There’s nothing quite like the joy of making your own ice cream at home, and this Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream is a must-try for dessert lovers. Featuring a rich and velvety vanilla base, swirls of peanut butter, decadent ribbons of chocolate fudge, and crunchy mini peanut butter cups, this treat is the perfect combination of creamy, fudgy, and crunchy textures.
Let’s dive into the details of how you can make this delicious ice cream from scratch!
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks
For the Moose Tracks Mix-ins:
- ½ cup (120g) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup (120ml) chocolate fudge sauce
- ½ cup (60g) mini peanut butter cups, chopped
Instructions
1. Make the Ice Cream Base
The foundation of any great ice cream is a well-prepared base. This custard-style vanilla base provides a creamy texture and a rich flavor that perfectly complements the Moose Tracks mix-ins.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm. Do not let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
2. Churn the Ice Cream
Once your ice cream base has fully chilled, it’s time to churn it into creamy perfection.
- Pour the chilled custard base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- In the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped mini peanut butter cups to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
3. Swirl in the Moose Tracks Mix-ins
This is where the magic happens! The signature Moose Tracks flavor comes from the indulgent ribbons of peanut butter and chocolate fudge.
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a mixing bowl or an airtight container.
- Drizzle the peanut butter and chocolate fudge sauce over the ice cream.
- Gently swirl the sauces into the ice cream using a spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overmix—you want distinct ribbons of peanut butter and fudge for that signature Moose Tracks effect.
- Add extra peanut butter cups if you want an extra crunch in every bite.
4. Freeze the Ice Cream
To achieve the perfect scoopable consistency, you’ll need to let the ice cream set in the freezer.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for a firmer texture.
Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the best part—digging into your homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream! Scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy vanilla, rich chocolate fudge, and crunchy peanut butter goodness.
Tips for the Best Homemade Ice Cream:
- Use high-quality ingredients – The richness of the heavy cream, the freshness of the eggs, and real vanilla extract make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t skip chilling the base – Allowing the custard to cool properly ensures a smoother, creamier texture.
- Freeze your mix-ins – Chilling the peanut butter cups before adding them prevents them from melting into the ice cream.
- Experiment with flavors – Try using caramel sauce instead of fudge or adding chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream is a fun and rewarding dessert to make, perfect for summer days or anytime you crave a creamy, indulgent treat. Enjoy making (and eating) this classic favorite!
