Americone Dream from Ben & Jerry's features smooth vanilla ice cream swirled with rich caramel and crunchy waffle cone pieces, delivering a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy flavors.
Equipments
- Ice cream machine
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Freezer-safe containers
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for caramel)
- 1 1/2 cups waffle cones
Heavy cream and whole milk are essential for achieving the rich, creamy texture characteristic of Americone Dream's vanilla base. Ensure the egg yolks are fresh to create a smooth custard without curdling during the cooking process. When making caramel, use unsalted butter and sea salt carefully to balance sweetness with a hint of saltiness. Crushed waffle cones add a satisfying crunch, so use fresh cones to maintain their crispness. Your homemade Americone Dream copycat will blend these elements perfectly for a deliciously authentic experience.
Instructions
- Chill the ice cream machine bowl according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 3/4 cup sugar, and salt until pale.
- Heat heavy cream and whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just steaming.
- Gradually whisk hot milk mixture into egg yolk mixture to temper.
- Pour mixture back into saucepan; cook on low, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats a spatula.
- Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain custard into a clean bowl; cool to room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For caramel, melt 1 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling until golden.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, then carefully whisk in 1/2 cup cream (mixture will bubble).
- Add sea salt and stir until smooth; cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Break waffle cones into bite-sized pieces; spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Toast waffle pieces for 5–7 minutes until crisp; cool completely.
- Churn chilled ice cream base in the ice cream machine.
- Near the end of churning, add cooled waffle pieces.
- Layer churned ice cream and caramel sauce in freezer-safe containers, gently swirling.
- Freeze at least 4–6 hours or until firm before serving.
Substitution
You can recreate the Americone Dream from Ben & Jerry's at home by combining homemade vanilla ice cream with caramel swirls and waffle cone pieces. If you don't have an ice cream machine, try freezing the mixture in a shallow container and stirring every 30 minutes until creamy. Substitute the waffle cones with crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a similar crunch. When making caramel, watch carefully to avoid burning, as this can affect the flavor. Store the ice cream in a freezer-safe container to maintain texture and freshness.
Tips
Ensure your ice cream machine bowl is thoroughly chilled to guarantee proper texture during churning. Tempering the egg yolk mixture slowly with hot milk prevents curdling and creates a smooth custard base. When making caramel, melt the sugar evenly without stirring to avoid crystallization, and add cream cautiously as the mixture will bubble intensely. Incorporate the toasted waffle pieces only near the end of churning to maintain their crunch and avoid sogginess in your Americone Dream ice cream.
Nutritions
Americone Dream from Ben & Jerry's contains heavy cream and whole milk, providing a rich source of calcium and fat essential for energy and bone health. The ice cream also includes egg yolks, which contribute protein and vitamins such as B12 and A to support muscle function and vision. Caramel sauce adds sugars, increasing calorie content, while waffle cone pieces offer some carbohydrates and a crunchy texture. Your enjoyment of this dessert should balance its creamy, sweet flavors with mindful portion control to maintain a nutritious diet.
Storage
Store your homemade Americone Dream ice cream in airtight, freezer-safe containers to maintain its creamy texture and prevent ice crystals from forming. Keep it tightly sealed and place it in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at or below 0degF (-18degC). Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing to preserve the rich flavors of vanilla, caramel, and crunchy waffle cone pieces.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar in the ice cream base to add a subtle, natural sweetness that complements the vanilla flavor. For a crunchier texture, try sprinkling sea salt flakes on the waffle cone pieces before toasting to enhance the caramel's richness. Swap the standard caramel sauce for a bourbon-infused caramel by adding a tablespoon of bourbon during the butter stage for a deep, smoky note. Alternatively, for a lighter version, replace half the heavy cream with coconut milk to introduce a creamy, tropical twist without sacrificing smoothness.
Allergies
Americone Dream from Ben & Jerry's contains common allergens such as dairy (heavy cream, whole milk, unsalted butter), eggs (egg yolks), and gluten (waffle cones). Caramel making involves sugar and butter, which may pose a risk for individuals sensitive to dairy or sugar processing additives. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to review the product label carefully or consult with a healthcare professional before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Americone Dream from Ben & Jerry's is popular for its creamy vanilla ice cream swirled with caramel and loaded with crunchy waffle cone pieces, creating a unique blend of textures and flavors. The combination of smooth caramel ribbons and crispy cone bits complements the rich ice cream, offering a satisfying bite with every spoonful. Fans appreciate its balanced sweetness and the nostalgic appeal of classic cone elements integrated into the dessert. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to enjoy this iconic treat at home while customizing ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.