Creamy Nutty Buddy Ice Cream
A creamy, no-churn peanut butter ice cream loaded with crunchy Nutty Buddy bites. This simple, protein-packed frozen dessert is ready in hours and perfect for family treats or quick indulgence.
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan or ice cream pan
- spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 ¼ cups chopped Nutty Buddy candy bars
Instructions
- Prepare the Whipping Cream: Begin by pouring 2 cups of heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the cream on medium-high speed. Continue whipping for about 4-5 minutes, or until soft peaks begin to form. Soft peaks mean that when you lift the whisk, the cream will hold its shape but still slightly droop. This step is crucial, as properly whipped cream creates the light and airy texture that makes the ice cream so creamy and smooth.
- Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk: Once the cream has reached soft peaks, gradually add 1 ½ cups of sweetened condensed milk to the bowl. Pour it slowly while mixing on low speed to ensure the ingredients blend evenly. The condensed milk adds sweetness and a silky texture, enhancing the creaminess without the need for an ice cream maker. Mix until the mixture is fully smooth and uniform in color, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a spatula to incorporate every bit of cream.
- Blend in the Peanut Butter: Next, add ¾ cup of smooth peanut butter to the whipped cream and condensed milk mixture. Peanut butter should be room temperature for easier blending. Using the mixer on low to medium speed, combine the peanut butter with the cream gently. Continue mixing until you achieve a consistent, velvety texture with no streaks of peanut butter. This step not only infuses the ice cream with rich flavor but also contributes natural protein and healthy fats, enhancing its nutritional value.
- Fold in Nutty Buddy Pieces: Now it’s time to add the fun crunch. Take 1 ¼ cups of chopped Nutty Buddy candy bars and fold them into the mixture using a large spatula. Gently fold rather than stirring vigorously to preserve the airiness of the whipped cream. Folding ensures that the crunchy pieces are evenly distributed without collapsing the whipped texture, giving each bite a delightful balance of creamy ice cream and chocolate-peanut crunch.
- Transfer to Freezer Pan: Once everything is combined, transfer the ice cream mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan or any suitable ice cream pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and smooth the top for an even freeze. This ensures that every scoop will have consistent texture and Nutty Buddy pieces throughout.
- Freeze Until Firm: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the freezer. Allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 4 hours, but ideally 6 hours for the firmest texture. During this time, the mixture will set into a creamy, scoopable ice cream. Avoid disturbing it during freezing, as repeated thawing and refreezing can alter the texture.
- Prepare for Serving: Before serving, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This slight thawing makes it easier to scoop and enhances the creamy texture. Use a warmed ice cream scoop or dip your scoop in hot water for smoother, effortless portions.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop generous portions into bowls or cones, making sure each serving has a mix of creamy ice cream and crunchy Nutty Buddy pieces. For an extra touch, garnish with additional chopped candy bars, a drizzle of chocolate, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room-temperature peanut butter for easier blending and smoother texture.
- Chop Nutty Buddy bars to your preferred size—larger pieces add crunch, smaller pieces create even distribution.
- Do not overmix at any step to preserve the whipped cream’s airy texture.
- Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
- This recipe requires no ice cream maker, making it simple and fuss-free for home cooks.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or vanilla extract to enhance sweetness.
