Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream is the perfect combination of smooth and crunchy, creamy and fudgy. The vanilla ice cream base provides a rich, smooth foundation, while the peanut butter and chocolate fudge ribbons create the perfect balance of flavor. The chopped mini peanut butter cups add that extra bit of crunch and peanut butter goodness in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or as a cozy winter treat, this ice cream is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Making it at home gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s fresh and customizable to your preferences!
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
4 large egg yolks
For the Moose Tracks Mix-ins
½ cup (120g) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
½ cup (120ml) chocolate fudge sauce
½ cup (60g) mini peanut butter cups, chopped into small pieces
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Make the Ice Cream Base
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm (but not boiling). - In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly (this is called tempering).
- Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any curdled egg bits. Stir in the vanilla extract and allow the mixture to cool.
- Once cooled, cover and refrigerate the base for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the cooled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
During the last few minutes of churning, add in the chopped mini peanut butter cups, allowing them to mix in. - Swirl in the Moose Tracks
Once the ice cream has finished churning, transfer it to a large mixing bowl or storage container.
Gently swirl in the peanut butter and chocolate fudge sauce, creating ribbons throughout the ice cream without completely mixing them in. You can add extra peanut butter cups here if desired for more crunch! - Freeze the Ice Cream
Once swirled and mixed, cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and place the ice cream in the freezer for at least 4 hours to firm up, or overnight for a firmer consistency. - Serve
Once frozen, scoop and serve your homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream in bowls or cones. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and fudgy treat!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours to overnight
Churn time: 20-25 minutes
Freezing time: 4 hours to overnight
Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for an added crunch alongside the peanut butter cups.
- Swirl Options: Mix in caramel sauce for a sweet and salty combination or add marshmallow fluff for extra richness.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream and milk, and use a dairy-free chocolate fudge sauce and peanut butter cups.
- Flavor Combinations: Experiment by using different flavored fudge sauces, like butterscotch or raspberry, for a unique twist on this classic flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store your ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: Since ice cream is meant to be frozen, it doesn’t need reheating. Simply let it soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes for easier scooping.
FAQs
1. Can I make Moose Tracks Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can place the mixture in a shallow dish, freeze it, and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
2. How long does the ice cream take to freeze?
For best results, freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your preference for extra texture.
4. How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in homemade ice cream?
To avoid ice crystals, ensure that your ice cream base is chilled completely before churning and that you churn it for the recommended time.
5. Can I add extra mix-ins to the ice cream?
Yes! You can add more peanut butter cups, candy pieces, or even swirl in caramel or marshmallow for extra flavor.
6. Can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the dairy and use dairy-free chocolate fudge sauce and peanut butter cups.
7. How long can I keep homemade ice cream in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream is best consumed within 2 weeks of making it for optimal flavor and texture.
8. Can I double the recipe to make more?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and churn the ice cream in batches if needed.
9. What can I substitute for the egg yolks?
You can substitute the egg yolks with a store-bought egg substitute or use cornstarch as a thickening agent, but this may alter the texture slightly.
10. What can I do if my ice cream is too soft?
If your ice cream is too soft, you may need to freeze it longer. It should firm up after about 4 hours in the freezer.
Conclusion
Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and creamy vanilla ice cream. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, this recipe is a must-try for ice cream lovers
Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert, Ice Cream
- Method: Churning, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream is a delicious, creamy treat with a rich vanilla base, swirls of peanut butter, and ribbons of chocolate fudge and peanut butter cups. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, this ice cream recipe brings together the smoothness of vanilla, the richness of chocolate fudge, and the crunch of peanut butter cups, making it an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks
For the Moose Tracks Mix-ins:
- ½ cup (120g) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup (120ml) chocolate fudge sauce
- ½ cup (60g) mini peanut butter cups, chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Make the Ice Cream Base:
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm (but not boiling). - Temper the Egg Yolks:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. - Cook the Mixture:
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (5-7 minutes). - Strain and Cool:
Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the mixture cool. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Churn the Ice Cream:
Once cooled, churn the ice cream base in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions. In the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped mini peanut butter cups. - Swirl in the Moose Tracks:
Transfer the churned ice cream to a container, and gently swirl in the peanut butter and chocolate fudge sauce, leaving ribbons of sauce throughout. - Freeze the Ice Cream:
Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up. - Serve:
Scoop and serve your homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream in bowls or cones. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, fudgy treat!
Notes
- Make sure the ice cream base is well chilled before churning to avoid ice crystals.
- Customize the ice cream with extra mix-ins like chopped nuts or additional peanut butter cups for extra crunch.
- For dairy-free options, substitute coconut milk and use dairy-free peanut butter cups and fudge sauce.
