Half Baked from Ben & Jerry's blends creamy chocolate and vanilla ice creams with chunks of fudge brownies and swirls of rich, chewy cookie dough, delivering a decadent mix of smooth, chewy, and chocolatey delights.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Ice cream maker
- Loaf pan or freezer-safe container
- Plastic wrap or airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (for cookie dough)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for cookie dough)
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder (for brownies)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (for brownies)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for brownies)
- 2 large eggs (for brownies)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for brownies)
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour (for brownies)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for brownies)
You should ensure you have both semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder on hand, as they are essential for authentic chocolate flavor in the ice cream, cookie dough, and brownie components. Proper measuring of ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream, and sugars guarantees the right texture and sweetness balance. Be mindful to separate ingredients according to their use--for example, certain amounts of flour, sugar, and butter are exclusively for brownies or cookie dough to maintain their distinct taste and consistency. Fresh eggs and pure vanilla extract help enrich flavor profiles in every layer of this dessert. The Half Baked Ben & Jerry's copycat menu carefully replicates these elements to deliver the signature creamy and chewy chocolate-vanilla experience you love.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare brownie batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar (for brownies). Add eggs and vanilla (for brownies), whisk until combined.
- Sift together cocoa powder (for brownies), flour (for brownies), and salt (for brownies). Fold into wet ingredients.
- Pour brownie batter into a greased/small baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool, then cut brownies into small chunks.
- Prepare cookie dough: Cream softened butter, brown and granulated sugar (for cookie dough).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract (for cookie dough).
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips (for cookie dough).
- Form small dough balls or break into rough chunks. Store in freezer until assembly.
- Prepare chocolate ice cream base: In a saucepan, heat whole milk and cocoa powder, whisk until smooth and warm.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale.
- Slowly pour warm milk mixture into yolks while whisking.
- Pour mixture back into saucepan. Cook on low, stirring constantly, until thickened (coats back of spoon).
- Remove from heat. Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whisk until melted and smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Chill ice cream base in refrigerator until completely cold.
- Prepare vanilla ice cream base: Mix 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Chill.
- Pour half of each ice cream base into ice cream maker and churn each separately according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl or loaf pan, alternate scoops/swirls of chocolate and vanilla ice creams.
- Fold in brownie and cookie dough chunks, gently mixing to swirl but not blend completely.
- Freeze in loaf pan or container, covered with plastic wrap or airtight lid, until firm.
- Scoop and serve.
Substitution
Half Baked from Ben & Jerry's copycat menu combines rich chocolate and vanilla ice creams with homemade cheesecake brownie bites and chewy cookie dough chunks for an indulgent treat. If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals, ensuring a smoother texture. When making cookie dough, use a mix of brown and granulated sugar to maintain the perfect chewiness, but you can substitute with coconut sugar if preferred. For the fudge brownies, if unsweetened cocoa powder is unavailable, Dutch-processed cocoa is a suitable alternative, though it might alter the flavor slightly. Your best results come from using room temperature eggs and butter so they blend seamlessly during the mixing process.
Tips
Measure ingredients accurately to ensure the proper texture and flavor in both ice cream and baked components. Chill the ice cream bases thoroughly before churning to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. When folding in brownie and cookie dough chunks, gently mix to maintain the distinct swirls and chunks for an authentic Half Baked experience. Your freezer container should be tightly covered to prevent ice crystals and preserve the rich taste.
Nutritions
Half Baked ice cream from Ben & Jerry's combines high-calorie ingredients like heavy cream, sugar, butter, and chocolate, contributing to a rich source of fats and carbohydrates. The inclusion of egg yolks provides some protein, while the brownies and cookie dough chunks add additional sugars and saturated fats, increasing the dessert's overall calorie density. Your indulgence will deliver a decadent treat but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie, sugar, and fat content. Nutritional information per serving typically includes significant amounts of saturated fat and sugars, which can impact daily intake limits if consumed frequently.
Storage
Store your Half Baked ice cream in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture. Keep it in the coldest part of the freezer, ideally at 0degF (-18degC) or below, to preserve the flavors and prevent melting. For best taste and texture, consume within 1-2 weeks of homemade preparation.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute dark cocoa powder for unsweetened cocoa powder in the chocolate ice cream base to intensify the chocolate flavor. Try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter, enhancing the chocolate richness without altering sweetness. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the brownies and cookie dough. Before mixing, chilling your cookie dough chunks in the freezer ensures they maintain their chewy texture when folded into the ice cream.
Allergies
Half Baked from Ben & Jerry's contains common allergens such as milk, eggs, and wheat, which may trigger reactions in individuals with dairy, egg, or gluten sensitivities. The presence of chocolate chips and butter also means it contains dairy-derived ingredients that can affect those with lactose intolerance. Your allergy concerns should be carefully considered before consuming this ice cream due to these potential triggers.
Why this recipe?
Half Baked from Ben & Jerry's blends creamy vanilla and chocolate ice creams with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough and fudge brownies, creating a rich, indulgent flavor profile that fans crave. The combination of textures and the balance of sweetness make this iconic flavor a standout in the ice cream world. Crafting a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while enjoying the satisfaction of recreating a beloved dessert. Your homemade Half Baked can match the decadence of the original with fresh, high-quality components, making it a rewarding culinary experience.