Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie features rich chocolate ice cream swirled with decadent fudge brownies, delivering a luscious and indulgent treat with a perfect blend of creamy and chewy textures.
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pan
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Freezer-safe container
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for brownies)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for brownies)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for brownies)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for brownies)
Heavy cream and whole milk are essential for achieving the creamy texture typical of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream. Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate enhances the rich chocolate flavor in both the ice cream base and fudge brownies. Fresh egg yolks contribute to the smooth custard, while all-purpose flour and melted unsalted butter are key to the chewy brownie texture. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately to maintain the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity. Your homemade Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream will closely mimic the indulgent, creamy, and chewy experience found in the original Ben & Jerry's dessert.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt (for brownies).
- Add 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for brownies) to the bowl and mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool completely on a cooling rack.
- Cut cooled brownies into small chunks; set aside.
- In a saucepan, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup cocoa powder over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Add 4 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate; stir until melted & smooth. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks.
- Gradually whisk a little warm chocolate mixture into the yolks to temper, then pour yolks into saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
- Cover and chill ice cream base for several hours or overnight.
- Pour chilled base into an ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- When almost done, add brownie chunks and allow to combine evenly.
- Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze several hours until firm.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie copycat recipe combines rich chocolate ice cream with chewy homemade fudge brownies for a dessert that mimics the store-bought favorite. If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can pour the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and stir vigorously every 30 minutes until it firms up, ensuring a creamy texture. When making brownies, use melted unsalted butter or substitute with vegetable oil if needed, keeping the chewiness intact. Your choice of semi-sweet chocolate can be swapped with dark chocolate or chocolate chips depending on preference and availability. Be sure to chill the brownie pieces thoroughly before mixing them into the ice cream base to prevent melting.
Tips
When making the brownie chunks, do not overbake to keep them chewy and moist, checking them at 15 minutes to avoid dryness. Temper the egg yolks by slowly whisking in the warm chocolate mixture to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth ice cream base. Chill the custard mixture thoroughly before churning in your ice cream maker for optimal texture and creaminess. You should fold in the brownie pieces near the end of churning to distribute them evenly without breaking them down.
Nutritions
Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream combines high-calorie ingredients like heavy cream and sugar with protein from egg yolks, providing a rich source of fats and carbohydrates. The semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder add antioxidants, while the brownie chunks contribute additional sugars and fats, making it a densely packed indulgence. Your serving will deliver approximately 250-300 calories per half-cup serving, with a notable amount of saturated fat and sugar, which should be enjoyed in moderation. This dessert is best suited as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a balanced diet.
Storage
Store your homemade Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent freezer burn. Keep the container tightly sealed and place it in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at 0degF (-18degC) or lower, for optimal preservation. Allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect blend of creamy and chewy textures.
Variation or Alternatives
Replace semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a deeper flavor to enhance your ice cream base. Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream to create a dairy-free alternative that maintains creaminess. Use gluten-free flour in the brownie recipe if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture. Try folding in toasted walnuts or pecans along with the brownie chunks for added crunch and a nutty dimension.
Allergies
Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie contains multiple common allergens, including dairy from heavy cream and whole milk, eggs in both the ice cream base and brownies, and wheat from all-purpose flour. People with milk, egg, or gluten allergies should avoid this product to prevent adverse reactions. Your best option is to check the ingredient list carefully or consult with a healthcare provider if you have specific food sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream is loved for its rich, creamy texture combined with chunks of fudgy brownies that deliver an irresistible chocolate taste. The blend of smooth ice cream and gooey brownie pieces creates a perfect balance of sweetness and decadence, appealing to chocolate lovers worldwide. Your homemade copycat recipe lets you recreate this indulgent flavor at home, saving money while customizing the dessert to your personal preferences. Trying to make it yourself offers the satisfaction of mastering a renowned dessert that's consistently rated as a top favorite.