Looking for more ice cream recipes? Try brownie ice cream, chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, and rolled ice cream. This ice cream is what I call kid and adult-approved. Not only is it fun for kids, but it’s genuinely a delicious frozen dessert. It’s just as easy to make as regular ice cream, but boy does it look impressive.

Why I love this recipe

Quick and easy. The instructions are easy to follow, and you can prepare them in less than an hour. Everyone adores it. Want a simple ice cream recipe that both kids and adults will love? This ticks all the boxes. Just 4 ingredients. Yes, you read that right: all you need is cream, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Fun to make. We always make this ice cream when we have friends over, and the kids love helping us make it.

Ingredients needed

Whipping cream. Also known as heavy cream or double cream, you must use the full-fat variety. Condensed milk. Adds sweetness and thickness.   Vanilla extract. To add a subtle flavor throughout.  Food coloring. Red, blue, and yellow food coloring. 

How to make superman ice cream

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Superman Ice Cream is a tri-color dessert that uses the signature colors of everyone’s favorite superhero: blue, red, and yellow. It was first made in the Midwest United States but soon became popular worldwide for its fun, kid-friendly appearance. But alas, beneath the vibrant hues is a simple vanilla ice cream base, but the colors make it such a treat. Step 1- Prep. Place the loaf pan and mixing bowl in the freezer for 30 minutes. Step 2- Make the ice cream base. Once chilled, remove the bowl from the freezer. Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed milk and vanilla extract. Step 3- Combine ingredients. Gradually fold through the condensed milk mix into the whipped cream. Step 4- Add color. Evenly distribute the ice cream mix amongst 3 small bowls. Add food coloring to each one and mix well. Step 5- Finish and freeze. Remove the loaf pan from the freezer and drop dollops of each color throughout. Cover the pan and place back into the freezer until frozen and easy to scoop.

Arman’s recipe tips

Avoid adding too much food coloring. Since the ice cream will naturally darken as it chills.  Chill the cream. Just like with freezing the bowls in advance, using cold cream and condensed milk will make blending the ice cream way easier.  Make vegan ice cream. Use vegan cream and canned coconut milk.  Add mix-ins. Why stop at the fun colors? Add some mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or cookie chunks!

Storage instructions

To freeze: Store leftover ice cream in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid refreezing since that will lead to the formation of ice crystals.  While the overall flavor is vanilla, you can add flavor extracts to the different colors to change it up. Here are some ideas: 

Blue – Blueberry, blue vanilla, and blue raspberry.  Red – Cherry, strawberry, bubble gum, and black cherry.  Yellow – Lemon, banana, and custard. 

More frozen desserts to try

Peanut butter ice cream Kulfi Keto ice cream Avocado ice cream Matcha ice cream

Originally published July 2022, updated and republished March 2024

4 Ingredient Superman Ice Cream  - 794 Ingredient Superman Ice Cream  - 354 Ingredient Superman Ice Cream  - 584 Ingredient Superman Ice Cream  - 574 Ingredient Superman Ice Cream  - 29