If you’re craving a decadent frozen treat that delivers on every front, look no further than Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream. This homemade masterpiece is dreamy, creamy, and absolutely loaded with peanut butter in three glorious forms, along with chunks of chocolate that make each scoop downright irresistible. Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just someone who loves a good scoop of nostalgia with a gourmet twist, the Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream will quickly become your favorite summer (or anytime!) indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup mini peanut butter cups (chopped)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter chips
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
How to Make Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Step 1: Whisk Together the Ice Cream Base
Start by rounding up a medium mixing bowl and your favorite whisk. Pour in the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract all at once, then whisk away until everything blends into a smooth, luscious base. Take a moment to dip in a spoon — you’ll already taste that signature combination of sweetness and roasted peanut. Make sure there are no streaks of peanut butter left unmixed for the smoothest result.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Patience is key here! Once your base is blended, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This gives the flavors time to meld and ensures your ice cream churns up extra creamy. If you have time, let it chill overnight for even deeper peanut and vanilla notes in your Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream.
Step 3: Churn Your Ice Cream
When you’re ready for action, set up your ice cream maker according to its manual. Pour the chilled mixture into the machine and let it churn for about 20 to 25 minutes. The transformation happens right before your eyes: the base thickens, lightens, and starts to look like real ice cream! Get excited for the next step — that’s when this treat gets downright over-the-top.
Step 4: Add the Triple Threat Mix-ins
This is where Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream lives up to its name. In the final 5 minutes of churning, sprinkle in chopped mini peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and chocolate chips. The machine helps swirl them evenly throughout, so every scoop is chock-full of chocolate and peanut butter in glorious harmony.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer your churned ice cream to a lidded container, smoothing out the top. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle a bit of melted peanut butter in broad swirls over the surface — a little secret for diehard peanut butter lovers. Pop the whole thing in the freezer for at least two hours. This time allows everything to firm up just right, so the texture is perfect when you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Garnishes
No scoop is complete without a bit of flair! Sprinkle a few extra chopped mini peanut butter cups or peanuts over each bowl for even more crunch. A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a quick swirl of melted peanut butter on top takes things to pure bliss. Whipped cream and a cherry are never out of place, either.
Side Dishes
This ice cream is positively dreamy on its own, but pairing it with warm brownies, peanut butter cookies, or crisp waffle cones will make dessert the highlight of any meal. A scoop alongside a slice of fudgy cake is really all you need to win friends and influence taste buds at your next gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn a scoop of Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream into an epic sundae bar with all your favorite toppings, or pile it into a crunchy cookie sandwich. For an extra-special summer treat, freeze a few scoops onto popsicle sticks for DIY ice cream pops that’ll make everyone grin from ear to ear.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (good luck!), keep your Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream’s surface before sealing the lid — this keeps freezer burn at bay and preserves that ultra-creamy texture.
Freezing
The beauty of homemade ice cream is that it freezes beautifully for up to two weeks. For the best results, make sure your freezer is set to a consistent temperature, and always use a well-sealed container to lock in flavor and prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheating
Technically, we don’t reheat ice cream — but if your batch comes out hard as a rock, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This softens it just enough for those perfect, bakery-style swirls. Avoid the microwave, as it melts too quickly and can zap away the ideal texture you worked so hard to achieve.
FAQs
Can I make Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! For a no-churn version, whip 2 cups of heavy cream to firm peaks, then fold in a sweetened peanut butter-milk mixture. Once everything is blended, add the mix-ins and freeze until solid — no machine required.
Do I have to use mini peanut butter cups, or can I use regular-sized ones?
You can use any peanut butter cups you love! If you’re working with larger ones, simply chop them into bite-sized pieces before mixing them in. The goal is to have plenty of peanut butter cup bits in every scoop.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter works, but be sure to stir it thoroughly so the oil is evenly distributed. Keep in mind, the texture might be a touch less creamy, and the flavor a bit earthier — still delicious for serious peanut butter enthusiasts!
How long will Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream stay fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container, this ice cream will taste fantastic for up to two weeks. While it’s unlikely it’ll stick around that long, the texture and flavor shine brightest in the first few days.
Can I add extra swirls of peanut butter or chocolate?
Yes, go wild! Swirling in extra melted peanut butter or your favorite chocolate sauce just before freezing gives dramatic ribbons and boosts the wow factor. Frozen, you’ll love hitting those pockets of flavor in every serve.
Final Thoughts
Homemade ice cream just doesn’t get more fun, more flavorful, or more irresistible than this. Whether you’re crafting it for kids, adults, or the young-at-heart, Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream will always be met with cheers. Grab your ingredients, fire up your mixer, and treat yourself to the peanut buttery, chocolate-studded scoop you deserve!
Print
Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate peanut butter lover’s dream with this Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream. Creamy, rich peanut butter ice cream studded with chopped peanut butter cups and swirled with peanut butter and chocolate chips, this homemade delight will satisfy all your cravings.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup mini peanut butter cups (chopped)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter chips
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Chill Mixture: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20–25 minutes.
- Add Mix-ins: In the final 5 minutes of churning, add chopped peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and chocolate chips.
- Freeze: Transfer churned ice cream to a container, freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For extra swirl, drizzle melted peanut butter into churned ice cream before freezing.
- Can be made no-churn by whipping cream and folding in a sweetened peanut butter-milk mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
