icon
My Cart
loader

Homemade Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipe

Spoiler: You don’t need an ice cream maker to make peanut butter ice cream at home! All you need is a good no-churn recipe that turns your favorite peanut butter cups (and any other mix-ins you’d like) into indulgent creamy peanut butter ice cream. With a few household ingredients and, of course, your favorite creamy peanut butter, you can make an easy, homemade ice cream that will impress anyone and everyone.

Table of Contents:

  • Making Peanut Butter Sauce
  • Choosing between Natural or Commercial Peanut Butter
  • Mixing Ingredients for a Silky-Smooth Consistency
  • Preparing Custard-Based Vanilla Ice Cream Base
    • Combining ingredients for optimal flavor balance
    • Vegan ice cream alternatives with oat creamer or dairy-free milk
  • No-Churn Freezing Method
    • Layering Technique for Beautiful Ribbons in Each Scoop
    • Achieving Perfect Freezing Time Without an Ice Maker Machine
  • Alternative Blender Method
    • Blending ingredients for a smooth and creamy texture
    • Want an even easier way? Just use a blend-and-freeze ice cream mix!
    • Topping ideas to enhance your homemade ice cream experience
  • Conclusion

 

The Secret Sauce? Peanut Butter Sauce

A mason jar of homemade peanut butter

One way to flavor your peanut butter ice cream is with peanut butter sauce. This sauce can provide an extra taste and mouthfeel to the ice cream while keeping it creamy and velvety. To achieve that perfect silky-smooth consistency for your creamy peanut butter sauce, follow these easy steps:

  1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter (you can use any option from natural peanut butter to Reese’s peanut butter), cream (or alternative), corn syrup/honey and brown sugar. Stir continuously until all ingredients are incorporated and heated through - about five minutes.
  2. Stir the mixture continuously until all ingredients are fully combined and heated through - about five minutes should do the trick. Be careful not to let it boil as this could cause the mixture to become grainy.
  3. Remove from heat once everything is melted together - now you've got yourself some scrumptious homemade Reese's-style peanut butter sauce.
  4. Reserve a portion of the sauce for later, allowing it to cool off before mixing into your ice cream foundation.

Now, for the next step of your peanut butter ice cream recipe, get ready to prepare the custard-based vanilla ice cream.

 

Preparing Custardy Vanilla Ice Cream Base

The secret behind creating a rich peanut butter ice cream is developing the no-churn custard base. Once the custard-based vanilla ice cream base is prepared, it can be used as a foundation for creating unique flavors. It’s a go-to for any homemade ice cream recipe.

A close up shot of ice cream being scooped

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ice cream base
  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter or your peanut butter sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3/4 cups whole milk
  • Pinch of salt

Recipe:

  1. Start by whisking together 1 cup of vanilla ice cream base, ½ cup smooth peanut butter, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  2. In another bowl, mix together 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (or oat creamer) with ¾ cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative).
  3. Slowly pour the liquid mixture into your peanut-butter-sugar blend while continuously stirring to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

 

Vegan ice cream alternatives with oat creamer or dairy-free milk

If you're looking for vegan ice cream alternatives to heavy cream as you create your no-churn ice cream base, don't worry, we've got you covered. Simply replace traditional heavy whipping cream with an equal amount of oat-based non-dairy alternatives.

  • Oat Cream: Oat creamers are a great alternative to heavy whipping cream, providing a similar creamy texture without the dairy. Creamy oat milk vegan ice cream is already becoming popular nationwide and worldwide. 
  • Almond Milk: Almond milk is another popular choice for those looking to avoid dairy in their ice cream recipes. Its slightly nutty flavor pairs well with peanut butter. However, it lacks the fat content of oat or coconut milk.
  • Soy Milk: Soy milk offers a thicker consistency than almond milk and has a more neutral taste, making it an excellent option for homemade ice creams.
  • Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds richness and natural sweetness to your ice cream base, perfect for those who love tropical flavors or want something different from traditional vanilla bases.

Plus, you can add in additional mix-ins like peanut butter, to make vegan peanut butter ice cream.

 

Want a Peanut Butter Ribbon? Try this Layering Technique!

To achieve those luxurious ribbons of peanut butter sauce in each scoop, follow these easy steps:

  1. Pour half of the custard-based vanilla ice cream mixture into a loaf pan.
  2. Drizzle about half of the reserved peanut butter sauce over the top.
  3. Add another layer with the remaining custard mixture on top.
  4. Spoon dollops of leftover peanut butter sauce onto this final layer and swirl it gently using a knife or spatula to create beautiful patterns.

This technique ensures that every bite is packed with deliciously smooth and creamy peanut-buttery goodness—not even an ice cream maker could do that.

Plus, peanut butter isn’t the only thing you can swirl into your pint! You can make any peanut butter ice cream, peanut butter and jelly ice cream. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try Mike’s Hot Honey for a spicy Hot Honey Peanut Butter ice cream.

 

Achieving Perfect Freezing Time Without an Ice Maker Machine

You might be wondering how long it takes for your homemade Peanut Butter Ice Cream to freeze without an ice cream maker. The answer boils down to how long you freeze it, and how you freeze it.

