Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate treat to beat the heat or simply to please your sweet tooth, Peanut Butter Ice Cream is a must-try for all dessert lovers. Creamy, luxurious, and bursting with nutty flavor, this homemade delight combines the richness of real peanut butter with silky ribbons of sweetness to create an ice cream that’s both nostalgic and undeniably gourmet. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or as the star of a celebration, every spoonful brings you that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and smooth—truly a frozen dream come true!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is pure magic thanks to a handful of simple ingredients—each one playing an important role in making your Peanut Butter Ice Cream unforgettable. From the nutty base to the creamy swirls, here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus helpful tips for ice cream perfection.

• Peanut Butter (⅔ cup, creamy): The heart of this ice cream, creamy peanut butter gives a rich, bold flavor and velvety texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel note that deepens the overall flavor.
• Kosher Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a touch enhances all the sweet and savory notes, making other flavors really pop.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Essential for that ultra-creamy, luscious mouthfeel every great ice cream should have.
• Milk (1⅓ cups): Lightens the mixture, so the result is perfectly scoopable and not too dense.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors, adding warmth and an inviting aroma.
• Peanut Butter (⅓ cup, creamy): Used separately for swirls; it creates decadent peanut butter ribbons throughout your ice cream.
• Powdered Sugar (3 tablespoons): Blends into the melted peanut butter swirl for a smooth, sweet finish.

How to Make Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Step 1: Blend the Base

Start by stirring your creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and kosher salt together in a large mixing bowl. You’ll notice the mixture turns delightfully glossy and thick. Next, whisk in the heavy cream until super smooth—this ensures a silky ice cream texture later on. Gradually pour in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until everything is well-blended and luscious. This is the crucial step to develop that signature Peanut Butter Ice Cream silkiness.

Step 2: Churn to Creamy Perfection

Next, pour the peanut butter base into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s directions for churning. You’ll watch as the mixture thickens and expands, promising creamy results every time. While the machine works its magic, go ahead and prepare your peanut butter swirl.

Step 3: Create the Peanut Butter Swirl

While the ice cream is churning, pop ⅓ cup of peanut butter in the microwave for about a minute. Stir until it’s smooth and pourable. Add powdered sugar, then whisk until the mixture is shiny and soft. The swirl adds little pockets of sweet peanutty flavor that take each bite of Peanut Butter Ice Cream to another level!

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Once the ice cream is done churning, scoop half of it into an airtight container. Drizzle half your peanut butter swirl on top, then add the rest of the ice cream and finish with the remaining swirl. Use a butter knife or skewer to ripple the layers together—just a couple of gentle turns. Don’t overdo it; you want visible swirls throughout.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

Cover your creation and pop it in the freezer for a few hours, until it’s firm enough to scoop. When you’re ready to enjoy, serve it as is or go all out with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a spoonful of hot fudge on top. Each bite is creamy, nutty, and unforgettable—truly the best homemade Peanut Butter Ice Cream experience!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Garnishes

The beauty of Peanut Butter Ice Cream is that it pairs well with just about any topping. Try scattering chopped roasted peanuts, crushed peanut butter cups, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a fun twist. For the chocolate lovers in your life, nothing beats a rich chocolate syrup drizzle or dollops of whipped cream right before serving.

Side Dishes

Ice cream this good deserves sidekicks that highlight its best features. Pair a generous scoop with warm brownies, banana bread, or sandwich it between classic chocolate chip cookies for a crowd-pleasing dessert sandwich. Fresh berries or a sliced banana also make an excellent, refreshing contrast to the richness of the ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving your Peanut Butter Ice Cream in crunchy waffle cones, fun miniature mason jars, or even layered in a parfait glass with chocolate sauce and crumbled cookies. Feeling fancy? Build your own sundae bar with bowls of crushed pretzels, caramel sauce, and mini chocolate chips—everyone will love creating their own custom masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Peanut Butter Ice Cream in a sealed, freezer-safe container. Placing a sheet of parchment or wax paper over the surface before sealing the lid can help prevent ice crystals from forming, so every scoop stays creamy and smooth.

Freezing

This ice cream keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two weeks. Just be sure it’s stored airtight to lock in fresh flavor and prevent freezer burn. Pro tip: Let the ice cream soften on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping for the best texture.

Reheating

While there’s no actual “reheating” involved with ice cream, softening it slightly before serving makes scooping a breeze. If it’s extra firm, let it stand at room temperature, or microwave it in short, 5-second bursts (being careful not to melt it) until it reaches the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds great texture to your Peanut Butter Ice Cream, creating little bites of roasted peanuts throughout. Just be aware it might be a little more challenging to whisk perfectly smooth, but it’s so worth it for the nutty crunch.

Is an ice cream maker necessary?

For the creamiest results, an ice cream maker is ideal, but you can experiment with the “no-churn” method: blend all base ingredients and pour into a chilled loaf pan, then freeze, stirring every 30–40 minutes for a few hours. The swirls might end up less distinct, but the flavor will be fantastic!

Can I make this Peanut Butter Ice Cream dairy-free?

Yes, swap the heavy cream and milk for full-fat coconut milk or a blend of your favorite non-dairy cream and milk. The texture will be a bit different, but still rich and delicious. Make sure your peanut butter and other add-ins are dairy-free as well.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with white sugar, but the flavor will be less caramel-like and slightly sweeter. If you’re adventurous, try adding a spoonful of molasses to white sugar for a homemade brown sugar substitute.

How do I get perfect peanut butter swirls?

The secret is warming the peanut butter just enough so it’s pourable, then whisking in powdered sugar for sweetness and a bit of stability. Dollop and swirl gently when layering to create ribbons that hold their shape without sinking to the bottom.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into your first bowl of homemade Peanut Butter Ice Cream! Each bite is an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to make you smile. So grab your mixing bowl, round up these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a creation that’s every bit as comforting as it is exciting. Your freezer—and your taste buds—will thank you!

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