Phish Food from Ben & Jerry's features a rich chocolate ice cream base swirled with gooey marshmallow, caramel swirls, and fudge fish pieces, delivering a decadent blend of creamy, sweet, and chocolaty flavors with a fun, indulgent texture.
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Freezer-safe container
- Spoon (for swirling)
- Knife (optional, for fudge fish pieces)
- Baking tray or parchment (optional, for fudge fish)
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
You should use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate chips to achieve the rich chocolate flavor characteristic of Phish Food from Ben & Jerry's. Heavy cream and whole milk are essential for creating that smooth, creamy base, while the marshmallow fluff and caramel sauce provide the signature gooey swirls that give the ice cream its indulgent texture. Incorporating coconut oil helps the fudge fish pieces hold their shape without melting too quickly, delivering the fun texture elements true to the original. Measure your ingredients precisely using cups and spoons to maintain the balance of flavors and consistency. These tips will ensure your Phish Food copycat recipe closely replicates the beloved Ben & Jerry's classic.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and a splash of the milk until smooth.
- Add remaining milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract; whisk until well blended.
- Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- While ice cream churns, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a saucepan; stir until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate onto a baking tray lined with parchment; spread thin and freeze until solid.
- Once solid, break chocolate into fish-shaped pieces using a knife (optional) or into bite-sized chunks.
- When ice cream is almost done, fold in chocolate pieces.
- Layer churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, swirling in marshmallow fluff and caramel sauce with a spoon.
- Cover and freeze ice cream for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Scoop and enjoy!
Substitution
Phish Food from Ben & Jerry's copycat menu can be customized by substituting the semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to your taste preference. If marshmallow fluff is unavailable, melted marshmallows or homemade marshmallow cream can work as a suitable replacement for the marshmallow swirls. Caramel sauce can be substituted with dulce de leche or butterscotch sauce to provide a similar sweetness and texture in the ice cream. When making fudge fish pieces, a baking tray lined with parchment paper can help mold the chocolate into fish shapes, but simply chopping chocolate chunks is also effective if you prefer a simpler method. Your freezer-safe container should be covered tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming and to maintain the creamy texture of this indulgent dessert.
Tips
Ensure the cocoa powder is fully dissolved in the initial milk mixture to avoid grainy texture in your ice cream. Melt the chocolate chips gently with coconut oil over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a glossy finish. When folding in the chocolate fish pieces, do so just before the churn ends to keep them from melting and losing shape. Use a spoon to swirl marshmallow fluff and caramel sauce evenly for balanced flavor in every bite of your homemade Phish Food.
Nutritions
Phish Food from Ben & Jerry's is rich in calories and saturated fat due to its heavy cream and whole milk base, making it a high-energy treat. The inclusion of sugar, marshmallow fluff, and caramel sauce contributes significant amounts of added sugars, which can impact blood sugar levels. Cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate chips offer antioxidants and some minerals, but in small quantities relative to the dessert's overall composition. Your intake of this ice cream should be enjoyed in moderation as an indulgence rather than a regular nutritional source.
Storage
Store your Phish Food ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture. Ensure it is tightly covered and placed in the coldest part of your freezer, away from temperature fluctuations. For best texture, allow the ice cream to soften at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips to adjust the intensity of the chocolate flavor. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of heavy cream and whole milk, which will still create a creamy texture. Incorporate toasted coconut flakes into the final churn for added crunch and tropical notes. Swirling peanut butter along with caramel sauce offers a richer, nutty variation to the classic Phish Food profile.
Allergies
Phish Food contains dairy ingredients like heavy cream and whole milk, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The presence of semisweet chocolate chips could involve traces of nuts or soy lecithin, so be cautious if you have nut or soy allergies. You should always check the packaging for potential cross-contamination warnings before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Phish Food from Ben & Jerry's features a rich combination of chocolate ice cream, marshmallow swirls, caramel, and fudge fish, creating a unique and indulgent flavor profile that satisfies diverse taste cravings. Fans appreciate its balanced mix of textures and flavors, offering both creaminess and chewy surprises in every bite. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this beloved treat at home with the potential for customization and fresher ingredients. Your homemade Phish Food can replicate the iconic taste while giving you control over quality and portions.