  • Cover your loaf pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil after completing all layers mentioned above. If using a blend-and-freeze ice cream mix, you can freeze your ice cream in an airtight container that’s freezer-safe.
  • Let your creation rest in the freezer for at least six hours - preferably longer if possible up to twenty-four hours max - ensuring optimal results from freezer experience overall enjoyment factor wise during consumption phase life cycle aka eating part which everyone looks forward to most importantly above all else right?

Once the frozen treat has achieved its desired texture, it's time to indulge. Enjoy your homemade peanut butter ice cream with friends and family as you marvel at how easy it was to make without an ice maker machine.

 

Alternative Blender Method

A bowl of peanut butter ice cream

Are you eager to give a different, thrilling way of making your own Reese's Peanut Butter Ice Cream a go? Let's dive into the blender method. This technique is perfect for those who don't have an ice cream maker but still want a smooth and creamy dessert. Plus, let's explore some incredible topping ideas to elevate your ice cream experience.

 

Blending ingredients for a smooth and creamy texture

To create this delicious treat using a blender, follow these simple steps:

  1. In your blender, combine 1 cup of heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative), 1 cup of milk (or dairy-free alternative), ½ cup of peanut butter, ¾ cup of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  2. Blend on high speed until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Make sure there are no lumps or chunks left in the mix - we want our ice cream as silky as possible.
  3. Pour the blended mixture into a loaf pan or any other freezer-safe container with enough space for expansion during freezing.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze overnight (at least six hours) until firm.

Your homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Ice Cream made using a blender should now be ready to enjoy. But wait - let's not forget about adding some fantastic toppings...

 

Want an even easier way? Just use a blend-and-freeze ice cream mix!

Hijinx packet with a bowl of ice cream

Ice cream mixes like Hijinx are a great way to cut down your total time, effort, and amount of ingredients. Here’s a recipe to make no-churn peanut butter ice cream with just a blender:

Ingredients:
  • HIJINX ice cream mix
  • 1 ½ cups half & half or water*
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
Recipe:
  1. Warm the half & half and peanut butter in the microwave for 60 seconds. Make sure the peanut butter is fully dissolved. That’s pretty much the entirety of your prep time!
  2. Using a blender, combine 1 packet of HIJINX ice cream mix with the half & half mixture. Blend for one minute or until thoroughly combined.
  3. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes on your counter.
  4. After 30 minutes, mix in the optional peanut butter cups. For better distribution, stir in after freezing for 1 - 2 hours.
  5. Transfer to a freezer-safe, airtight container.
  6. Freeze for 3 - 6 hours. Enjoy!

To customize your flavor even more, you can blend in additions like hot honey, ginger (check out this ginger peanut butter ice cream recipe), or hot fudge! Who doesn’t like chocolate peanut butter ice cream? Adding complementary flavors to your peanut butter ice cream will enhance the flavor of the peanut butter and add depth of flavor—and you don’t even need an ice cream machine to do it.

 

Topping ideas to enhance your homemade ice cream experience

A close up of peanut butter ice cream with chocolate toppings

A great way to elevate your already scrumptious peanut butter ice cream is by adding delightful toppings that complement its flavors. Here are some suggestions:

  • Peanut Butter Sauce: Remember that extra sauce from earlier? Warm it up and drizzle it over your ice cream for an extra layer of nutty goodness.
  • Chocolate Fudge: Mix it in or drizzle on top for the imitation Reese’s peanut butter cup flavor that probably brought you to this article.
  • Chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Chop up some Reese's cups into small pieces and sprinkle them on top of your ice cream for an added crunch and burst of peanut butter flavor.
  • Biscoff cookies: Crunchy Biscoff cookies can provide a crunchy texture that works well with any peanut butter flavor. For an easy method, try this Peanut Butter Biscoff ice cream recipe.
  • Banana Slices: Add a fruity twist by placing thin slices of banana over your ice cream - the combination with peanut butter is simply divine.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop or two of whipped cream adds a light, fluffy contrast to the rich flavors in this dessert. You can even try making Homemade Whipped Cream for an extra special touch.

Plus, when you use Hijinx ice cream mix, you just need to stir in your topping once it’s blended. See how easy it is?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to topping ideas. Be imaginative and discover what functions best for you. With these tips in hand, we're sure that your homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Ice Cream will be a hit among family and friends alike.

 

You CAN make homemade peanut butter ice cream without an ice cream maker!

For peanut butter and ice cream lovers, these DIY peanut butter ice cream recipes are great go-to’s for simple, no-churn peanut butter ice cream. Whether you choose to create your own custard base or use an easy mix like Hijinx, you’ll be ready to impress friends and family with Reese’s-inspired ice cream in no time. When you have an ice cream recipe that you love, it’s easier to tackle it time and time again for parties, or even just everyday dessert.

Ready to give homemade peanut butter ice cream a go, and maybe add some adventurous toppings along the way? Check out Hijinx Ice Cream for more great recipes!

 

 

Tags:

Leave your comment