Homemade Ben Jerry Chocolate Nougat Crunch Ice Cream Recipe: A Creamier, Healthier Take on a Classic Favorite

Category: Ice Cream

Introduction

Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Nougat Crunch Ice Cream is a beloved treat that combines rich, velvety chocolate ice cream with crunchy nougat and chocolate chunks. The original recipe, introduced in the early 2000s, quickly became a fan favorite due to its perfect balance of textures and flavors. While store-bought ice cream is convenient, making it at home allows for customization, better ingredients, and even improved nutrition. This homemade version uses fewer additives and less sugar while maintaining the same indulgent taste.

Why make it at home? For one, you can control the quality of the ingredients, using organic dairy, natural sweeteners, and high-quality chocolate. Secondly, homemade ice cream often has a creamier texture since it’s churned with love and without the need for preservatives. Finally, you can customize the recipe to your taste, adding more or less of your favorite mix-ins.

Why Make It at Home?

Making ice cream at home is not just about saving money; it's about taking control over what goes into your body. Store-bought ice cream often contains additives and stabilizers to extend shelf life, which can affect the taste and texture. By making it at home, you can use fresher ingredients, reduce sugar content, and enjoy a more natural product. Plus, the process is fun and rewarding, especially if you involve family or friends in the mixing and tasting process.

Personal Anecdote

I remember the first time I tried Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Nougat Crunch. It was a hot summer day, and I had just finished a long hike. The combination of the creamy chocolate ice cream, the chewy nougat, and the crunchy chocolate chunks was like a party in my mouth. But as much as I loved it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it could be even better with a few tweaks. So, I decided to take on the challenge of recreating it at home. After several trials and errors (and a few brain freezes along the way), I finally nailed the recipe. The result is a version that tastes just as delicious as the original but with fewer calories, less sugar, and none of the artificial ingredients.

Recipe Details

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Yield:

1 1/2 quarts (1.4 liters)

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract

Nougat Chunks:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) toasted almonds, chopped (optional)

Chocolate Crunch:

• 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped milk chocolate or chocolate chunks

Instructions

• Make the Ice Cream Base:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

  • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 170°F (77°C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

• Churn the Ice Cream:

• Pour the chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This should take about 20-25 minutes, depending on your machine.

• Prepare the Nougat:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
  • Remove from heat and carefully stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up vigorously, so be cautious.
  • Let the nougat cool slightly, then pour it onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  • Once set, use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the nougat into small chunks. If using almonds, fold them into the nougat before it sets.

• Melt the Chocolate:

• Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.

  • Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into a thin layer. Let cool and harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
  • Break the hardened chocolate into small chunks.

• Combine Everything:

• Once the ice cream is almost fully churned, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Fold in the nougat chunks and chocolate chunks until evenly distributed.

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours before serving.

Variations

• Low-Sugar Version: Replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to your taste.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and dairy milk. Replace the honey with maple syrup and use vegan chocolate.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit the almonds or substitute with another nut or seed of your choice.

Pro Tips

• Quality of Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content will give a richer taste.
• Texture Matters: For the best texture, make sure the ice cream base is well-chilled before churning. This will result in a smoother, creamier ice cream.
• Mix-Ins: Don’t overmix the ice cream once you’ve added the nougat and chocolate chunks. This can cause the ice cream to become too dense.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Can I use fresh ingredients instead of processed ones?
  Yes! You can use fresh cream and milk for a richer flavor. Fresh nuts can also be toasted for added flavor in the nougat.

• What can I do if the recipe turns out too sweet?
  Reduce the amount of sugar in the ice cream base or use a less sweet chocolate for the chunks.

• How do I make it last longer?
  Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. For longer storage, press plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.

• Can I scale the recipe for large batches?
  Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients proportionally. Keep in mind that larger batches may require longer churning times.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Scoop: Serve as a scoop on its own or with a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae bar with toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, and chopped nuts.
• Milkshake: Blend a scoop with your favorite milk for a decadent treat.

Conclusion

Making homemade Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Nougat Crunch Ice Cream is not just a fun project; it’s a way to enjoy a beloved treat with better ingredients and fewer calories. This recipe captures the essence of the original while offering the flexibility to make it your own. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something truly special in your own kitchen!