his Half Baked Ice Cream recipe will satisfy your cravings and add a personal touch to your favorite indulgence. It’s more than just ice cream; it’s a creation made with love right from your kitchen.

How to make Half Baked Ice Cream

Half Baked Ice Cream is one of Ben & Jerry’s most iconic and indulgent flavors—a playful mash‑up of chocolate and vanilla ice creams generously swirled with cookie dough chunks and fudge brownie pieces.

Ingredients

Vanilla Ice Cream Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Ice Cream Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cookie Dough:

1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated to make it safe to eat raw)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Brownies:

Use your favorite brownie recipe or a boxed mix (cut baked brownies into small chunks; you’ll need about 1 cup).

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the heat-treated flour until the dough comes together.
Mix in the mini chocolate chips.
Roll the dough into small bite-sized balls (about 1/2 inch) and freeze until firm.

Step 2: Bake Brownies

Prepare your favorite brownie recipe (or use a boxed mix).
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely.
Cut into small 1-inch chunks and freeze to prevent them from becoming too soft in the ice cream.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Ice Cream Base

Whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the sugar dissolves.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer the churned vanilla ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour or until slightly firm.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ice Cream Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour into an ice cream maker and churn.
Transfer the chocolate ice cream into another container and freeze for 1 hour.

Step 5: Assemble the Ice Cream

Layer your prepared vanilla and chocolate ice creams into a large container alternately, creating a swirl effect.
As you layer, sprinkle in chunks of brownies and bits of frozen cookie dough.
Use a spatula to fold the layers together gently, ensuring the mix-ins are evenly distributed without blending the ice creams completely.

Step 6: Freeze

Cover the container tightly and freeze for at least 4–6 hours or until the ice cream is firm.
Serve in scoops and enjoy your homemade Half Baked Ice Cream!

Tips for Perfect Half Baked Ice Cream

Heat Treat the Flour for Cookie Dough: Raw flour can harbor bacteria, so spread it on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to make it safe for consumption.
Invest in an Ice Cream Maker: This tool makes a huge difference in creating smooth, creamy textures.
Freeze Mix-Ins Before Adding: Cold cookie dough and brownie chunks will maintain the texture of the ice cream.
Don’t Rush Freezing: Allow the ice cream to firm up fully in the freezer for the best scooping consistency.
Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with extra toppings like nuts, caramel swirls, or peanut butter chunks!

What to serve with

Half Baked Ice Cream is a decadent treat made with swirls of chocolate and vanilla ice creams, cookie dough, and brownies. While it’s perfectly indulgent on its own, pairing it with complementary desserts or snacks can elevate the experience even further.

1. Waffles or Pancakes

Freshly made golden waffles or fluffy pancakes serve as the perfect base for Half Baked Ice Cream. The warmth contrasts beautifully with the cold ice cream and adds a delightful crunch or tender texture.

How to Serve: Stack waffles or pancakes, scoop Half Baked Ice Cream on top, and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce. Add whipped cream and fresh fruits (such as strawberries or bananas) for a colorful plate.

2. Brownies or Blondies

Double the decadence by serving Half Baked Ice Cream alongside more brownies or even blondies! The chewy, chocolaty richness of fresh brownies complements the ice cream’s cookie dough and brownie components perfectly.

How to Serve: Warm the brownies slightly before plating them with a scoop of ice cream. Sprinkle some crushed nuts or chocolate shavings on top for added flair.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies pair effortlessly with Half Baked Ice Cream, matching its cookie dough flavor. The combination is classic and irresistible.

How to Serve: Place a cookie on the base of a dessert plate, add a scoop of Half Baked Ice Cream on top, and sandwich with another cookie for a cookie ice cream sandwich.

4. Crepes

Crepes are thin, versatile, and elegant. Their soft, buttery texture makes them a fantastic complement to the creamy richness of Half Baked Ice Cream.

How to Serve: Roll a fresh crepe around Half Baked Ice Cream scoop, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and drizzle with Nutella or berry sauce.

5. Pie or Tart

Sweet pies (like pecan, apple, or chocolate cream) or tarts make an exceptional pairing with Half Baked Ice Cream. The contrast between buttery pie crusts and the creamy ice cream creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

How to Serve: Top a slice of warm pie or tart with Half Baked Ice Cream to let the flavors melt together beautifully.

Ingredients Substitutes

Half Baked Ice Cream, inspired by Ben & Jerry’s popular flavor, is a delectable combination of chocolate and vanilla ice cream mixed with chunks of fudge brownies and cookie dough.

1. Chocolate Ice Cream Substitutes

If you don’t have chocolate ice cream, you can try one of these alternatives:

Chocolate Syrup with Vanilla Ice Cream: Add chocolate syrup (or melted chocolate) into vanilla ice cream, then mix it well. Freeze it for 1-2 hours to allow the chocolate flavor to deepen.
Cocoa Powder Mixture: Blend vanilla ice cream with unsweetened cocoa powder and a little honey or agave syrup for sweetness, then freeze.
Frozen Chocolate Yogurt: For a healthier substitute, go with chocolate-flavored frozen yogurt.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream Substitutes

If you don’t have vanilla ice cream, here are some options:

Sweetened Whipped Cream Mixture: Mix whipped cream with a few drops of vanilla extract and condensed milk. Freeze until it firms up like ice cream.
Plain Frozen Yogurt: Substitute vanilla ice cream with plain or vanilla-flavored frozen yogurt.
Coconut Milk Base: Blend coconut milk with sugar and vanilla extract, then freeze it. This works as a vegan option.

3. Fudge Brownie Chunks Substitutes

For brownie chunks, you can substitute with:

Store-Bought Brownies: Cut pre-made brownies (from a bakery or store) into chunks.
Chocolate Cake Pieces: If brownies aren’t available, cube chocolate cake for a softer alternative.
Cookie Crumbles: Use chocolate cookies broken into small chunks as a crunchy substitute for brownies.
No-Bake Brownie: Make a quick no-bake brownie mix using cocoa powder, crushed graham crackers, butter, and sugar.

4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Substitutes

If you don’t have cookie dough or prefer not to use store-bought dough:

Homemade No-Egg Cookie Dough: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and about ½ cup of flour (or heat-treated flour for safety). Mix thoroughly to create ready-to-eat cookie dough.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Dough: Make a dough using oats, honey, and chocolate chips. This gives a slightly healthier twist.
Pre-Made Cookies: Break store-bought chocolate chip cookies into smaller chunks.

Final Thoughts

Half Baked Ice Cream is undeniably indulgent, but pairing it with carefully selected accompaniments takes it to the next level.

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