If you’re obsessed with the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, get ready to fall in love with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl. This ultra-creamy, rich dessert is loaded with bite-sized peanut butter cup pieces and ribbons of dreamy peanut butter, all suspended in a decadent chocolate base. The sweet, salty, and slightly bitter flavors dance together, making every scoop a totally satisfying experience for kids and grown-ups alike. This one’s for those moments when only the ultimate frozen treat will do!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into an unforgettable batch of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl. Each element plays a crucial part in building that dreamy texture and indulgent, layered flavor profile that’s so addictive.

Heavy Cream: This is the key to that luscious, creamy mouthfeel, setting the stage for every dreamy spoonful.
Whole Milk: It lightens up the cream base a bit while still keeping things rich and delicious.
Granulated Sugar: Helps keep the ice cream scoopable and sweet without overpowering the main flavors.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor; opt for Dutch-process if you want a smoother, darker base.
Vanilla Extract: Just half a teaspoon brings warmth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.
Pinch of Salt: Enhances everything and pushes the chocolate-peanut butter balance over the top.
Mini Peanut Butter Cups (chopped): The ultimate surprise in every bite—these add texture and rich, creamy peanut butter flavor.
Creamy Peanut Butter (melted): Swirled throughout for those iconic, decadent ribbons—melt just enough for smooth swirling.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl

Step 1: Cook the Chocolate Base

Begin by whisking together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the mixture gently warms—this helps dissolve both the sugar and cocoa completely, giving your ice cream a silky-smooth texture and rich chocolate foundation. About five to seven minutes should do the trick.

Step 2: Infuse with Vanilla

Once your mixture is warm and everything has dissolved, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This quick step locks in a layer of fragrant, complex flavor that really brings the chocolate to life.

Step 3: Chill Thoroughly

Pour your chocolate ice cream base into a bowl and pop it into the refrigerator to chill. You want the mixture to be deeply cold—at least four hours, but overnight is even better. Don’t skip this! Chilling ensures maximum creaminess and lightness during churning.

Step 4: Churn to Perfection

When your base is totally chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep a close eye towards the end of churning—right before it finishes, sprinkle in the chopped mini peanut butter cups, letting them fold gently through the ice cream.

Step 5: Create the Peanut Butter Swirl

Add half of your freshly churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, drizzle with half the slightly melted peanut butter, and use a knife to ripple the peanut butter through in lazy, delicious swirls. Repeat with the rest of the ice cream and remaining peanut butter, for those beautiful peanut butter ribbons in every scoop.

Step 6: Freeze Until Firm

Once fully assembled, cover your container and freeze for at least four hours or until the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl is ultra-firm—this patience pays off for perfect scoops!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl

Garnishes

To really wow your guests, scatter a few extra chopped peanut butter cups or roasted peanuts over the top just before serving. A drizzle of melted chocolate or even a crumbled cookie adds festive crunch and eye-catching appeal to every dish of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl.

Side Dishes

This decadent ice cream is delicious all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with warm brownies, soft chocolate chip cookies, or a slice of fluffy pound cake. For a lighter touch, fresh banana slices and raspberries help balance the richness with a burst of tart and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl into ice cream sandwiches with chewy chocolate cookies, or scoop it into waffle cones and top with caramel popcorn for a playful movie-night treat. For parties, serve small scoops in tiny mason jars—everyone loves their own personal portion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl tightly covered in the freezer. Press a layer of parchment or plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream surface before sealing the container to prevent ice crystals and maintain maximum creaminess.

Freezing

The ice cream keeps beautifully in a deep freeze for up to two weeks, though the texture is best within the first week. For the freshest, best-tasting batches, avoid thawing and refreezing, which can dull those beautiful swirls and cause the peanut butter to harden.

Reheating

Ice cream should never be reheated, but if it’s too hard to scoop straight out of the freezer, simply let your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl sit at room temperature for five to ten minutes. This will bring it back to that luscious, creamy texture you love.

FAQs

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Absolutely! After mixing the base and chilling, pour it into a freezer-safe container, stirring in the chopped peanut butter cups and layered peanut butter swirl. Every 30 minutes, mix vigorously (or use a hand mixer) to break up ice crystals, repeating until thick and creamy.

What kind of peanut butter works best for the swirl?

If you prefer a thin, smooth swirl, go for natural peanut butter. For bolder, more dramatic ribbons, classic creamy peanut butter melts and swirls beautifully—just heat gently so it’s pourable but not hot.

Can I use different candies instead of peanut butter cups?

Of course! Chopped chocolate bars, toffee bits, or even chunks of peanut butter cookies all taste amazing. Have fun experimenting—just make sure the mix-ins aren’t too large and add them right at the end of churning.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl is naturally gluten-free, but always check that your peanut butter cups (and any other mix-ins) are certified gluten-free if allergies are a concern.

How do I get perfectly rippled swirls?

The key is to gently drizzle and swirl the peanut butter instead of mixing it thoroughly. Don’t overwork it—use a thin knife or skewer and make just a few figure-eight motions for those signature glossy ribbons.

Final Thoughts

Few things feel as joyful as digging into a homemade scoop of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl. It’s surprisingly simple but guaranteed to delight anyone who loves a sweet and salty pairing. Grab your favorite cone or bowl and treat yourself—you really can’t go wrong with this irresistible classic!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a Peanut Butter Swirl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream with a decadent Peanut Butter Swirl. A homemade treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a delightful frozen dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Ice Cream Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Add-Ins:

¾ cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
½ cup creamy peanut butter, slightly melted for swirling

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Instructions

Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and chill for at least 4 hours.
Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions. Add chopped peanut butter cups during the last few minutes.
Swirl in Peanut Butter: Transfer half of the churned ice cream to a container, drizzle with half of the melted peanut butter, and swirl gently. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and peanut butter.
Freeze: Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.