Chunky Monkey from Ben & Jerry's features creamy banana ice cream loaded with fudgy walnut chunks and swirls of rich chocolate fudge, delivering a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and indulgent chocolate crunch.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Ice cream maker
- Freezer-safe container
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
When selecting ingredients for your homemade Chunky Monkey ice cream, choose ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and flavor. Use high-quality semisweet chocolate to achieve the rich chocolate fudge taste, and consider toasting walnuts lightly to enhance their crunch and aroma. Ensure the heavy cream and whole milk are fresh and cold to help create a smooth, creamy texture in your ice cream base. Lemon juice is essential to prevent the bananas from browning and maintains a vibrant color. Your copycat Chunky Monkey from Ben & Jerry's will deliver that perfect blend of fruity sweetness and indulgent chocolate crunch you love.
Instructions
- Chill mixing bowls and electric mixer/stand mixer attachments in the freezer.
- Chop walnuts and semisweet chocolate on a cutting board; set aside.
- Whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until sugar dissolves.
- Peel and mash ripe bananas with lemon juice in a separate bowl.
- Stir mashed bananas into the cream mixture until fully combined.
- Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, then add sweetened condensed milk, chopped chocolate, and salt; stir until smooth to create chocolate fudge.
- Let chocolate fudge cool to room temperature.
- During the final minutes of churning, fold in walnuts and drizzle in the cooled fudge swirl.
- Transfer churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
- Gently swirl additional fudge into the ice cream with a spatula if desired.
- Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Scoop and serve.
Substitution
Creating a homemade version of Chunky Monkey from Ben & Jerry's allows you to customize the creamy banana ice cream with rich chocolate fudge and crunchy walnut chunks. When ripe bananas are unavailable, you can substitute with banana puree or mashed overripe bananas to maintain the fruity sweetness. If you don't have semisweet chocolate, dark or milk chocolate chips work well for the fudge swirl, just adjust the sweetness accordingly. Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet before mixing to enhance their flavor and crunch. Your ice cream maker instructions may vary, so monitor the texture closely and freeze in a container for at least 4 hours to firm up perfectly.
Tips
Ensure your mixing bowls and mixer attachments are well chilled to help achieve a smooth and creamy ice cream texture. When folding in the walnuts and fudge, do so gently during the final minutes of churning to distribute the mix-ins evenly without melting the ice cream. Use ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and mash them thoroughly with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain a fresh flavor. Store the finished ice cream in a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours to allow it to firm up properly before serving.
Nutritions
Chunky Monkey ice cream from Ben & Jerry's offers a combination of nutrients primarily from bananas, walnuts, and dairy ingredients. Bananas contribute potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, supporting heart health and digestion. Walnuts add plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which promote brain function and satiety. Your indulgence in this creamy treat also provides calcium and vitamin D from heavy cream and whole milk, but it contains significant sugar and fat, so enjoy it in moderation.
Storage
Store your Chunky Monkey ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture. For best results, keep the container flat and avoid frequent temperature changes by placing it in the coldest part of your freezer. Allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to enhance its rich, fudgy walnut and chocolate flavors.
Variation or Alternatives
To create a lighter version of this Chunky Monkey ice cream, substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and almond milk, respectively, maintaining the creamy texture while reducing dairy content. You can toast the walnuts before folding them in to enhance their nutty flavor and add a crunchy texture contrast. For a richer chocolate fudge swirl, incorporate dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate, melting it with a touch of coconut oil for smoothness. Your homemade banana ice cream will taste just as indulgent with these simple adjustments that fit different dietary preferences.
Allergies
Chunky Monkey contains common allergens such as walnuts, which can trigger severe reactions in individuals with tree nut allergies. The dairy ingredients including heavy cream, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk may cause issues for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. You should always check ingredient labels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have a food allergy.
Why this recipe?
Chunky Monkey from Ben & Jerry's combines creamy banana ice cream with rich fudge chunks and roasted walnuts, creating a unique flavor profile that appeals to fans of both fruity and chocolatey desserts. The texture contrast between smooth ice cream, crunchy nuts, and chewy fudge provides a satisfying and indulgent experience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredient quality and portion size while replicating the beloved taste at a potentially lower cost. Your homemade Chunky Monkey ensures fresh ingredients and the flexibility to adjust sweetness and nutty crunch to suit your personal preferences.