Moose Tracks is a classic! That perfect combination of creamy vanilla ice cream, swirls of fudge, and peanut butter cups is just too good to resist. Here’s a homemade version for you to try:
Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- For the ice cream base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks (for a custard base, optional, but it gives a richer texture)
- For the fudge swirl:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- For the peanut butter cup pieces:
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped (or regular-sized, chopped into smaller pieces)
Directions:
- Make the ice cream base (custard-style):
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm (but not boiling).
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they’re light and slightly thickened.
- Gradually add a little of the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly (this helps temper the eggs so they don’t scramble).
- Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
- Stir constantly and cook over low heat for about 5-8 minutes, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool for a bit, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Make the fudge swirl:
- In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream together over low heat. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Let it cool slightly before using it in the ice cream.
- Churn the ice cream:
- Once your ice cream base has chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on your machine.
- In the last few minutes of churning, add in the chopped peanut butter cups so they get evenly mixed in.
- Layer the fudge and peanut butter cups:
- After the ice cream is done churning, spoon a layer of the ice cream into a container.
- Drizzle some of the fudge swirl over the ice cream and use a knife or spoon to gently swirl it through.
- Continue layering the ice cream, fudge, and peanut butter cups until everything is in the container.
- Freeze:
- Once you’ve layered everything, cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
- Serve: Scoop out and enjoy your homemade Moose Tracks ice cream!
How does that sound? Would you go all-out with extra peanut butter cups, or keep it more on the classic side?