This Easy Brownie Batter Ice Cream is creamy and rich, packed with delicious brownie bits. It’s like having dessert and ice cream all in one bowl!
I can’t resist sneaking a spoonful (or two) while it’s churning. If you love brownies, this treat is a fun way to cool down! Perfect for hot days or a sweet night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This is key for a rich and creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the creaminess will be lessened.
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds to the creaminess. If needed, 2% milk can work too, but avoid skim as it won’t provide enough richness.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the ice cream. You can replace it with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lower-calorie option, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
Brownie Batter: Make sure it’s safe to eat raw! If you’re cautious, you can use store-bought eggless brownie batter or bake brownies and crumble them. Brownie bites add a delicious texture.
How Do I Get the Creamiest Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe by following these steps:
- Combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt as directed.
- After mixing, pour it into a shallow freezer-safe dish. This will help it freeze faster and more evenly.
- Stir the mixture every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals and help it stay creamy.
- When it’s mostly frozen but still soft, fold in your brownie batter or chunks as instructed.
This method will give you soft, creamy ice cream, even without the fancy equipment!
Easy Brownie Batter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brownie batter or brownie chunks (preferably partially baked or crumbled brownies)
- Optional: 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for deeper chocolate flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will need at least 4 hours of freezing time. So, plan for a total of around 4 hours and 15 minutes to enjoy this delicious frozen treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you’re adding cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor, sift it in and mix well until combined.
2. Churning the Ice Cream:
Once your mixture is ready, pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture until it thickens and reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
3. Preparing the Brownie Pieces:
While the ice cream is churning, you can prepare your brownie components. If you’re using brownie batter, make sure it’s safe to eat (such as eggless). If you prefer baked brownies, crumble them into small chunks once they’ve cooled.
4. Folding in Brownies:
As your ice cream nears the end of the churning process, carefully fold in the brownie batter or chunks. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream without breaking them up too much.
5. Freezing the Ice Cream:
Transfer your ice cream to a freezer-safe container. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra brownie crumbs on top for added texture. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
6. Serving Your Treat:
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop the brownie batter ice cream into bowls. Treat yourself to this rich and creamy dessert with luscious brownie bits in every bite!
Enjoy indulging in this delightful homemade ice cream treat! It’s perfect for cooling down or satisfying your chocolate cravings.
FAQ About Easy Brownie Batter Ice Cream
Can I Use Store-Bought Brownie Batter?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the store-bought brownie batter is eggless or heat-treated so it’s safe to eat raw. It’s a convenient option that can save you time!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours until it firms up, then fold in the brownie pieces when it’s soft but close to frozen.
Can I Store Leftovers? How Long Will It Last?
Yes! Store any leftover brownie batter ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep well for about 2-3 weeks, although for best quality, try to consume it within a week.
How Do I Thaw the Ice Cream Before Serving?
To thaw, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s scoopable. This will make serving much easier!
