Turtle Ice Cream combines the rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream with the sweet and salty decadence of Turtle candies. This recipe captures the essence of the Turtle in creamy vanilla ice cream, studded with chopped chunks of turtle candy, toasted pecans, and swirls of rich caramel and fudge sauce.
It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, barbecues, or anytime you crave a taste of childhood indulgence.
![turtle ice cream in a bowl with caramel and fudge sauce.](https://smellslikedelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/turtle-ice-cream-vertical3.jpg)
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Beyond its delightful flavor, homemade ice cream allows you to control the quality of ingredients. You can use high-quality vanilla extract and cocoa powder for the best flavor, and adjust the amount of mix-ins to suit your preferences.
While this recipe uses an electronic Cuisinart ice cream maker you can also udr a no-churn method for simplicity. No matter which method you choose, this Homemade Turtle Ice Cream is sure to be a hit!
- Classic Flavor: This recipe recreates the beloved taste of Turtle candies in a cool and refreshing ice cream form.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of creamy ice cream, decadent candies, nuts, and sauces creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Get the whole family involved in making and enjoying this delightful treat.
Ingredients You'll Need
You'll need heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, salt, chopped pecans, chopped Turtle candies, caramel sauce, and hot fudge sauce.
- Heavy cream
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla extract
- Salt, just a pinch
- Turtle candies, 6 oz - chopped into large pieces
- Pecans - toasted and chopped
- Fudge sauce - slightly warmed so that it pours easily
- Caramel sauce
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Turtle Ice Cream
Keep your caramel and hot fudge sauce inside a plastic bag set inside a pan or bowl of hot water. This prevents the hot water from removing the label from the jar, as well as makes the ice cream topping sauces easier to pour.
Prepare The Vanilla Ice Cream Base
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix the heavy cream. sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.
Freeze In Ice Cream Maker
- Pour the ice cream mixture into the frozen freezer bowl and set the ice cream maker to 'ice cream' or 'gelato' for 30 to 35 minutes.
- When the timer beeps, add half the chopped Turtle candies and let the ice cream maker churn an additional 1 - 2 minutes to mix together.
Layer With The Turtle Mix-In's
- Remove the dasher from the ice cream maker freezer bowl, scraping it clean.
- Transfer half the freezer bowl ice cream to the previously lined loaf pan.
- Sprinkle half the remaining chopped Turtle candies, half the chopped pecans over the half filled loaf pan.
- Transfer the remaining ice cream from the freezer bowl to the loaf pan, covering the mix-ins.
- Top the filled loaf pan with the remaining chopped pecans, Turtle candies, caramel sauce, and fudge sauce.
Harden The Ice Cream
- Cover with foil and place in the freezer to harden for 2 to 4 hours.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations or substitutions when making this turtle ice cream recipe.
- Feel free to substitute chopped peanuts, almonds, or a mixture of nuts for the pecans.
- Explore different caramel and fudge options – try a salted caramel sauce or a dark chocolate fudge for a richer flavor profile.
- Add in some chopped dark or milk chocolate for an extra chocolatey twist.
- For a salty-sweet contrast, crumble some pretzels and fold them into the ice cream mixture.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making this ice cream recipe:
- If using the no-churn method instead of an electronic ice cream maker, be sure to stir the mixture every hour so it does not get icy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Homemade Turtle Ice Cream in bowls with a drizzle of additional caramel and fudge sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on top for a classic sundae presentation. Enjoy it sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies for a decadent ice cream cookie sandwich, or into waffle cones.
Related Recipes
- Matcha Ice Cream
- Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
- Acai Berry Gelato (Acai Berry Ice Cream)
- Mango Sugar Free Sorbet
- Dairy Free Strawberry 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.
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- 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
- Homemade Turtle Ice Cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, the consistency and texture may change slightly after extended freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whipped topping is optional. You can enjoy the Turtle Ice Cream on its own or add your favorite toppings like chopped nuts, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a maraschino cherry for a classic touch.
If the ice cream has frozen too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will allow it to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Your ice cream maker if finished churning when the ice cream is the consistency of soft serve. You can enjoy it soft, or place it in the freezer to 'ripen', or harden to scoop ice cream consistency. Make sure your freezer is not set too cold, or it will make it too hard.
More Delish Ideas
Turtle Ice Cream (Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cup Heavy cream
- 14 ounce Sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- 1½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt just a pinch
- 6 oz Turtle candies 6 oz - chopped into large pieces, divided
- ½ cup Pecans - toasted and chopped divided
- ¼ cup Fudge sauce - slightly warmed so that it pours easily divided, warmed so it flows
- ¼ cup Caramel sauce divided
Instructions
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix the heavy cream. sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.2 cup Heavy cream, 14 ounce Sweetened condensed milk, 1½ teaspoon Vanilla extract, ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- Pour the ice cream mixture into the frozen freezer bowl and set the ice cream maker to 'ice cream' or 'gelato' for 30 to 35 minutes.
- When the timer beeps, add half the chopped Turtle candies and let the ice cream maker churn an additional 1 - 2 minutes to mix together.6 oz Turtle candies
- Remove the dasher from the ice cream maker freezer bowl, scraping it clean.
- Transfer half the freezer bowl ice cream to the previously lined loaf pan.
- Sprinkle half the remaining chopped Turtle candies, half the chopped pecans over the half filled loaf pan. Drizzle with half the fudge sauce and caramel sauce.½ cup Pecans - toasted and chopped, ¼ cup Fudge sauce - slightly warmed so that it pours easily, ¼ cup Caramel sauce, 6 oz Turtle candies
- Transfer the remaining ice cream from the freezer bowl to the loaf pan, covering the mix-ins.
- Top the filled loaf pan with the remaining chopped pecans, Turtle candies, caramel sauce, and fudge sauce.6 oz Turtle candies, ½ cup Pecans - toasted and chopped, ¼ cup Fudge sauce - slightly warmed so that it pours easily, ¼ cup Caramel sauce
- Cover with foil and place in the freezer to harden for 2 to 4 hours, then scoop and serve topped with additional caramel or chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
Notes
- If using the no-churn method instead of an electronic ice cream maker, be sure to stir the mixture every hour so it does not get icy.
- Be sure to warm the hot fudge sauce just enough so that you can drizzle it, as it's solid at room temperature.
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