Triple Caramel Chunk from Ben & Jerry's features rich caramel ice cream generously swirled with creamy caramel ribbons and loaded with chewy caramel chunks, delivering a decadent and indulgent caramel lover's delight.
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce (divided)
- 1 cup chewy caramel candies
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
When preparing your caramel ribbons, use high-quality caramel sauce to achieve a smooth and creamy texture that enhances the ice cream's richness. Ensure the egg yolks are fresh and at room temperature to create a stable, silky custard base. Incorporate the chewy caramel candies and semisweet chocolate chips carefully to maintain their distinct texture throughout the frozen dessert. Measure your ingredients precisely, as the balance between sugar, cream, and butter impacts the overall creaminess and sweetness. Your homemade version of Triple Caramel Chunk from Ben & Jerry's copycat menu promises a luscious caramel experience with every bite.
Instructions
- Chill the ice cream maker bowl according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Chop chewy caramel candies into small chunks.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar until pale and thick.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Heat cream mixture over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
- Gradually whisk hot cream into egg yolks to temper.
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and coats spatula.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain custard base into a clean bowl.
- Stir in 1/2 cup caramel sauce until blended.
- Cool mixture to room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into a thin layer.
- Refrigerate until firm, then chop into chunks.
- Churn the chilled custard base in the ice cream maker according to instructions.
- In the last 5 minutes of churning, add caramel chunks and chocolate chunks.
- Swirl in remaining 1 cup caramel sauce.
- Transfer ice cream to an airtight container.
- Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
Substitution
This Triple Caramel Chunk copycat recipe replicates Ben & Jerry's signature blend of creamy caramel ice cream with luscious swirls of caramel sauce and chunks of chewy caramel candies. If you don't have access to caramel candies, you can substitute with soft toffee pieces or homemade caramel bites to maintain the chewy texture. When making the caramel ribbons, temper the caramel sauce carefully to avoid burning and ensure smooth incorporation. Use an ice cream maker to achieve the ideal creamy consistency; if unavailable, freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals. Your airtight container will keep the ice cream fresh while intensifying the flavor over time.
Tips
Your ice cream maker bowl must be thoroughly chilled before use to ensure proper churning and texture. When tempering the egg yolks, whisk the hot cream slowly and continuously to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth custard base. Make sure to strain the custard to remove any cooked bits for a silky finish. Adding caramel and chocolate chunks in the final minutes of churning helps distribute them evenly without melting.
Nutritions
Triple Caramel Chunk from Ben & Jerry's offers a rich blend of heavy cream and whole milk, providing a creamy texture alongside 5 egg yolks, which contribute protein and essential nutrients. The ice cream contains significant amounts of sugar from granulated sugar, caramel sauce, and chewy caramel candies, resulting in high calorie content primarily from sugars and fats. The inclusion of semisweet chocolate chips adds antioxidants but also increases saturated fat levels. Your indulgence should be mindful of portion size to balance enjoyment with nutritional intake.
Storage
Store your Triple Caramel Chunk ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture. Keep the container tightly sealed and place it in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at or below 0degF (-18degC). For best quality, consume within 1 to 2 weeks to enjoy the rich caramel ribbons and chewy chunks at their freshest.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chewy caramel candies with soft toffee bits or fudge pieces to introduce a slightly different texture and flavor. Replace semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips to customize the sweetness and richness level. Instead of swirled caramel sauce, try folding in salted caramel or butterscotch syrup for a more complex taste. For a dairy-free variation, substitute heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and coconut cream, ensuring compatibility with your ice cream maker.
Allergies
Triple Caramel Chunk ice cream contains multiple potential allergens including dairy from heavy cream, whole milk, and butter, as well as eggs from the large egg yolks. The presence of caramel candies and semisweet chocolate chips may also introduce soy lecithin or other additives that could trigger allergies. Be sure to review ingredient labels carefully if you have any sensitivities, as your allergy risk depends on specific components in this dessert.
Why this recipe?
Triple Caramel Chunk from Ben & Jerry's is loved for its rich, gooey caramel swirls combined with chunks of chocolate and caramel-filled chocolates, creating a luxurious indulgence. The perfect balance of creamy ice cream and multiple textures makes each bite satisfying and memorable. Making a copycat version allows you to customize sweetness levels and enjoy this favorite treat fresh at home. Your efforts replicate the authentic taste while adding a personal touch, perfect for sharing or personal enjoyment.