Indulge in the classic flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate with this homemade Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream! This recipe utilizes your Cuisinart ice cream maker to churn creamy peanut butter ice cream swirled with chopped peanut butter cups, creating a contrast of textures and flavors in every scoop.
The beauty lies in its simplicity – sweetened condensed milk takes the place of eggs, resulting in a rich and decadent gelato texture that's sure to rival your favorite store-bought brands.
![Reese's peanut butter cup ice cream with drizzled peanut butter topping.](https://smellslikedelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/peanut-butter-cup-ice-cream-vertical3.jpg)
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not only delicious but also offers endless possibilities for customization. Experiment with different types of peanut butter, chocolate swirls, or even mix-ins like chopped pretzels for a salty-sweet contrast.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is churned and ready to harden in under an hour, making it perfect for satisfying your ice cream cravings without the hassle.
- Cuisinart Convenience: This recipe is specifically designed for use with your Cuisinart ice cream maker, ensuring a smooth and creamy churn.
- Decadent and Creamy: Sweetened condensed milk creates a rich and luxurious ice cream base with a gelato-like texture.
- Classic Combination: The timeless pairing of peanut butter and chocolate never disappoints, offering a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You'll Need
You'll need sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, creamy peanut butter (not natural), sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped peanut butter cups.
The secret to this recipe's irresistible texture lies in using sweetened condensed milk instead of eggs, resulting in a rich and creamy gelato-like consistency.
- Heavy cream
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Creamy peanut butter (not natural peanut butter).
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Peanut butter cups, any size, chopped
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Experiment with different peanut butters, chocolate swirls, or mix-ins to create your perfect flavor profile.
Make the Peanut Butter Ice Cream Base
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter together with the sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla, mixing until well blended.
- Add the heavy cream, mixing into the peanut butter mixture until completely mixed in.
Churn In The Freezer Bowl
- Pour the chilled peanut butter ice cream base into the frozen freezer bowl of your Cuisinart ice cream maker.
- Turn it on and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually the 'ice cream' or 'gelato' setting, until the ice cream is thickened and reaches a soft-serve consistency (about 30-35 minutes).
Add Chopped Peanut Butter Cups
- When the timer beeps, add the chopped peanut butter cups through the spout. Churn for an additional 1 - 2 minutes to distribute the chocolate chunks throughout the ice cream.
Freezer for Firmness (Hardening)
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations or substitutions when making this peanut butter ice cream recipe.
- Instead of chopped peanut butter cups, try a chocolate syrup or fudge sauce swirl for a classic chocolate-peanut butter combination. When transferring the soft serve stage ice cream to a loaf pan, layer with drizzles of chocolate sauce or hot fudge sauce.
- Fold in Reese's Pieces candies instead of chopped peanut butter cups.
- While creamy peanut butter is recommended, feel free to experiment with different types like crunchy peanut butter, almond butter, or even cashew butter.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making this peanut butter cup ice cream recipe:
- Allow the churned ice cream to freeze for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This allows it to firm up and become scoopable.
- Avoid over-churning the ice cream, as this can lead to a icy texture. Once the mixture thickens and reaches a soft-serve consistency, it's done except for mixing in the chopped peanut butter cups for 1 to 2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream into bowls and top with additional chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Create a homemade ice cream sundae with layers of Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream, hot fudge, chopped peanuts, and whipped cream.
Related Recipes
- Turtle Ice Cream
- Cookie Monster Ice Cream
- Praline and Pecan Ice Cream
- Banana Pudding Cheesecake Ice Cream
- Matcha Ice Cream
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this dish.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker ICE30
- Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker ICE70 - Makes Gelato, Sorbet, and Ice Cream!
- Extra ICE30 Freezer Bowl This way you can make two batches on the same day!
- Extra ICE70 Freezer Bowl
- Ice Cream Storage Tubs, 1 quart
- Long Scoop Ice Cream container
Storage Options
- Store leftover Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
While this recipe is specifically designed for the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, it may be adaptable for other electronic or crank ice cream makers. Consult your manufacturer's instructions for churning times and freezing recommendations.
If your Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream seems a bit soft after churning, there's a simple fix. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for a few more hours, or until completely firm.
More Delish Ideas
Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Equipment
Ingredients
- 14 ounce Sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy (do not use all natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Reese's peanut butter cups chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter together with the sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla, mixing until well blended.14 ounce Sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add the heavy cream, mixing into the peanut butter mixture until completely mixed in.2 cup Heavy cream
- Pour the chilled peanut butter ice cream base into the frozen freezer bowl of your Cuisinart ice cream maker.
- Turn it on and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually the 'ice cream' or 'gelato' setting, until the ice cream is thickened and reaches a soft-serve consistency (about 30-35 minutes).
- When the timer beeps, add the chopped peanut butter cups through the spout. Churn for an additional 1 - 2 minutes to distribute the chocolate chunks throughout the ice cream.1 cup Reese's peanut butter cups
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
Notes
- Allow the churned ice cream to freeze for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This allows it to firm up and become scoopable.
- Avoid over-churning the ice cream, as this can lead to a icy texture. Once the mixture thickens and reaches a soft-serve consistency, it's done except for mixing in the chopped peanut butter cups for 1 to 2 minutes.
Leave a Reply