If you adore the creamy, dreamy indulgence of rich vanilla ice cream swirled with luscious fudge and studded with mini peanut butter cups, then you’re in for a real treat with this Moose Tracks Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups & Fudge Recipe. It’s a sensational homemade spin on a classic that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and chocolatey notes. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a fancy dessert night, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create layers of texture and flavor that are irresistible from the very first scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this amazing ice cream experience. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy dairy base that gives smoothness and richness, to the peanut butter cups and fudge that add bursts of flavor and gorgeous texture throughout the ice cream.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Adds the rich creaminess that’s essential for smooth, velvety ice cream texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the cream just enough while maintaining creaminess.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the ice cream perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Infuses the base with warm, comforting vanilla notes.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped: Delivers that classic peanut butter and chocolate combination in every bite.
- ½ cup fudge sauce: Creates rich, luscious swirls of chocolatey goodness throughout the ice cream.
- 1 ½ cups vanilla ice cream base (optional): Use if making your own vanilla base, otherwise store-bought vanilla ice cream works too.
How to Make Moose Tracks Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups & Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
If you’re opting to make your own vanilla ice cream base from scratch, start by warming 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and ¾ cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Let this mixture cool completely to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step is what will give your ice cream that ultra-smooth body and inviting aroma.
Step 2: Churn the Ice Cream Base or Soften Store-bought
Once chilled, pour your homemade base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it thickens into a creamy consistency. If you’re skipping the homemade base, soften your store-bought vanilla ice cream by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then stir gently until it is smooth and scoopable—this ensures easy mixing with your add-ins.
Step 3: Fold in the Peanut Butter Cups
Now for the exciting part: fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups. Be generous here! These nuggets of peanut buttery chocolate add delightful texture and flavor bursts. Use a spatula to gently but thoroughly distribute them throughout the ice cream so that every spoonful has that perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.
Step 4: Layer with Fudge Sauce
Take a freezer-safe container and begin layering the ice cream mixture with ribbons of fudge sauce. Drizzle half of the ½ cup fudge gently over the first layer, then add more ice cream on top and finish with the remaining fudge. Use a spoon or butter knife to swirl the fudge through the ice cream layers, creating gorgeous marbled ribbons of chocolate that make this treat extra decadent.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Pop the container in the freezer for at least 4 hours to ensure the ice cream sets properly. The freezing time allows the fudge to solidify just enough to create those beautiful textures and locks in the intense peanut butter flavors for each scoop.
Step 6: Scoop, Serve, and Enjoy!
When ready, scoop generous portions of your homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups & Fudge Recipe and prepare for the magic. The combination of creamy vanilla, rich fudge, and peanut butter cups will make it hard to stop at just one bowl!
How to Serve Moose Tracks Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups & Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your ice cream presentation with a flourish by topping scoops with crushed peanuts for a bit of crunch or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for added sweetness. A few extra mini peanut butter cups scattered over the top add visual appeal and an extra hit of flavor that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts like brownies or apple pie, creating a fab contrast between hot and cold. It’s also wonderful alongside fresh berries to add some bright, acidic notes that cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Moose Tracks Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups & Fudge Recipe in waffle cones or bowls, or layer it in parfait glasses alternating with crumbled cookies for texture and eye-catching layers. You can even make ice cream sandwiches using chocolate chip cookies for a nostalgic delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer immediately after serving. This keeps it from absorbing freezer odors and maintains the creamy texture for days to come.
Freezing
Because this recipe uses a homemade or softened base layered with fudge, freezing it for at least 4 hours or overnight is key to achieving the best firmness without losing that perfect swirl or mix-in distribution.
Reheating
Ice cream is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If slightly too hard, allow it to soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought vanilla ice cream instead of making the base?
Absolutely! Using store-bought vanilla ice cream simplifies the process and still gives delicious results. Just soften it before folding in the peanut butter cups and fudge.
What’s the best way to chop the peanut butter cups?
Use a sharp knife to cut the peanut butter cups into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even distribution and avoids large chunks that can be tricky to scoop.
Can I make the fudge sauce from scratch?
Yes! Homemade fudge sauce made from cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and cream can elevate the dish even more, but store-bought fudge works perfectly fine and saves time.
How long will the ice cream keep in the freezer?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this homemade ice cream will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 weeks in the freezer.
Can I substitute peanut butter cups with another candy?
You can! Chopped chocolate bars, nuts, or toffee pieces can be fun alternatives if you want to experiment with different flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like homemade ice cream to bring a smile, and this Moose Tracks Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups & Fudge Recipe is a standout for anyone who loves that perfect harmony of creamy vanilla, rich fudge, and peanut butter goodness. It’s a delightfully fun recipe to make and share, so grab your ingredients and start churning your way to frozen happiness today!
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Moose Tracks Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups & Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups & Fudge is a rich, creamy dessert combining smooth vanilla ice cream with crunchy mini peanut butter cups and ribbons of luscious fudge sauce. Perfect for ice cream lovers craving a decadent treat that’s easy to make at home using either a homemade ice cream base or store-bought vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base (Homemade)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- ½ cup fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Make the homemade ice cream base (if needed): In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, cream, and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill thoroughly.
- Prepare the ice cream mixture: If using store-bought vanilla ice cream, allow it to soften then mix it until creamy and smooth. If using the homemade base, pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.
- Fold in the peanut butter cups: Gently fold the chopped mini peanut butter cups into the churned ice cream, ensuring they are evenly distributed without melting the ice cream.
- Layer the fudge sauce: In a freezer-safe container, layer the ice cream and drizzle with fudge sauce between layers. Use a spoon or knife to gently swirl the fudge into the ice cream to create beautiful fudge ribbons.
- Freeze: Cover the container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is fully frozen and firm enough to scoop.
- Serve: Scoop the Moose Tracks Ice Cream into bowls or cones and enjoy this rich, creamy homemade treat packed with peanut butter cup pieces and fudge swirls.
Notes
- You can use store-bought vanilla ice cream as a shortcut, just soften and mix in the add-ins.
- Make sure the ice cream base is thoroughly chilled before churning for best texture.
- Homemade fudge sauce can be substituted with a high-quality store-bought one for convenience.
- Chop peanut butter cups into small pieces for even distribution in the ice cream.
- This ice cream is best consumed within one week if stored in an airtight container.
