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This Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream is a decadent treat that masterfully balances rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for a luscious indulgence.
What sets this recipe apart is its careful use of quality ingredients—semi-sweet or dark chocolate, Dutch-process cocoa, and smooth peanut butter—that create a deep, satisfying flavor.
While it’s a dessert, it also offers nutritional highlights: the egg yolks provide high-quality protein, and the peanut butter contributes heart-healthy fats, making this ice cream a more nourishing choice compared to standard varieties loaded with artificial ingredients.
The recipe is ideal for home cooks who enjoy a rewarding process, from tempering eggs to crafting the peanut butter swirl, offering both a sensory and culinary experience.
Its make-ahead style and freezer-friendly nature make it perfect for meal prep or special occasions.
Though indulgent, the homemade quality ensures control over ingredients, making it a satisfying, elevated everyday dessert option.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Digital Kitchen Thermometer
Essential for precisely reaching the ideal 185°F temperature during custard cooking, ensuring a smooth, safe, and perfectly thickened base.
This tool guarantees consistent results in custards, candy, and meats, elevating your culinary precision.
Heatproof Mixing Bowls
Ideal for melting chocolate over a simmering water bath without risk of burning or water contamination.
Durable and versatile, these bowls are indispensable for tempering chocolate, mixing doughs, and other heat-sensitive tasks.
3-Quart Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan
Perfect for gently heating milk, cream, and cocoa without scorching.
Its sturdy construction ensures even heat distribution, making it a kitchen staple for sauces, custards, and soups.
Fine Mesh Strainer
Used to strain the custard to remove any cooked egg bits, producing an ultra-smooth ice cream base.
Beyond ice cream, it’s great for pureeing soups, sifting flour, or juicing fruits.
Electric Mixer with Whisk Attachment
Helpful for whipping egg yolks and sugar to the perfect ribbon stage efficiently and effortlessly, ensuring the right custard texture.
Also invaluable for baking, whipping cream, and making meringues.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Digital Kitchen Thermometer
- 1 Large Heatproof Mixing Bowl
- 1 3-Quart Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan
- 1 Fine mesh strainer
- 1 Electric Mixer with Whisk Attachment
Ingredients
Chocolate Ice Cream Base:
- 6 oz 170 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp 550 g whole milk
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp 255 g heavy cream
- ¾ cup 150 g granulated sugar, divided
- ½ cup 43 g Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 tsp espresso powder optional, for intensified chocolate flavor
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Peanut Butter Swirl:
- ¾ cup 195 g smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare an Ice Bath Setup: Fill a large mixing bowl halfway with ice and cold water, filling it to about two-thirds full. Place a smaller heatproof bowl on top of this ice bath to cool the ice cream base later.
- Melt the Chocolate Gently: In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler setup), add the chopped chocolate. Stir frequently until completely melted and smooth. Carefully remove the bowl from the heat and dry its bottom thoroughly to avoid any steam or water from mixing into your chocolate.
- Warm the Dairy Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, half of the sugar, Dutch-process cocoa powder, and espresso powder if using. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer. Avoid boiling.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: While the dairy heats, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture is pale, thick, and forms a slow ribbon when the whisk is lifted. This step is key to creating a smooth custard base.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour about half of the hot dairy mixture into the egg yolks while whisking vigorously to gradually raise their temperature without scrambling. Once combined, pour this mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining dairy.
- Cook the Custard Base: Return the saucepan to low heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the custard thickens slightly and reaches about 185°F (85°C). You can test doneness by dragging your finger across the back of the spoon—if a line remains, it’s ready. Remove from heat immediately.
- Combine Chocolate and Flavorings: Stir the melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and sea salt into the warm custard until smooth and fully blended.
- Cool the Base Quickly: Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into the bowl resting over the ice bath. Stir gently every few minutes to help it cool rapidly, preventing any cooking to continue and ensuring a silky texture. Cool until the mixture reaches room temperature.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the cooled custard directly with plastic wrap to avoid skin formation. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to develop flavors and texture.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together the smooth peanut butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until creamy and spreadable.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions to churn the custard until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Add the Peanut Butter Swirl: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Add dollops of the peanut butter mixture as you fill the container and gently swirl using a spatula or knife to create marbled ribbons of peanut butter throughout.
- Freeze Until Firm: Cover the surface with parchment or plastic wrap, then freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
Notes
- For best chocolate flavor, choose high-quality Dutch-process cocoa powder or a blend of Dutch and black cocoa powders. Natural cocoa works but yields a milder taste.
- Espresso powder is optional but recommended to deepen the chocolate notes without adding coffee flavor.
- Use smooth peanut butter for easy swirling and a creamy texture; natural peanut butter may alter consistency.
- If you have leftover egg whites, consider using them in recipes like meringues or a light chocolate egg white cake.
- Ensure your ice cream maker’s bowl is properly frozen (usually overnight) for optimal churning results.
- Store the finished ice cream tightly covered to prevent freezer burn and preserve texture.
Chef’s Secrets for Creamy Perfection
Achieving that perfectly smooth and creamy texture in this ice cream starts with mastering the custard base.
The key is tempering the egg yolks slowly by gradually adding the hot milk mixture to avoid scrambling, which creates a silky and rich foundation.
Using high-quality chocolate and Dutch-process cocoa powder significantly deepens the flavor, while the optional espresso powder subtly enhances the chocolate without overpowering it.
Cooling the custard quickly in an ice bath prevents overcooking and helps maintain that luscious consistency.
Another pro tip is covering the base with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming during chilling.
Lastly, folding in the peanut butter swirl at the end rather than mixing it in the base ensures beautiful ribbons and bursts of nutty flavor throughout every scoop.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This ice cream is a decadent treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.
Serve it in elegant bowls topped with crushed roasted peanuts or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce to enhance the peanut butter and chocolate contrast.
For a quick dessert upgrade, add a few fresh berries or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the richness.
You can also sandwich it between chocolate cookies or brownies for an irresistible ice cream sandwich.
For parties or special occasions, consider presenting it alongside a warm peanut butter or chocolate lava cake to create a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
To keep your homemade ice cream at its best, store it in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals and freezer burn.
Covering the surface with parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the ice cream before sealing the container helps minimize exposure to air and preserves creaminess.
Always freeze the ice cream on the coldest shelf in your freezer and avoid frequently opening the door, which can cause temperature fluctuations.
For optimal texture, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Leftover ice cream can be stored for up to two weeks without significant loss of quality, but it’s best enjoyed sooner to savor its fresh, rich flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less stable when frozen, which might cause the swirl to separate or become too soft. For best results, use smooth, commercially processed peanut butter that holds its texture well in the freezer.
2. Is espresso powder necessary in the chocolate base?
Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended if you want to intensify the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. It acts as a flavor enhancer that brings out the richness of the cocoa.
3. How do I know when the custard base is cooked properly?
Cook the custard until it reaches about 185°F (85°C) or thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon with a clear line when you drag your finger across it. This ensures it’s thickened without curdling.
4. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
While an ice cream maker gives the best creamy texture, you can still make it by freezing the custard and stirring it vigorously every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals. This method requires patience but works in a pinch.
5. What should I do with leftover egg whites?
Don’t waste them! Egg whites are perfect for making meringues, macarons, or even a light chocolate egg white cake. They also freeze well if you want to save them for later baking projects.
This recipe is inspired by cinnamonshtick and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
