Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipe
There’s nothing quite as indulgent and satisfying as a homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipe. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates a luscious frozen treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This ice cream is made from a custard base, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. Whether you’re making it for a summer treat or simply craving a delicious dessert, this recipe is easy to follow and will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful ice cream from scratch!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Active Time
- 25 minutes
Resting Time
- 4-6 hours (for freezing and churning)
Total Time
- 5-7 hours (including resting and churning time)
Cuisine
- American
Course
- Dessert
Servings
- 6-8 servings
Calories (Per Serving)
- Approx. 350 calories
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Ice cream maker
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Freezer-safe container
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
Optional Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peanuts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Custard Base
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, cocoa powder, and half of the sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick.
- Gradually add a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This takes about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated.
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled.
Step 2: Churn the Ice Cream
- Once the custard is fully chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- While the ice cream is churning, prepare the peanut butter swirl by mixing the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vegetable oil or melted butter in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Swirl
- When the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer half of it into a freezer-safe container.
- Drizzle half of the peanut butter mixture over the ice cream.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining ice cream and peanut butter swirl.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter throughout the ice cream for a marbled effect.
- Optionally, fold in chocolate chips or crushed peanuts for added texture.
Step 4: Freeze and Serve
- Cover the ice cream with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Scoop and enjoy your homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fats: 22g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips for the Best Ice Cream
- Use quality ingredients: High-quality chocolate and fresh dairy make a significant difference in taste and texture.
- Don’t rush chilling: Allowing the custard to cool completely ensures a creamy consistency.
- Churn properly: Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions carefully for the best results.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
Variations
- Vegan Option: Substitute heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate.
- Crunchy Texture: Add chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
- Extra Fudge Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate or fudge sauce before freezing.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipe delivers the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and peanut butter creaminess. It’s an indulgent, homemade treat that beats any store-bought version. Whether you’re making it for a party, family dessert, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every scoop!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.