This Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream is a sweet treat that mixes creamy vanilla ice cream with rich brownie bits and tasty chocolate fudge. It’s a dream come true for dessert lovers!
Who can resist those chewy brownie pieces mixed in with the smooth ice cream? I like to top mine with a drizzle of extra fudge. Don’t tell my waistline! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you can use half and half, but the ice cream won’t be as creamy.
Whole Milk: Whole milk balances the richness of the cream. If you’re trying to cut calories, you can use 2% milk, but keep in mind the texture may be less creamy.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can try a sweetened cocoa mix, but adjust the sugar accordingly.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into the base. If you want to change it up, use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
Brownies: Store-bought brownies are quick and easy, but homemade ones are delicious. Use any chocolate brownie recipe you love or find gluten-free brownies for a gluten-free version!
How Do You Achieve a Smooth Ice Cream Base Without Grainy Sugar?
It’s important to whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the sugar completely dissolves. This helps create a smooth texture in the final ice cream. Here’s how you can do it:
- Use a large bowl to give yourself plenty of room for whisking.
- Whisk the cream, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla together until well combined and the sugar is no longer grainy; a few minutes of vigorous whisking should do the trick.
- If you prefer an even smoother base, consider heating the milk and sugar slightly before whisking, then letting it cool before adding heavy cream.
How to Make Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup brownie bites, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ice cream takes about 15 minutes to prepare and must chill for at least 4 hours in the freezer. You’ll spend some time mixing the ingredients and churning, but then you just let it freeze to enjoy later! It’s so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Ice Cream Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. You want a lovely chocolatey mixture here!
2. Mixing in the Chocolate:
Now, stir in the chocolate chips and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This gives the chocolate chips a chance to melt a bit and blend their rich flavor into the ice cream base.
3. Churning the Ice Cream:
Next, transfer your wonderful mixture to an ice cream maker. Churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it’s reached a soft-serve consistency. It will be fluffy and creamy—yum!
4. Preparing the Mix-Ins:
While your ice cream is churning, take a moment to prepare the fudge sauce (if you’re making it homemade) and chop up those brownie bites into small pieces. They’re going to add a delicious surprise in every scoop!
5. Layering the Ice Cream:
When your ice cream is ready, take half of it and place it in a freezer-safe container. Drizzle half of the fudge sauce over this layer, and sprinkle half of the chopped brownie pieces on top. It’s already looking good!
6. Swirling it All Together:
Add the rest of the ice cream on top, then swirl in the remaining fudge sauce and brownie pieces using a knife or spatula. Make sure to create a marbled effect, so every bite is a fantastic mix of flavors.
7. Final Freezing:
Cover the container with a lid and pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nice and firm. This is the hardest part—waiting to enjoy your creation!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to treat yourself, scoop the Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream into bowls or cones. Enjoy each delicious bite filled with rich chocolate flavor and chewy brownie chunks. Perfect for a hot day or any time you’re craving a sweet treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that using lower fat milk may result in a less creamy texture.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes, you can! Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches your desired consistency. This process usually takes about 2-3 hours.
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For best results, press a piece of plastic wrap against the surface of the ice cream before sealing, which helps prevent freezer burn.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can add nuts, different types of candy, or even flavored extracts for a twist. Just make sure to keep the total amount of mix-ins around 1-2 cups for the best texture.
