freeze the container for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight, until firm.
2. Serve: Scoop into bowls and top with extra sprinkles for true Mardi Gras flair.

Tips For Blue Bell King Cake Ice Cream Success:

• Chill Everything: For creamier ice cream, make sure your base mixture is cold before churning.
• Cake Choices: Use cinnamon swirl pound cake or coffee cake for authentic flavor and texture.
• Swirl Techniques: Don’t over-mix once your swirls and mix-ins are added; you want distinct ribbons of flavor.
• Storage: Keep the ice cream well-covered to prevent iciness.
• Personal Touch: Add colorful beads or a tiny toy to a single scoop for a surprise, just like the real king cake tradition (but only for adults and with care!).

What To Serve With

• Classic King Cake Slices: Pair a scoop with a slice of traditional Mardi Gras king cake. The cake’s fluffy, cinnamon-studded dough and sweet glaze complement the ice cream’s creamy texture. Guests can enjoy the flavors echoed in both treats, creating a doubly festive experience.
• Waffle Bowls or Cones: Serve the ice cream in crispy waffle bowls or cones for a delightful crunch. The warm, buttery flavor intensifies the cinnamon notes in the ice cream, and the presentation feels special for parties or family gatherings.
• Fresh Fruit: Offer bowls of sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries alongside your ice cream. Fruit brings a refreshing brightness to rich, spiced flavors and adds healthy color to your dessert table.
• Cinnamon Shortbread or Sugar Cookies: Plating King Cake Ice Cream with cinnamon shortbread cookies or classic sugar cookies is a lovely touch. Use Mardi Gras-themed cookie cutters (crowns, masks, fleur-de-lis) for an extra dose of New Orleans spirit.
• Coffee or Chicory Café au Lait: Coffee, especially southern-style chicory coffee, pairs beautifully with king cake flavors. The slightly bitter undertones balance the sweetness of the ice cream and create a cozy, café-style mood.
• Candied Pecans or Pralines: Scatter candied pecans or pieces of praline over each serving. Their crunchy texture and nutty depth accentuate the king cake’s base flavor, elevating the dessert into something truly decadent.
• Mardi Gras Milkshakes: Blend King Cake Ice Cream with a splash of milk for Mardi Gras milkshakes. Rim glasses with colored sugar or sprinkles and top with whipped cream for a lively party treat.
• Festive Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with colored sprinkles, mini marshmallows, cream cheese drizzle, and edible gold glitter. This lets everyone customize their scoops and brings out all the playful fun of Mardi Gras.
• Bread Pudding: Vinous, warm bread pudding is a classic southern dessert that pairs beautifully with cold, creamy King Cake Ice Cream. The contrast in temperatures and textures is truly decadent.

Health Benefits

• Source of Calcium: Like other dairy-based ice creams, Blue Bell King Cake Ice Cream contains milk and cream, both natural sources of calcium. Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth, and it also plays a role in nerve and muscle function.
• Provides Protein: Ice cream’s dairy content supplies some protein, which helps build and repair body tissues, supports healthy hair and skin, and is vital for overall body function. One serving of ice cream usually contains around 2–4 grams of Protein.
• Supplies Energy: The sugar and fat in King Cake Ice Cream provide a quick energy boost. This can be useful after physical activity, or as a treat to lift your spirits and mental energy during special celebrations.
• Mood Enhancement: Treating yourself to a favorite dessert like King Cake Ice Cream can boost your mood and provide psychological comfort. The sweet, celebratory flavors and associations with Mardi Gras festivities can increase feelings of happiness and relaxation. Enjoying dessert with friends and family also promotes social bonding.

Final Thoughts

So, as you indulge in Blue Bell King Cake Ice Cream, remember that you’re tasting more than just rich flavors, you’re partaking in a culinary celebration that honors festivity, community, and those sweet moments that make life memorable.

More Ice Cream Recipes:

• Copycat Dairy Queen Oreo Snowdrift Blizzard Recipe
• Homemade Dr Pepper Strawberry Milkshake Recipe

Blue Bell King Cake Ice Cream

Print

Serves: 5 Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cooking Time: 0 Minute 0 Minute

Nutrition facts: 360 calories 18 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

For The Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For The King Cake Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup cinnamon cake (store-bought or homemade), cubed
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Purple, green, and gold/yellow candy sprinkles

For The Cinnamon Swirl:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare The Ice Cream Base:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
2. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–30 minutes), until thick and creamy.

Make The Cream Cheese Swirl:

1. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Set aside for swirling later.

Create The Cinnamon Swirl:

1. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
2. Set aside.

Assemble Mix-Ins:

1. Cube your cinnamon cake into bite-sized pieces.
2. Gather the candy sprinkles.

Combine And Layer:

1. Once the ice cream has finished churning, transfer half to a freezer-safe container.
2. Dollop or spread half the cream cheese mixture over the ice cream, drizzle half the cinnamon swirl, and sprinkle with cake pieces and candy sprinkles.
3. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and toppings in layers.
4. Use a butter knife to swirl everything together for that signature king cake look, gently.

1. Freeze: Cover and freeze the container for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight, until firm.
2. Serve: Scoop into bowls and top with extra sprinkles for true Mardi Gras flair.