This Easy Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream is a chocolate lover’s dream! Rich ice cream with chunks of brownie and swirls of fudge make every bite a treat.
Honestly, who can resist brownie bits in ice cream? I love making this on hot days. It’s a fun way to cool off and enjoy something delicious without much hassle!
This recipe is super simple—you just mix, freeze, and voilà! I always keep a scoop ready for unexpected guests or for when I just need a sweet pick-me-up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: The heavy cream gives this ice cream its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, though it won’t be as creamy.
Whole Milk: Whole milk is preferred for its fat content, which makes the ice cream smooth. You can substitute 2% milk, but keep in mind it might be less creamy.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar sweetens the ice cream and helps with texture. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or swap it out for a sugar alternative (like stevia) if needed.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This adds a rich chocolate flavor. Look for high-quality cocoa for the best taste. Carob powder can be an interesting substitute if you’re avoiding chocolate.
Brownie Chunks: You can use store-bought brownies or make your own! If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free brownies instead.
Fudge Sauce: While store-bought fudge sauce is convenient, homemade is always better. If you’re watching sugar intake, try using a sugar-free version!
How Do You Make Sure Your Ice Cream Is Creamy and Not Grainy?
A common issue when making homemade ice cream is a grainy texture. To avoid this, here are some tips:
- Make sure to whisk your dry ingredients thoroughly without lumps before adding the liquids.
- Churn the ice cream in an ice cream maker according to the instructions for even consistency.
- Avoid over-churning, as this can cause ice crystals to form. Stop when it reaches a soft-serve texture.
- Freeze in an airtight container to prevent ice from forming on the surface.
With these tips, you’ll have a rich, smooth ice cream that’s perfect for scooping! Enjoy your brownie fudge swirl ice cream anytime you want a treat!
How to Make 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 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup brownie chunks (prepared brownies, cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup fudge sauce or chocolate syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream will take you about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus around 4 hours to freeze until firm. You’ll spend a bit of time mixing everything up, and then let your ice cream maker do the work! Perfect for a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Ingredients:
Start by taking a medium bowl and whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and about 1/4 cup of whole milk. Mix until it’s smooth with no lumps. You want a nice chocolate base to start with!
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the rest of the whole milk, heavy cream, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract into the bowl. Whisk thoroughly until everything is fully mixed. This will create a creamy base for your ice cream.
3. Churn the Mixture:
Pour your chocolate mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and churn it for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. It should be thick and creamy!
4. Add the Brownie Chunks:
Once the ice cream is churned, gently fold in the brownie chunks with a spatula. This adds yummy bites of brownie in every scoop!
5. Layer and Swirl:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Take half of the ice cream and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Drizzle some fudge sauce over that layer, then add the remaining ice cream on top. Drizzle more fudge sauce and then swirl through it gently with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
6. Freeze Until Firm:
Cover the container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm. This step is important for achieving that perfect scoopable consistency!
7. Scoop and Serve:
When it’s ready, scoop out your delicious brownie fudge swirl ice cream. You can serve it with extra brownie pieces or a drizzle of fudge sauce if you like—because who doesn’t adore a little extra treat?
Enjoy your rich, chocolatey ice cream packed with fudgy brownie bits and luscious fudge swirls! It’s sure to be a hit for chocolate lovers of all ages!
FAQ for Easy Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
Can I Use Store-Bought Brownies Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought brownies are a great time-saver. Just break them into small chunks and fold them into the ice cream mixture before freezing.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks—if it lasts that long! Just remember to allow it to soften for a few minutes before scooping if it gets too hard.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! Simply pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the ice cream vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals until it firms up, usually about 3-4 hours.
What If I Don’t Have Fudge Sauce?
No problem! Chocolate syrup can serve as a substitute. You can also melt some chocolate and mix it with a bit of cream to create a homemade fudge sauce. Just drizzle it as you would with the store-bought version!
Enjoy your homemade delight, and feel free to customize it to fit your taste!