Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream: A Decadent, Creamy, and Crunchy Delight
Why You’ll Love This Ice Cream:
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: This indulgent ice cream brings together the richness of vanilla, the smoothness of chocolate fudge, and the crunch of peanut butter cups and chocolate chips.
- No Ice Cream Maker Needed: Enjoy the creamy texture and delicious flavors without the hassle of an ice cream maker.
- Customize It: Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite mix-ins for a personalized treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a warm summer day or a special celebration, this ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser.
Makes: About 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus freezing time)
Total Time: 5–6 hours (for freezing)
Ingredients:
For the Vanilla Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract (for the best flavor)
For the Fudge Swirl:
- ½ cup chocolate fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Mix-ins:
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Once combined, pour the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container. For a smoother consistency, use a shallow container to freeze the base faster and more evenly.
- Place the container in the freezer for 1 hour to allow the mixture to start freezing slightly.
Step 2: Add Mix-ins & Fudge Swirl
- After the initial hour of freezing, remove the ice cream base from the freezer. Stir gently to break up any ice crystals that may have formed during the first hour of freezing.
- Fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Drizzle the chocolate fudge sauce over the ice cream and gently swirl it in using a butter knife or spoon, creating beautiful ribbons of fudge throughout.
Step 3: Freeze Until Firm
- Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, then return it to the freezer.
- Allow the ice cream to freeze for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.
Step 4: Scoop and Serve
- Once fully frozen, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly. This will make scooping much easier.
- Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy the rich, creamy, and crunchy treat you’ve made from scratch.
Additional Tips for Success:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality vanilla extract to elevate the flavor of the base. Fresh, premium chocolate and peanut butter cups will take your homemade ice cream to the next level.
- Get Creative: Feel free to mix in your favorite candy, cookies, or even crushed nuts to make this ice cream uniquely yours.
- Storage: Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to get that perfect creamy texture.
- For a Sweeter Twist: If you love caramel, add a drizzle of caramel sauce along with the fudge swirl for a caramel-chocolate-peanut butter combo.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Cone: Scoop this creamy Moose Tracks ice cream into a waffle cone for the perfect indulgence.
- Ice Cream Sundae: Top with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and extra chocolate or peanut butter drizzle for a festive dessert.
- Ice Cream Cake: Spread this ice cream into a cake pan, layer with crushed cookies or graham crackers, and freeze for a delightful frozen cake.
This Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream is a decadent and satisfying dessert that offers the perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and sweetness. It’s a surefire way to make any occasion extra special, all while being incredibly easy to make.
Enjoy making this simple, homemade treat, and feel free to add your own creative spin!