This No-Churn Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter fans. With layers of smooth, creamy chocolate ice cream, peanut butter drizzles, and crunchy mini Reese’s cups, every bite is a delicious combination of rich flavors and textures. The best part? No ice cream maker is required! Perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a little indulgence, this ice cream is sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or enjoying it solo as a late-night treat, this homemade ice cream is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)
- 1/2 cup smooth, natural peanut butter
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
- 50 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Directions:
- With a mixer (hand or stand) fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the whipped cream. Continue to whip until fluffy.
- Add the sifted cocoa powder, being careful not to overmix to prevent flattening the cream.
- Microwave the peanut butter for 5-10 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
- Layer some of the chocolate cream mixture into the bottom of a loaf pan, top with some peanut butter, and add some mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Repeat layering 3 to 4 times until the pan is full.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze overnight, or for at least 4 to 6 hours.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Freeze Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 544 kcal | Servings: 10 servings
The Perfect Blend of Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven, and this No-Churn Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream brings this beloved combination to life in a creamy, homemade dessert. There’s something universally loved about the balance between the rich bitterness of chocolate and the salty-sweet, nutty flavor of peanut butter. When combined into an ice cream, these flavors complement each other so well that each bite is a delightful burst of flavor and texture.
Peanut butter cups add not only their famous flavor but also a delicious texture contrast to the smooth creaminess of the ice cream base. It’s like getting a bonus in every spoonful – a little crunch, a burst of nutty flavor, and that melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness.
Why No-Churn Ice Cream?
Traditional ice cream can be intimidating to make because it often requires an ice cream maker, which not everyone has at home. Plus, it involves making a custard base, tempering eggs, and more steps that require precision. No-churn ice cream is a great solution because it’s quick, requires minimal equipment, and still yields a luscious and creamy result. This recipe simply requires a mixer to whip the cream and then combine it with sweetened condensed milk and flavorings.
The magic of no-churn ice cream lies in the use of sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. The sweetened condensed milk provides sweetness, creaminess, and helps prevent the ice cream from forming large ice crystals, which would otherwise make it icy and unpleasant. The whipped heavy cream creates an airy texture, leading to a smooth, scoopable dessert that is every bit as good as churned ice cream.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Easy and Quick to Make: The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With just six ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in about 10 minutes, then let it freeze overnight. It’s a perfect recipe for those who want a homemade treat without the fuss.
- No Special Equipment Needed: Unlike traditional ice cream that requires an ice cream maker, this recipe only needs a mixer (hand or stand) to whip the cream. It’s ideal for those who don’t have an ice cream machine but still crave the luxury of homemade ice cream.
- Customizable for Dietary Preferences: One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Want to make it gluten-free? Just be sure to use mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, as they’re naturally gluten-free, unlike some larger versions. If you prefer dairy-free, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, although this will alter the flavor slightly.
- Rich and Indulgent Flavors: The combination of smooth, natural peanut butter and cocoa powder makes for a rich and intense flavor that is balanced perfectly with the creaminess of the base. Plus, the addition of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups provides a delightful texture contrast that keeps every bite exciting.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, this ice cream fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and it’s a fun recipe to make with kids or loved ones.
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your ice cream will depend on the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh heavy cream, high-quality cocoa powder, and natural peanut butter for the best results. If you can, opt for mini Reese’s cups for ease of layering and the best texture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: While this recipe is sweetened with condensed milk, you can modify it to your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, consider reducing the amount of condensed milk slightly or using dark cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Experiment with Nut Butters: While the recipe traditionally calls for peanut butter, you can easily switch it up by using other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. Each nut butter will provide a different flavor profile, so it’s worth trying different variations based on what you enjoy.
- Enhance the Chocolate Flavor: If you’re a chocolate lover, you might want to take the chocolate flavor up a notch. Consider adding a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the mixture, as it can enhance the chocolate flavor without making the ice cream taste like coffee.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Unlike store-bought ice creams, which can often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and stabilizers, this no-churn ice cream is all about the natural ingredients. You know exactly what’s going into your dessert, and you can customize it to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs. The combination of creamy ice cream, rich cocoa, and decadent peanut butter cups offers a flavor that is nostalgic yet elevated, reminiscent of those beloved Reese’s cups but in frozen, creamy form.
Another unique element is the layering technique used in this recipe. Instead of simply mixing all the ingredients together, layering the chocolate mixture with peanut butter and peanut butter cups ensures that every bite is different. Sometimes you get a big chunk of peanut butter cup, other times a drizzle of creamy peanut butter, and often a blend of chocolate and cream that melts in your mouth. It’s an experience in itself!
The Health Benefits of Peanut Butter and Cocoa
While this recipe is certainly a treat, it’s also packed with some nutritional benefits. Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help keep you full and satisfied. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and can be beneficial for heart health and mood enhancement. Even though this is a dessert, knowing that it’s made with real ingredients and some nutritional components adds a layer of feel-good enjoyment.
How to Serve Your Ice Cream
Serving this No-Churn Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream is simple – all it needs is a bowl and a spoon. But if you want to elevate it even more, consider serving it with a drizzle of hot fudge, caramel sauce, or extra melted peanut butter for a finishing touch. For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped peanuts or additional Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top. If you’re feeling fancy, waffle cones or waffle bowls make for a beautiful presentation and add that extra crunch to the dessert.
Storage Tips
Since this is homemade ice cream without stabilizers, it can melt and refreeze quickly, leading to a slightly different texture over time. It’s best to consume it within a week for optimal freshness. Store it in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Conclusion
This No-Churn Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream is the perfect way to enjoy a classic flavor combination with minimal effort. With rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and indulgent peanut butter cup chunks, every bite is a delightful treat. Quick to make, no special equipment needed, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
