Mountain Dew Ice Cream

This zingy Mountain Dew ice cream is a colorful cold treat that explodes with citrus flavor and is totally effortless to make at home without any fancy equipment. With just a handful of ingredients and zero need for an ice cream machine you can serve a bold neon dessert that surprises everyone with its creaminess and nostalgic soda kick. It quickly became my summer party secret and now I never show up without a pan in hand.

Every time I share this at a gathering people light up with childhood memories or excitement over the color. I love seeing the look on their faces when I reveal how simple it is to make.

Ingredients

• Mountain Dew: This is where the bold citrus flavor comes from Use full sugar not diet for creamy texture and maximum taste I like to reduce it first for extra intensity
• Heavy whipping cream: The base that creates luxurious scoopable ice cream Always use it cold for the best whip and choose brands with high butterfat
• Sweetened condensed milk: This acts as both sweetener and binder Buy a quality brand for the smoothest consistency
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and balances the citrus artificial vanilla works but real vanilla gives better depth
• Neon green food coloring: Optional for that signature soda-shop glow Just a couple drops is plenty Buy gel colors for more vibrant results
• Citrus sugar or green sanding sugar: Optional adds a sparkly citrusy finish I love a sprinkle for fun party vibes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chill Your Mixing Equipment:

Place a large mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for at least 10 minutes This helps the cream whip up extra airy and stable

Reduce the Mountain Dew:

Pour one cup of Mountain Dew into a small saucepan Simmer over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes until the liquid is halved and concentrated Let cool completely This step is optional but really boosts the finished flavor

Whip the Cream:

Pour cold heavy whipping cream into your chilled bowl Beat with a hand mixer on high until stiff peaks form This will take about 3 to 4 minutes You know it is ready when the cream holds its shape and does not slide off the beaters

Mix the Base:

In a separate large bowl whisk together the sweetened condensed milk vanilla extract cooled Mountain Dew and food coloring if using Blend until color is even and mixture is totally smooth

Fold the Whipped Cream:

Using a silicone spatula gently fold the whipped cream into the Mountain Dew mixture Work in thirds and take your time The goal is to keep everything as light and fluffy as possible with no visible cream streaks

Freeze the Mixture:

Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer safe dish Smooth the top with a spatula and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid Place in the freezer for a minimum of 5 hours until the ice cream is firm

Serve and Top:

Remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping Top with optional citrus sugar or sanding sugar for extra color and crunch

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Green is not just a color it is an attitude with this dessert My nephew once asked for this as his birthday cake and now I can never get away with bringing anything else

Storage Tips

Store this ice cream in a tightly sealed container in the freezer to maintain its rich creamy texture I recommend eating within two weeks for optimal freshness If ice crystals form just let the pan sit for a minute then scoop as usual It never lasts long with kids around

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in Mountain Dew flavors such as Code Red or Baja Blast for wild new colors and spins Do not use diet sodas since the texture can come out icy For extra tang mix in a little fresh lemon or lime juice The food coloring is totally optional if you prefer a more subtle pastel hue

Serving Suggestions

Scoop this straight into cones or bowls for an instant wow factor For a party duo sandwich scoops between shortbread cookies or float a ball on top of lemon lime soda Kids love this as a sundae bar base with gummies and colorful sprinkles

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Cultural and Historical Context

Soda fountain treats are a long standing American tradition but turning a soft drink into homemade ice cream puts a modern twist on nostalgic flavors Since Mountain Dew first appeared in the 1940s it has been popular in regional frozen desserts but no churn versions make it accessible to everyone with no special tools

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other sodas instead of Mountain Dew?

Yes, you can substitute with flavorful sodas like Code Red or Baja Blast for a different twist. Any citrus-based soda works well.

→ Why reduce the soda before using?

Simmering Mountain Dew concentrates its citrus flavor and minimizes excess liquid, creating a smoother, more flavorful frozen treat.

→ Is food coloring necessary?

No, the food coloring is optional. It simply adds a vibrant, neon-green hue and won’t impact taste or texture.

→ How long will this frozen dessert keep?

Store it in an airtight container in your freezer for up to two weeks without compromising texture or flavor.

→ Can I add extra citrus flavor?

Absolutely. A little lemon or lime zest boosts the zing and complements the already tangy Mountain Dew taste beautifully.