Brewed to Matter from Ben & Jerry's features rich, coffee-infused ice cream swirled with bold espresso fudge chunks and crunchy chocolate-covered coffee beans, delivering a perfect blend of creamy, bitter, and crunchy flavors.
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Freezer-safe container
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 cup roasted coffee beans
Using instant espresso powder is crucial to achieve the intense coffee flavor characteristic of Brewed to Matter ice cream. Be sure to use fresh coffee beans for roasting and chocolate-covered ones for that signature crunch. Heavy cream and whole milk should be well-chilled to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. When measuring sugar, granulated type provides the best balance between sweetness and texture for this recipe. Your attention to these ingredient details will help replicate the bold espresso fudge chunks and rich coffee-infused cream found in Brewed to Matter from Ben & Jerry's copycat menu.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and thick.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, kosher salt, and instant espresso powder. Heat gently until steaming, not boiling.
- Slowly whisk hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper the eggs.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Cool to room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture until thoroughly chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.
- While chilling, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth.
- Stir in roasted coffee beans, then spread mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze until firm, then chop into small chunks.
- Pour chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- When almost finished churning, add chocolate-coffee bean chunks.
- Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container, swirling in any remaining espresso fudge chunks.
- Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours, before serving.
Substitution
Brewed to Matter from Ben & Jerry's copycat menu replicates the rich, coffee-infused ice cream swirled with bold espresso fudge chunks and crunchy chocolate-covered coffee beans. If instant espresso powder is unavailable, you can substitute with strong brewed espresso reduced to a thicker syrup for concentrated coffee flavor. Semisweet chocolate chips can be replaced with dark chocolate chunks or bittersweet chocolate for a deeper cocoa taste. Roasted coffee beans coated in chocolate can be swapped with chocolate-covered espresso beans bought from specialty stores or made by melting chocolate and dipping the coffee beans before letting them harden on parchment paper. Your ice cream maker will ensure a creamy consistency, but if you don't have one, freezing the mixture in a shallow container and stirring every 30 minutes can help mimic the churning process.
Tips
When tempering the egg yolks, slowly whisk the hot cream mixture in to avoid scrambling the eggs, ensuring a smooth custard base. Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the custard, removing any cooked egg bits for a silky texture. Chill the custard mixture thoroughly before churning, as it helps the ice cream freeze properly and develop its rich flavor. Keep swirling in the espresso fudge chunks gently to maintain their crunch and distribution throughout Your Brewed to Matter ice cream.
Nutritions
Brewed to Matter ice cream provides a rich source of fats from heavy cream and whole milk, essential for energy and fat-soluble vitamin absorption. The egg yolks contribute high-quality protein and important nutrients like vitamin A and choline. Instant espresso powder adds a caffeine boost without significant calories, while semisweet chocolate chips and coffee beans contribute antioxidants and a moderate amount of sugar. When enjoying this coffee-infused treat, you can savor a perfect balance of creamy texture and bold coffee flavor while still considering its calorie and sugar content.
Storage
Store your Brewed to Matter ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to preserve its creamy texture and prevent ice crystals. Keep the container in the coldest part of your freezer at 0degF (-18degC) or below to maintain optimal flavor and consistency. Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations by limiting the number of times you open the freezer, ensuring your ice cream stays fresh and delicious.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the instant espresso powder with finely ground dark roast coffee beans steeped in the cream and milk mixture for a more robust coffee flavor. Instead of semisweet chocolate chips, try using dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content to intensify the bitterness that complements the espresso. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk, ensuring a creamy texture without compromising richness. Consider roasting your own coffee beans before crushing and mixing them into the melted chocolate layer for fresher, more aromatic crunches in your ice cream.
Allergies
Your Brewed to Matter ice cream contains common allergens such as dairy from heavy cream and whole milk, and eggs from the yolks, which can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Chocolate chips may also include traces of soy lecithin, a frequent allergen, and coconut oil could pose a risk for those with tree nut allergies. People with coffee allergies should be cautious due to the espresso powder and roasted coffee beans used in the recipe.
Why this recipe?
Brewed to Matter menu from Ben & Jerry's restaurant features unique, innovative flavors that blend craft beer and ice cream, satisfying adventurous taste buds with rich, complex profiles. Many people appreciate the bold combinations like stout-infused chocolate or IPA-inspired sherbets, which offer a refreshing twist on traditional desserts. Your experience recreating these recipes can capture the distinctive, artisanal quality that fans admire, making it a fulfilling challenge for home cooks and entrepreneurs alike. The menu's creativity and depth make every bite memorable, ensuring it's worth trying a copycat version to enjoy these exclusive taste sensations anytime.