Name: Stargazer Cotton Candy Ice Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream (Cold); 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (Room temperature, 14 oz); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Or more to taste); 1 handful Cotton Candy (About 1 generous handful mixed into the base and extra for topping)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, whimsical, and delightfully nostalgic, Stargazer Cotton Candy Ice Cream is the kind of dessert that makes any ordinary day feel like a celebration. Imagine ultra-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth ice cream infused with clouds of cotton candy — a perfect treat for birthdays, summer evenings, or whenever you need a little sugar-spun joy. Fun fact: cotton candy was once called “fairy floss” and was invented by a dentist in the late 19th century — proof that dessert can still surprise us!

This recipe is special because it’s shockingly simple, takes only a few minutes of hands-on time, and delivers a show-stopping result that the whole family will adore. If you love quick, no-churn desserts, you’ll find it as satisfying as other favorites like our Stargazer Cotton Candy Ice Cream recipe page, which shares the same playful spirit. Grab your mixing bowl and cotton candy — you’re moments away from something magical.

What is Stargazer Cotton Candy Ice Cream?

What’s in a name? Stargazer Cotton Candy Ice Cream sounds like a treat invented by someone who loves looking up at the night sky while eating sweet clouds — and that’s the vibe. Why “Stargazer”? Maybe it’s because the pastel swirls look like tiny galaxies, or maybe it’s because every scoop inspires a wish. Who knows — but doesn’t that make you smile?

Is it for kids? Absolutely. Is it for grown-ups who never outgrew their sweet tooth? Definitely. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Ready to make a little magic? Try this recipe and see which stargazer in your life lights up first.

Why You’ll Love This

Whimsical Flavor and Texture: Each spoonful is airy, creamy, and slightly sweet with the unmistakable cotton candy taste that melts on the tongue. The texture is light and velvety, not icy like some homemade ice creams.
Cost-Effective Homemade Treat: Store-bought novelty flavors can be pricey. This recipe uses just a few pantry staples to create a bakery-quality dessert at a fraction of the cost.
Crowd-Pleasing and Customizable: Add sprinkles, flavored cotton candy, or a drizzle of hot fudge to make it your own — it’s perfect for parties, holidays, and simple weeknight delights.

If you enjoy this style of no-churn dessert, also check out other easy frozen treats on the blog to keep your freezer stocked with fun. Don’t wait — whip up a batch and taste the stargazing magic.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This no-churn ice cream is delightfully easy: whip cream to soft peaks, fold in sweetened condensed milk with vanilla and cotton candy, then freeze. It delivers a creamy, cloud-like texture with the playful flavor of carnival cotton candy. Hands-on time is about 10 minutes, and freezing time is at least 4 hours.

Approximate times:
Preparation: 10 minutes
Freezing: 4+ hours
Total: about 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract, or more to taste
Cotton candy, about 1 generous handful mixed into the base and extra for topping (use flavored cotton candy for color and taste variations)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). The cream should hold gentle peaks but still be light and fluffy.
In another bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a handful of cotton candy until fully combined. Stir gently so the cotton candy dissolves into the sweetened milk and colors it slightly.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cotton candy mixture, being careful not to deflate the airiness. Use a spatula and fold in thirds until evenly combined.
Pour the mixture into an airtight container, smooth the top, and cover. Tap lightly to remove any large air pockets.
Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm. For best texture, let sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes before scooping.
Scoop into bowls, top with extra cotton candy if desired, and enjoy!

Stargazer Cotton Candy Ice Cream

What to Serve With

Stargazer Cotton Candy Ice Cream is a dessert star on its own, but you can pair it to create a full experience:

Light, citrusy fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Crunchy shortbread cookies or graham crackers for texture contrast.
A simple espresso or cold brew for adults to cut through the sweetness.
Serve after a light, flavorful main like creamy garlic parmesan rice to keep the meal balanced — try the complementary creamy garlic parmesan rice for a crowd-pleasing dinner pairing.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use cold cream: For best whipping volume, chill the bowl and beaters briefly and keep the cream cold until whipping.
Dissolve cotton candy well: If the cotton candy doesn’t dissolve completely into the sweetened milk, warm the condensed milk slightly before mixing to help it incorporate.
Adjust sweetness: Cotton candy can be very sweet. If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, use a slightly smaller amount of cotton candy in the base and reserve extra for topping.
Color control: Pick neutral or pastel cotton candy colors if you prefer milder tones; bright neon colors can bleed more in the ice cream.
Avoid over-folding: Fold gently to keep the airiness; over-mixing will make the final texture heavier.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Freezing: Store the ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Press a sheet of parchment directly onto the surface before sealing to reduce freezer burn and crystal formation.
Shelf life: Properly stored, this ice cream will stay best for up to 2 weeks. After that, texture and flavor may decline.
Thawing: Remove from the freezer 3-5 minutes before scooping to soften for clean scoops. Avoid leaving out too long, as it can melt quickly.
Re-serving: Once scooped and exposed to room temperature, it should be eaten right away for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk provides sweetness and structure; substituting with regular milk and sugar will change texture. For a similar no-churn result, use another condensed milk alternative like coconut condensed milk.

Will the cotton candy melt in the mixture?
Yes — cotton candy melts into the sweetened condensed milk, creating flavor and color. Add extra cotton candy only as topping for visual effect.

Can I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try chilled coconut cream whipped to soft peaks and a dairy-free condensed milk alternative. Flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent ice crystals?
Keep the container airtight, press parchment on the surface, and freeze promptly. Don’t repeatedly thaw and refreeze the ice cream.

Can I add mix-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips?
Yes! Soft mix-ins like small sprinkles work best. Hard or large mix-ins can affect scoopability, so fold in sparingly.

Conclusion

This Stargazer Cotton Candy Ice Cream is easy, whimsical, and perfect for anyone who loves playful desserts that don’t require an ice cream maker. It’s a family-friendly, budget-conscious treat that delivers creamy texture and nostalgic flavor with minimal effort. Make a batch, invite friends or family, and enjoy a little starlit dessert moment together — and if you want more inspiration for ice cream flavors, check out Find Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavor at Stewart’s Shops!