Frozen Treats

Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream

Name: Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 270 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3 large egg yolks; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup chopped peanuts; 1/4 cup caramel sauce

By Kaia Jardine · June 19, 2026 · Frozen Treats

Prep30 min

Cook0 min

Total270 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made peanut butter cup ice cream at home. It was a game-changer. The combination of creamy peanut butter ice cream, crunchy peanut butter cups, and a touch of sea salt was absolute perfection. Since then, I've perfected the recipe to share with you, so you can enjoy this delicious treat in the comfort of your own home.

This peanut butter cup ice cream recipe is special because it uses a custard base, which gives it a rich and creamy texture that's hard to resist. The addition of peanut butter cups adds a fun crunch and a burst of peanut butter flavor in each bite. Whether you're a peanut butter lover or just looking for a unique ice cream flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's perfect for any time of year. Enjoy it on a hot summer day as a cool treat, or serve it at a dinner party as a unique dessert. You can also customize it to your taste by adding different mix-ins or toppings, such as chopped nuts or caramel sauce.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through each step of making peanut butter cup ice cream, from preparing the custard base to churning the ice cream and adding the peanut butter cups. Don't worry if you've never made ice cream before - this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment.
The peanut butter cup ice cream is creamy and delicious, with a fun crunch from the peanut butter cups.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding different mix-ins or toppings.
The ice cream is perfect for hot summer days or as a unique dessert for dinner parties.
The recipe uses a custard base, which gives the ice cream a rich and creamy texture.
The addition of a touch of sea salt enhances the flavors of the peanut butter and ice cream.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great ice cream is to start with a rich and creamy custard base. This recipe uses a combination of heavy cream, whole milk, and egg yolks to create a smooth and velvety texture. The peanut butter cups add a fun crunch and a burst of peanut butter flavor in each bite.

Another important factor in making great ice cream is temperature control. This recipe uses an ice bath to cool the custard base quickly, which helps to prevent the growth of ice crystals and gives the ice cream a smooth texture. The ice cream is then churned in an ice cream maker until it's the perfect consistency.

Finally, the addition of a touch of sea salt enhances the flavors of the peanut butter and ice cream, creating a delicious and balanced taste experience. Whether you're a seasoned ice cream maker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious peanut butter cup ice cream, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is, of course, peanut butter cups. You'll also need heavy cream, whole milk, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a touch of sea salt. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh eggs and real peanut butter, to get the best flavor and texture.

2 cups heavy creamHeavy cream is essential for creating a rich and creamy custard base. Make sure to use high-quality heavy cream that is fresh and has not been ultra-pasteurized, as this can affect the texture of the ice cream.
1 cup whole milkWhole milk adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance out the richness of the heavy cream. You can also use 2% or skim milk if you prefer a lighter ice cream.
1/2 cup granulated sugarGranulated sugar is used to sweeten the ice cream and balance out the flavors. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but keep in mind that the peanut butter cups will add a lot of sweetness to the ice cream.
3 large egg yolksEgg yolks are essential for creating a smooth and creamy custard base. Make sure to use fresh eggs and temper the egg yolks carefully to prevent scrambling.
1/4 teaspoon fine saltA touch of salt enhances the flavors of the peanut butter and ice cream, creating a delicious and balanced taste experience. Use a high-quality salt, such as fleur de sel or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butterCreamy peanut butter is essential for creating a smooth and creamy ice cream. Make sure to use high-quality peanut butter that is fresh and has not been hydrogenated, as this can affect the texture of the ice cream.
1 cup peanut butter cups, choppedPeanut butter cups add a fun crunch and a burst of peanut butter flavor in each bite. You can use any type of peanut butter cup you like, but make sure to chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the ice cream.
1 teaspoon vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance out the flavors of the peanut butter and ice cream. Use a high-quality vanilla extract, such as pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, for the best flavor.
1/4 cup chopped peanutsChopped peanuts add a fun crunch and a touch of nutty flavor to the ice cream. You can omit the peanuts if you prefer a smoother ice cream.
1/4 cup caramel sauceCaramel sauce adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance out the flavors of the peanut butter and ice cream. You can omit the caramel sauce if you prefer a less sweet ice cream.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream

Equipment You’ll Need

Medium saucepanHand mixer or whiskIce cream makerFreezer-safe container with lidInstant-read thermometerFine-mesh strainer

