This rich and creamy brownie fudge swirl ice cream is a perfect treat for chocolate lovers. It combines smooth ice cream with chewy brownie bits and luscious fudge swirls.
Who can resist a scoop (or two)? I usually make it when I want to impress friends, but honestly, I just end up eating it all myself! 🍦😄
Making this ice cream is a breeze! Just mix, freeze, and enjoy. Don’t forget to share—if you can resist the urge to keep it all for yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This adds creaminess to the base. If you want to reduce fat, you can use 2% milk, but the ice cream will be less rich. I generally stick with whole milk for the best texture!
Heavy Cream: It’s crucial for that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half could work too, but you’ll sacrifice some creaminess. I love going for the richness of heavy cream!
Semi-sweet Chocolate: This chocolate brings depth to the flavor. If you prefer something sweeter, use milk chocolate. You could also use dark chocolate for a richer taste. My go-to is semi-sweet for that perfect balance.
Brownie Chunks: You can use store-bought brownies for convenience, but homemade brownies often taste better. Fun tip: use different types of brownies, like fudge or cakey, to mix up the texture!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chocolate Mixture is Smooth?
Getting a smooth chocolate mixture is key to a creamy ice cream. To achieve this:
- Heat the whole milk, sugar, and cocoa powder slowly to dissolve everything well. Don’t rush; keep whisking!
- Make sure to remove it from heat before adding the chopped chocolate. The residual heat will melt it perfectly.
- Stir until there are no lumps and it’s fully combined. Patience is key here for that silky texture!
Letting this mixture cool to room temperature before adding the cream also helps prevent curdling and ensures a smooth ice cream base.
How to Make Easy Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brownie chunks (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious brownie fudge swirl ice cream will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and, ideally, a chilling time of around 2 hours in the refrigerator. After churning in the ice cream maker, it will need an additional 4 hours to freeze until firm. So, you’re looking at a total of about 6 hours and 15 minutes of delicious anticipation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chocolate Base:
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Remember to whisk constantly to keep everything mixed and ensure the sugar dissolves. Be careful not to let it boil—just make it hot.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Once the mixture is hot and sugar is dissolved, take it off the heat. Add the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate and stir until it’s fully melted and smooth. Let this cocoa mixture cool down to room temperature.
3. Chill the Mixture:
When the mixture has cooled, stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours—chilling is super important for the ice cream to get that creamy texture!
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
After chilling, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and churn until you reach a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on your machine.
5. Layer with Brownies and Fudge:
Now, transfer half of the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Drizzle half of the fudge sauce on top and sprinkle half of the brownie chunks over that. Yum!
6. Swirl It Together:
Next, add the remaining ice cream on top. With a knife or spatula, gently swirl it together to create beautiful fudge patterns. Then add the rest of the fudge sauce and brownie chunks, gently folding them in, but keeping some on top for that gorgeous texture.
7. Freeze Until Firm:
Cover the container with a lid, or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, when you’re ready to enjoy your creation, scoop the brownie fudge swirl ice cream into bowls or cones. Dive into the rich chocolatey goodness paired with chewy brownie treats and drizzle of fudge. Share it with friends, or savor it all yourself—no judgment here!
FAQ for Easy Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
Can I Use Different Types of Milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk gives the best creaminess, you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version. However, avoid non-dairy milks as they may alter the flavor and texture significantly.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To maintain the best texture, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing. It should stay fresh for up to 2 weeks!
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! Simply pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals until it’s frozen and creamy—this usually takes about 3-4 hours.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins—chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or crushed cookies work great! Just make sure to adjust the amounts so the mixture doesn’t get too crowded.