Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love a decadent dessert that combines two of the best flavors—chocolate and peanut butter—this homemade Moose Tracks ice cream is for you! It’s the perfect balance of creamy vanilla ice cream, crunchy chocolate chips, and sweet peanut butter cups. Plus, making it at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and the option to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved.

2. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until it is thoroughly chilled.

3. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

4. Add the Mix-Ins: During the last few minutes of churning, add in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups, allowing them to mix evenly throughout the ice cream.

5. Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the homemade Moose Tracks ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy this delightful treat on a warm day!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Chilling Time: 2 hours

• Churning Time: 20-30 minutes

• Total Time (including freezing): 6 hours

• Servings: 16 servings

Variations

1. Vegan Version: Swap the half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips and peanut butter cups for a vegan-friendly version of this treat.

2. Add More Mix-ins: Feel free to add crushed cookies, caramel swirls, or other candy pieces for extra texture and flavor.

3. Chocolate Ice Cream Base: Replace half of the half-and-half with chocolate milk for a richer, more chocolatey base.

4. Salted Caramel Twist: Add a bit of salted caramel sauce to the mix-ins for a sweet-and-salty twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your homemade Moose Tracks ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should last for up to 2-3 weeks, though it’s so delicious it might not last that long!

• Reheating: Ice cream is best served frozen, so you won’t need to reheat it. If it’s too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make this ice cream without an ice cream maker! Simply pour the chilled mixture into a shallow pan, freeze it for 2-3 hours, and stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it reaches the consistency of ice cream.

2. Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?

You can substitute heavy cream for half-and-half, but it will make the ice cream richer and more indulgent. You may need to adjust the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.

3. Can I use other candy in place of peanut butter cups?

Yes, feel free to use any candy you love! Crushed Oreos, chocolate-covered toffee, or mini marshmallows would all work wonderfully.

4. How long does it take for the ice cream to firm up in the freezer?

It generally takes about 4 hours for the ice cream to firm up enough to scoop. If it’s too soft, let it freeze longer.

5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to choose gluten-free chocolate chips and peanut butter cups to ensure all ingredients are safe for a gluten-free diet.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need a larger batch. Just make sure your ice cream maker can handle the extra volume.

7. Can I add fruit to this ice cream?

You can certainly add fruit, like strawberries or bananas, for a fruity twist. Just be sure to chop them small so they don’t overwhelm the other ingredients.

8. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This Moose Tracks ice cream is family-friendly and perfect for all ages, as long as there are no nut allergies.

9. Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar and corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute sweetened condensed milk for the sugar and corn syrup. You may need to reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe to avoid it being too sweet.

10. Can I make this ice cream without vanilla extract?

Yes, if you don’t have vanilla extract, you can omit it or substitute it with almond extract for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream is the ultimate indulgent treat with the perfect combination of creamy ice cream, rich chocolate, and irresistible peanut butter cups. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet dessert, this ice cream will be a hit with everyone. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a refreshing homemade dessert in no time.