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream

1
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
3
Return the saucepan to the heat and cook the custard base, stirring constantly, until it reaches 170°F on an instant-read thermometer.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until it is fully incorporated. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
5
Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6
Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
7
During the last 2 minutes of churning, add the chopped peanut butter cups, peanuts, and caramel sauce. Continue to churn until they are fully incorporated.
8
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container with a lid and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the container in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours.
9
Once the ice cream is hardened, scoop it into bowls and serve immediately. You can also store the ice cream in the freezer for up to 3 days.
10
If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can also freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan and then blend it in a food processor once it is frozen solid. This will give you a slightly chunkier texture, similar to gelato.
11
To make the ice cream more scoopable, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract or a pinch of salt to the mixture before freezing it.
12
Experiment with different mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or candy pieces, to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh eggs and real peanut butter, to get the best flavor and texture.
Temper the egg yolks carefully to prevent scrambling.
Don't over-churn the ice cream, as this can create a grainy texture.
Experiment with different mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or candy pieces, to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.
If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can also freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan and then blend it in a food processor once it is frozen solid.
To make the ice cream more scoopable, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract or a pinch of salt to the mixture before freezing it.
Consider using a variety of peanut butter cups, such as mini or chunky, to add texture and interest to the ice cream.
If you're having trouble getting the ice cream to churn, try adding a little more cream or whole milk to the mixture to thin it out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not tempering the egg yolks carefully, which can cause them to scramble and create a grainy texture.
Over-churning the ice cream, which can create a grainy or icy texture.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh eggs and real peanut butter, which can affect the flavor and texture of the ice cream.
Not chilling the mixture long enough, which can cause the ice cream to be too soft or icy.
Not adding the mix-ins, such as peanut butter cups and peanuts, at the right time, which can cause them to become unevenly distributed or to sink to the bottom of the container.
Not storing the ice cream properly, which can cause it to become too hard or to develop off-flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, to the ice cream for added texture and flavor.
Use a different type of nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter, to create a unique flavor combination.
Add a few drops of peppermint extract or a pinch of salt to the mixture before freezing it to make the ice cream more scoopable.
Experiment with different mix-ins, such as candy pieces or cookie dough, to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.
Use a variety of peanut butter cups, such as mini or chunky, to add texture and interest to the ice cream.
Add a drizzle of caramel or hot fudge sauce to the top of the ice cream for added flavor and texture.
Try using a different type of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to create a non-dairy version of the ice cream.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream

Serve the peanut butter cup ice cream in bowls or cones, topped with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also serve it as a sundae, with a scoop of ice cream, a few peanut butter cups, and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce.

Consider pairing the ice cream with other desserts, such as brownies or cookies, for a decadent treat. You can also serve it as a palate cleanser between courses, or as a unique and delicious dessert for a dinner party.

Serve the peanut butter cup ice cream in bowls or cones, topped with whipped cream and chopped nuts.Pair the ice cream with other desserts, such as brownies or cookies, for a decadent treat.Serve the ice cream as a sundae, with a scoop of ice cream, a few peanut butter cups, and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce.Use the ice cream as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the peanut butter cup ice cream, transfer it to a freezer-safe container with a lid and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the container in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours.

Once the ice cream is hardened, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 days. If you won't be serving the ice cream for a while, consider storing it in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent freezer burn.

To make the ice cream more scoopable, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract or a pinch of salt to the mixture before freezing it. This will help to prevent the ice cream from becoming too hard or icy.

If you're having trouble getting the ice cream to scoop, try letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften it. You can also try using a warm spoon or a scoop with a non-stick coating to help the ice cream release more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of peanut butter cups should I use?

You can use any type of peanut butter cup you like, but make sure to chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the ice cream.

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can also freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan and then blend it in a food processor once it is frozen solid. This will give you a slightly chunkier texture, similar to gelato.

How long can I store the ice cream in the freezer?

You can store the ice cream in the freezer for up to 3 days. If you won't be serving the ice cream for a while, consider storing it in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent freezer burn.

Can I add other mix-ins to the ice cream?

Yes, you can experiment with different mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or candy pieces, to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.

Why is my ice cream too hard or icy?

This can be due to over-churning the ice cream or not using high-quality ingredients. Try adding a little more cream or whole milk to the mixture to thin it out, or using a different type of peanut butter cup to add more flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe with non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can try using a different type of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to create a non-dairy version of the ice cream. Keep in mind that this may affect the flavor and texture of the ice cream, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

How do I prevent the ice cream from becoming too soft or icy?

Make sure to chill the mixture long enough, and don't over-churn the ice cream. You can also try adding a few drops of peppermint extract or a pinch of salt to the mixture before freezing it to make the ice cream more scoopable.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Then, simply churn the ice cream according to the manufacturer's instructions and freeze it until hardened.

The Full Recipe

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