Quartermaster Recipe

Prepare jar rim

Chill the glass jar in the freezer for 5–10 minutes so frosting sets faster. Spoon the vanilla frosting into a shallow bowl. Press the jar rim straight into the frosting to coat about 1/2 inch of the outside rim, rotating so the frosting is even.

Immediately roll the frosted rim in the rainbow nonpareil sprinkles so they adhere. Set the jar upright on a tray and place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to let the frosting firm slightly.

Soften both ice creams slightly at room temperature for 3–5 minutes until scoopable but not melted. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, layer 1 cup cotton candy ice cream into the bottom of the chilled jar and press gently to eliminate large air gaps.

Add the 1 cup vanilla ice cream as the next layer, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon. Top with the remaining 1 cup cotton candy ice cream, creating a tall, slightly domed stack. Return jar to freezer for 10–15 minutes to firm the layers before assembling toppings.

Chill a mixing bowl and whisk/beaters for 5 minutes. Pour heavy cream into the bowl, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If using stabilizer, sprinkle it in now. Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 2–3 minutes). Do not overwhip — you want a fluffy, pipeable texture.

Transfer whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a tall swirl of whipped cream on top of the frozen ice cream mound, creating a platform for the cupcake and cotton candy cloud. Return to freezer for 2–3 minutes if needed so the cream holds shape.

Place the mini frosted vanilla cupcake on top of the whipped cream swirl, pressing gently so it sits securely.

Drape a small handful of cotton candy over and around the cupcake to form a cloud. Be careful — cotton candy will dissolve if it touches moisture; place it last or in a small nest so it remains intact.

Drizzle the pink and blue colored icings over the cotton candy and cupcake in thin streams. For a two-tone drizzle, alternate small amounts of each icing on a spoon and pour in short bursts.

Scatter the extra rainbow nonpareils over the whipped cream and cupcake. For extra effect, press a few nonpareils into the frosting rim if any spots are bare.

Quickly wipe any stray sprinkles off the jar sides with a dry pastry brush so presentation is clean. Serve immediately with a long spoon and straw. Note: cotton candy garnish is best enjoyed immediately; if preparing in advance, keep it separate and add at service.