Dairy Queen’s Blizzard has long been a popular summer treat, celebrated for its creamy soft serve blended with a variety of delicious toppings. While some of the chain’s Blizzards are available year-round, others are limited-time specials that disappear as the seasons change. However, if you’re unable to get to a DQ or want to recreate your favorite seasonal flavor at home, there’s an easy way to do so—using a stand mixer.
To start, the key to making a Blizzard-style dessert at home is ensuring your ice cream stays firm and creamy during the mixing process. First, place a metal mixing bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This simple step helps prevent your ice cream from becoming too runny when blended. After chilling the bowl, add your choice of ice cream. While hard ice cream won’t replicate the soft texture of Dairy Queen’s signature base, it still provides a similar flavor profile and the flexibility to choose your own flavors, such as chocolate or vanilla.
Next, attach the paddle attachment to your stand mixer, and begin mixing the ice cream on low speed for about a minute. Once it’s slightly softened, add your crushed mix-ins, such as cookie dough, candy pieces, or fruits, and mix again until fully incorporated. The stand mixer is ideal for this task, as it can evenly distribute the add-ins without over-processing or pulverizing them, unlike a food processor or blender. A blender, while capable of creating a smooth texture, would turn your Blizzard into more of a milkshake, which may not be the desired outcome. Additionally, both food processors and blenders generate heat that could melt the ice cream too quickly.
Once you’ve perfected the method, you can experiment with different add-ins like sauces, spreads, and crunchy toppings. It’s important to choose an ice cream with a light, airy texture, rather than a dense, premium brand. This ensures the soft, fluffy mouthfeel typical of a Dairy Queen Blizzard rather than a heavy, chunky texture.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a homemade Blizzard any time of year—no Dairy Queen required.
You Might Be Interested In:
