If you adore the glorious trifecta of creamy bananas, nutty walnuts, and decadent chocolate, then Chunky Monkey Ice Cream is about to become your new obsession! Imagine a scoop so luscious and loaded with goodies, every bite promises a little bit of nostalgia, a lot of fun, and a burst of pure happiness. This homemade classic is surprisingly simple to prepare, yet never fails to impress, blending silken cream and fresh bananas with those irresistible chunks that keep you coming back for more. Get ready to churn up some magic and share a treat that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!

Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional Mix-Ins:
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips

How to Make Chunky Monkey Ice Cream

Step 1: Prep the Creamy Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and pouring in your heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk well until the sugar is completely dissolved—this gives your ice cream that dreamy, velvety texture. Take a moment to inhale the sweet, vanilla-scented aroma; it’s a promise of delicious things to come!

Step 2: Add Mashed Bananas

Mash the ripe bananas in a separate bowl using a fork until smooth. Stir the bananas into the cream mixture until they are fully combined. The bananas infuse the base with natural sweetness and a gorgeous pale golden hue.

Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the banana cream mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn following your manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20–25 minutes, until the mixture has thickened to a soft-serve consistency. This step transforms your ingredients into that signature creamy texture you expect from homemade Chunky Monkey Ice Cream.

Step 4: Fold in the Chunks

Once the base is churned, it’s time for the fun part: fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chunks. These mix-ins add those iconic chunky bits, giving each bite its delightful crunch and bursts of chocolate.

Step 5: Freeze Until Firm

Transfer your finished ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. This is the hardest part—waiting! But the reward is a homemade Chunky Monkey Ice Cream that’s absolutely worth it.

How to Serve Chunky Monkey Ice Cream

Garnishes

Add a little extra flair to every bowl by topping your scoops with more chopped walnuts, extra chocolate chunks, or even a playful drizzle of caramel. A few banana slices make it look as fresh as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair this ice cream with warm brownies, banana bread, or crisp waffle cones for a truly unforgettable dessert moment. Even a simple sugar cookie on the side makes every serving feel special and celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chunky Monkey Ice Cream in sundae glasses with layers of hot fudge and whipped cream, or pile scoops inside split bananas for an over-the-top banana split. For parties, try sandwiching the ice cream between homemade cookies for chunky, chewy ice cream sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the ice cream in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container. Keeping it well-sealed will prevent those unwelcome ice crystals and preserve the smooth, luxurious texture.

Freezing

This chunky delight can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks. To keep the flavor and texture at their peak, press a layer of parchment or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.

Reheating

While “reheating” and ice cream might sound a little odd, sometimes homemade varieties need a few minutes at room temperature to soften enough for scooping. Just leave the container out for 8-10 minutes before serving—the scoops will come out perfectly creamy.

FAQs

Can I make Chunky Monkey Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can! Simply prepare the base and fold in the bananas, walnuts, and chocolate as directed. Pour into a freezer-safe dish and stir every 30 minutes for a few hours to keep it creamy until fully frozen.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Go for bananas with plenty of brown spots and a deep aroma; the riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your Chunky Monkey Ice Cream will be.

Can I use different nuts or chocolate?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts make tasty substitutions, and you can swap semisweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate to suit your taste.

How can I make this ice cream dairy-free?

Substitute the cream and milk with coconut cream and your favorite plant-based milk, and opt for vegan-friendly chocolate chips and nuts. The result is a delicious, dairy-free Chunky Monkey Ice Cream that everyone can enjoy!

What’s the best way to toast walnuts?

Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant. Let them cool before stirring into your ice cream for an even deeper flavor.

Final Thoughts

This is one scoop of happiness you’ll want to share with everyone you love. Chunky Monkey Ice Cream is as much fun to make as it is to eat, and every bite is a sweet reminder of how delightful homemade treats can be. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how your batch turns out!

Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of homemade Chunky Monkey Ice Cream! This delightful frozen treat features a luscious banana base studded with chocolate chunks and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings on a hot summer day.

Ingredients

Scale

Ice Cream Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional Mix-Ins:

2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips

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Instructions

Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until sugar is dissolved.
Mix in Bananas: Stir in mashed bananas until well combined.
Churn Ice Cream: Pour mixture into ice cream maker and churn per manufacturer’s instructions until soft-serve consistency.
Add Mix-Ins: Fold in walnuts and chocolate chunks.
Freeze: Transfer ice cream to a container, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
Serve: Scoop and enjoy!