Homemade Chunky Ice Cream

Here’s a delicious Homemade Chunky Ice Cream recipe that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with mix-ins like chocolate chunks, nuts, and cookie bits. This recipe uses a custard base for maximum creaminess, but I’ll also include a no-churn option at the end!

🍨 Homemade Chunky Ice Cream (Custard Base)

Ingredients:

Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 5 large egg yolks

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Chunky Mix-ins (choose or combine):

• ½ cup dark or milk chocolate chunks

• ½ cup chopped roasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)

• ½ cup crushed cookies (Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, etc.)

• ¼ cup caramel or fudge swirl (optional)

• ¼ cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Custard Base:

   • In a saucepan, combine the milk, cream, and half the sugar. Heat over medium until just steaming (do not boil).

   • In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar and salt until pale and slightly thickened.

   • Slowly pour a bit of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly (to temper the eggs).

   • Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170–175°F / 77–80°C).

   • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

2. Cool the Mixture:

   • Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl.

   • Let cool at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Churn the Ice Cream:

   • Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–30 minutes).

4. Add the Chunky Mix-ins:

   • In the last 2–3 minutes of churning, add in the chocolate, nuts, cookies, etc., or gently fold them in after churning.

5. Freeze to Firm:

   • Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Swirl in any fudge or caramel if using.

   • Freeze for at least 4 hours or until scoopable.

❄️ No-Churn Version (Easy Method)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cold heavy cream

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• Same chunky mix-ins as above

Instructions:

1. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.

2. In a separate bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.

3. Fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk until combined.

4. Fold in your chunky mix-ins.

5. Pour into a loaf pan, cover, and freeze for 6+ hours.