Chocolate and peanut butter are an iconic combination, and when paired together in ice cream form, they create the ultimate indulgence. If you’re a fan of this classic duo, then you’ll absolutely love this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream. With its creamy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and the nutty goodness of peanut butter, this homemade ice cream is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Not only is this dessert rich and flavorful, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make—no fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples that come together to create a luxurious frozen treat. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, treating yourself on a cozy evening, or looking for a homemade dessert to impress friends and family, this ice cream is sure to become a favorite.
In this recipe, we combine smooth peanut butter with a creamy chocolate base, creating a luscious ice cream that’s perfect for scooping into bowls or cones. And while it does require a little patience for chilling and freezing, the result is well worth the wait. Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to make this irresistible treat!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream (for that rich and creamy texture)
- 1 cup whole milk (whole milk helps achieve a smooth and velvety consistency)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the mixture to perfection)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (gives the ice cream its deep chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (the star of the show! Adds richness and that peanut flavor we all love)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor)
- Pinch of salt (to balance out the sweetness and bring all the flavors together)
Directions:
- Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined. - Heat the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning. Keep cooking until the sugar has completely dissolved, and the peanut butter is melted and smooth. Make sure the mixture doesn’t come to a boil—just let it heat through until everything is well incorporated and smooth. - Cool the Base:
Once the mixture is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature. This step is crucial because you want to chill the mixture before churning it into ice cream. - Chill the Mixture:
After the mixture has cooled to room temperature, cover the saucepan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This ensures that the base is thoroughly chilled and ready for churning. - Churn the Ice Cream:
Once the mixture is completely chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker. - Freeze the Ice Cream:
After churning, transfer the soft ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top and cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and scoopable. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the ice cream is fully frozen, it’s time to scoop and serve! You can enjoy it in a bowl, in a cone, or even paired with a warm dessert for extra indulgence. Enjoy the rich, creamy chocolate peanut butter goodness!
Tips and Tricks:
- Chill Your Ice Cream Maker Bowl: If you’re using an ice cream maker with a removable bowl, make sure it’s been frozen for at least 24 hours prior to churning. This helps the ice cream freeze more quickly and achieve the right texture.
- Peanut Butter Options: Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture, but if you prefer a bit of crunch, you could opt for chunky peanut butter for a little extra texture. Just keep in mind that the chunks might not blend in as smoothly.
- Make it Your Own: If you want to add a twist to this basic chocolate peanut butter ice cream, you can mix in some crushed peanut brittle, mini chocolate chips, or swirl in a bit of caramel sauce after churning. The possibilities are endless!
- Don’t Rush the Chilling: While the ice cream base can be made in a short amount of time, chilling it overnight ensures the best texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step, as it helps the ice cream churn better and gives it a creamier consistency.
Conclusion:
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream is the ultimate homemade treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. It’s smooth, creamy, and has the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor with the comforting nuttiness of peanut butter. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or simply indulging in something sweet, this ice cream will hit the spot every time.
Not only does it make for an amazing dessert, but it’s also a fun and easy recipe to make with the whole family. Plus, you get the satisfaction of homemade ice cream that’s far superior to store-bought versions. So grab your ice cream maker and get ready to enjoy a scoop (or two) of this creamy, dreamy dessert