This creamy ice cream brings the taste of Butterfinger candy right to your bowl! It’s packed with crunchy bits of chocolate and peanut butter flavor. Yum!
Making this ice cream is so easy. Just mix, freeze, and enjoy! I love serving it topped with more chopped Butterfinger pieces—because who doesn’t want a little extra crunch? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the ice cream a rich and creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the ice cream won’t be as creamy. I love using organic cream when I can find it!
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and body. You can swap it for 2% milk if you’re looking to reduce fat, but I recommend sticking with whole milk for the best flavor.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens the ice cream. For a healthier option, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Just keep in mind that the taste might vary slightly.
Vanilla Extract: This adds lovely flavor depth. If you don’t have vanilla extract, a vanilla bean pod or even a splash of almond extract can work in a pinch!
Butterfinger Bars: The star of the show! If you’re looking for alternatives, try using chopped peanut butter cups or toffee bits for a similar crunchy texture.
How Do You Get Creamy Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
No ice cream maker? No problem! You can still make this delicious Butterfinger ice cream with just a few extra steps. The key is to incorporate air into the mixture and prevent ice crystals from forming.
- After whisking together the ingredients, pour the mixture into a large freezer-safe bowl.
- Every 30 minutes, take it out and whisk it vigorously for about 5 minutes to break up ice crystals. Do this for about 3-4 hours.
- Once the ice cream is firm and creamy, fold in the crushed Butterfinger bars before serving.
These simple techniques will help you achieve that creamy texture, even without an ice cream maker!
Easy Homemade Butterfinger Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 3 regular-sized bars)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to churn in an ice cream maker. After that, give it at least 2 hours in the freezer to firm up. Total time: around 2-3 hours, including freezing—perfect for a warm day or a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix everything together until the sugar dissolves completely and ensures a smooth ice cream base.
2. Churn in Ice Cream Maker:
Pour your creamy mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning (usually about 20-25 minutes) until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. It should look thick and creamy!
3. Add the Butterfinger Crunch:
While the ice cream is churning, chop or crush the Butterfinger candy bars into small, bite-sized pieces. You can choose how chunky you want them based on your preference! When the ice cream is almost done, add those yummy Butterfinger pieces and let the machine give it a quick mix.
4. Freeze to Firm Up:
Once churned, transfer the soft ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Spread it out evenly, then cover and freeze for at least 2 hours or until it’s firm and scoopable.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Butterfinger ice cream, scoop it into bowls. For a delightful touch, top each scoop with some additional crushed Butterfinger pieces! Dig in and relish the creamy, crunchy goodness!
Enjoy your easy and delicious Butterfinger ice cream! Perfect for sharing (or not!). 😄🍦
FAQ About Easy Homemade Butterfinger Ice Cream
Can I Use Different Brands of Candy?
Absolutely! While Butterfinger provides that classic taste, you can substitute with any crunchy candy bar like Reese’s, Snickers, or even toffee bits for a different flavor profile—just be sure to adjust the quantities to your taste!
How Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk or any other non-dairy milk. Just check that your candy bars are also dairy-free or use a dairy-free chocolate and peanut butter treat instead!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Of course! Feel free to get creative by adding mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or chopped nuts during the last few minutes of churning for extra texture and flavor!
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. To make scooping easier, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
