This Easy Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream is a perfect treat for chocolate lovers! It has creamy ice cream, rich brownie bits, and swirls of fudge that make each scoop a delight.
Making this ice cream at home is a breeze! I love serving it in cones on hot days—though I’ve been known to eat it straight from the tub too. Who can resist? 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, but the texture will be less creamy.
Whole Milk: Whole milk enhances creaminess, but 2% or even almond milk can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind it might alter texture and flavor slightly.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens the ice cream. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use a sugar alternative like honey or agave syrup, but you may need to adjust the quantities.
Cocoa Powder: Regular unsweetened cocoa works best here. If you’re after an extra chocolatey kick, try using dark cocoa powder or Dutch-process cocoa.
Brownie Pieces: You can use store-bought brownies or make your own. If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free brownies or even chunks of chocolate cookies for a different texture.
Fudge Sauce: You can use chocolate syrup if fudge sauce isn’t handy. You could also make your own by melting chocolate with a bit of cream to create a quick fudge sauce.
How Do You Churn Ice Cream for the Best Texture?
Churning ice cream is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture. Here are steps to ensure success:
- Make sure your ice cream maker’s bowl is properly frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually 24 hours prior.
- Churn the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. If over-churned, ice cream can become too hard or icy.
- As soon as the churn is done, fold in brownie pieces gently to avoid breaking them up too much.
Remember, the longer you churn, the creamier the ice cream will become, so keep an eye on it as it approaches that soft-serve stage! Enjoy making this delicious treat at home!
Easy Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brownie pieces (store-bought or homemade, cut into small chunks)
- 1/2 cup fudge sauce or chocolate syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and about 25 minutes of churning. After that, you’ll need to freeze it for at least 4 hours to let it set. So, plan for a total of about 4 hours and 40 minutes to enjoy your delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, take the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and whole milk. Whisk them together until the cocoa powder and sugar dissolve fully. This creates a lovely chocolatey base for your ice cream!
2. Add Cream and Vanilla:
Now, stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract into the mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. You should have a creamy chocolate mixture that looks irresistible already!
3. Churn the Mixture:
Pour your chocolate mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. It should achieve a soft-serve consistency as it churns. Don’t forget to keep an eye on it!
4. Fold in Brownie Pieces:
Once your ice cream is churned, it’s time for the best part! Gently fold in the brownie pieces. Be careful not to crush them too much; you want delicious chunky bites of brownie in your ice cream!
5. Swirl in Fudge:
Transfer half of the ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Drizzle half of the fudge sauce or chocolate syrup over this layer. Then, add the remaining ice cream on top of that.
6. Create a Marbled Effect:
With the remaining fudge sauce, swirl it through the ice cream using a knife or spatula. This creates a beautiful marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes!
7. Freeze Until Firm:
Cover your container and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until it’s nice and firm. Patience is key here—your wait will be rewarded!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your ice cream, scoop it into bowls or cones. Feel free to top with extra brownie chunks for an added treat!
Enjoy your rich, fudgy, and indulgent homemade Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Brownies?
Absolutely! Using store-bought brownies is a great shortcut. Just chop them into small chunks and mix them in. You’ll save time and still achieve that delicious brownie goodness in your ice cream!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can use a no-churn method. After mixing all your ingredients, pour them into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming and keep it creamy.
How Long Can I Store the Ice Cream?
Your Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture!
Can I Use Other Mix-Ins Besides Brownies?
Definitely! This ice cream is versatile. You can add chocolate chips, cookie dough, crushed candies, or even nuts. Just ensure that any add-ins are chopped or broken into manageable pieces to mix easily!
