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Ingredients
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Base Mix (per 6 servings)
Stabilizer (optional, improves texture & hold time)
Flavor Add-ins (choose one or more)
Serving & Garnish
Method
Base Mix (per 6 servings)
Combine dairy and dry ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder and 1 teaspoon kosher salt until smooth.
Add invert sugar and flavor
Stir in 1 tablespoon invert sugar or light corn syrup and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or the day's selected liquid flavor). If using cocoa powder or matcha, whisk them in now until fully combined and smooth. For coffee, dissolve 1 tablespoon espresso in a tablespoon of hot milk before adding.
Stabilizer (optional)
Bloom gelatin
If using gelatin, sprinkle 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin over 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl and let bloom for 3–5 minutes.
Incorporate gelatin
Gently rewarm a few tablespoons of the hot dairy mixture and whisk into the bloomed gelatin to dissolve, then whisk that back into the main mix. This ensures an even, stabilized texture.
Chill & Rest
Transfer the mixture to a heatproof container, cover, and cool to room temperature (~15 minutes), then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. Chilling is important for smooth whipping and proper soft-serve texture.
Flavor Add-ins
Incorporate fruit purée (if using)
If making a fruit-flavored soft serve, fold in up to 1 cup strained fruit purée after chilling. Taste and adjust sugar or acidity as needed. For concentrated flavors (matcha, cocoa), add the measured powders into the warm mixture earlier as directed; for caramel or swirls, reserve the sauce for post-freeze swirling.
Freezing in Soft-Serve Machine
Pour the chilled mixture into your soft-serve machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Freeze and aerate until the mixture reaches soft-serve consistency (typically 6–12 minutes depending on machine and batch size). Aim for a temperature around -6 to -4°C (21–25°F) inside the freezing cylinder.
If adding swirls (salted caramel, fruit ribbons), use the machine's swirl attachment or manually layer by partially dispensing, adding a thin ribbon of sauce, and continuing to dispense to create marbling.
Serve
Dispense soft serve into cones or cups. Garnish immediately with sprinkles, nuts or toffee bits as desired. Serve right away for the characteristic creamy, soft texture.
If holding in a hopper or dispenser, keep at recommended machine temperature and use within a few hours for best quality.