This Easy Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream combines smooth, creamy ice cream with swirls of brownie bits and fudge. It’s like having dessert in a cone, and who can resist that?
Making this treat is super simple! I love how I can whip it up in no time and keep it in the freezer for when I really need a sweet fix. Just don’t blame me if you want seconds! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is essential for achieving that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, though it won’t be as rich.
Whole Milk: While whole milk gives the best creamy mouthfeel, you can use 2% milk if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember, it might be a bit less creamy.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to your ice cream. You can switch to brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This gives your ice cream a rich chocolate base. If you want to avoid cocoa, try using melted dark chocolate, but you might need to adjust the sugar since dark chocolate can be less sweet.
Fudge Sauce or Chocolate Syrup: You can use store-bought or homemade fudge sauce. If you’re vegan, look for a dairy-free chocolate syrup or make a simple syrup with cocoa powder and agave.
Brownie Pieces: I love using homemade brownies for this, but store-bought ones are just as delicious. You can even use chocolate chip cookies as a fun twist if you want to mix it up!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Swirl in Ice Cream?
Swirling fudge sauce into your ice cream can be tricky, but it’s all about timing and technique. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Make sure your fudge sauce is warm and pourable when you add it to the ice cream. Cold fudge won’t swirl well.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently fold the fudge sauce into the ice cream. Don’t mix it completely; instead, aim for a marbling effect.
- Layer your ice cream and fudge sauce, pouring some fudge on top of the first layer before adding the next. This helps with even distribution.
- Be gentle! Over-mixing will just blend the flavors, and you won’t see those beautiful swirls.
With these tips, your ice cream will not only look stunning but taste amazing too!
Easy Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fudge sauce or chocolate syrup
- 1 cup brownie pieces, cut into small chunks (homemade or store-bought)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This ice cream recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 25 minutes for churning in the ice cream maker, and you’ll need to freeze it for at least 4 hours to firm up. So, set aside a little time to make this delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
In a medium bowl, start by whisking together the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined. This will ensure your ice cream base is smooth and chocolatey. Then, add the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is nice and smooth.
2. Churn the Ice Cream:
Now it’s time to churn! Pour the chocolate mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You want it to thicken and become fluffy, resembling soft serve ice cream.
3. Add Brownie Chunks:
When the ice cream is almost done churning, gently fold in the brownie pieces. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the chunks intact for delightful bites in every scoop.
4. Layer the Fudge Swirls:
Transfer half of the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Drizzle half of the fudge sauce over the top. Next, add the remaining ice cream and pour the rest of the fudge sauce on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the fudge sauce into the ice cream, creating a lovely marbled effect.
5. Freeze and Serve:
Cover the container tightly and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until it’s firm. Once you’re ready to enjoy your delicious creation, scoop out the ice cream and serve it with extra brownie pieces on top if you like. Enjoy your rich, chocolatey brownie fudge swirl ice cream!
FAQ for Easy Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
Can I Use Lower-Fat Dairy for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and 2% milk instead of whole milk. Just keep in mind that the texture will be less creamy, but it will still be tasty!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should keep well for about 1-2 weeks, but be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, as it can become quite hard.
Can I Swap Out the Brownies for Another Ingredient?
Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, try using cookie dough chunks, crushed cookies, or even chocolate chips. Just make sure they’re small enough to mix in easily!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make this ice cream by pouring the mixture into a shallow dish and placing it in the freezer. Stir it every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours to break up any ice crystals until you reach a creamy consistency.
