Peanut butter ice cream

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This homemade peanut butter ice cream recipe can be made with a no-churn method as well as in an ice cream maker. The result will be a flavorful and creamy ice cream.

Ice cream topped with crushed peanuts in a white ramekin. Roasted peanuts are lying around.

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Why you should try this peanut butter ice cream
What peanut butter to use
Other ingredients you will need
Cooking tips
Step by step instructions
How to make no-churn peanut butter ice cream
Possible variations
FAQ
More ice cream recipes
Recipe card

Why you should try this peanut butter ice cream

A prominent peanut butter flavor. Just like these Chewy peanut butter cookies, this pb ice cream has a very distinct peanut butter flavor. So if you're a peanut butter lover, this ice cream is a dream come true.
The small batch can be doubled or tripled. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch, catering to a bigger crowd or ensuring plentiful leftovers for later enjoyment.
Can be made without an ice cream maker. Don't have an ice cream machine? No problem! This recipe provides an alternative method that allows you to make delicious peanut butter ice cream without the need for specialized equipment.

What peanut butter to use

When selecting peanut butter for this recipe, look for options that contain only peanuts and perhaps a pinch of salt, avoiding added sugars or oils. Before measuring, give the peanut butter a thorough stir since natural peanut butter tends to separate in a jar.

If you enjoy some crunch in your ice cream, consider using crunchy peanut butter. Choosing between crunchy and creamy peanut butter is a matter of personal preference, allowing you to customize the ice cream to your liking.

Ice cream topped with crushed peanuts in a white ramekin. One spoon was taken and placed on the rim of the ramekin.

Other ingredients you will need

Egg yolks – You can use the egg whites to make these Coconut macaroons, Meringue cookies, or these amazing-looking Mini pavlova.
Powdered sugar
Salt – You can skip adding salt if you’re using salted peanut butter.
Vanilla extract
Whole milk
Heavy whipping cream
Roasted peanuts for topping

Cooking tips

Don’t overcook the custard. Avoid boiling the custard, as it can result in curdling or a grainy texture. Cook it just until it has a sweetened condensed milk like thickness.
Strain the mixture through a sieve for a better texture. remove any lumps or cooked egg bits that may have formed during the cooking process, by straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. It's a simple extra step that can make a significant difference in the texture of your homemade ice cream.
Don’t overwhip the heavy cream. Whip the cream to medium peaks, stopping just when it holds its shape and has a smooth texture. Overwhipping can lead to the formation of butter solids, resulting in a grainy texture in your ice cream.

A spoon filled with ice cream with crushed peanuts.

Step by step instructions

Combine the egg yolks, salt, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan.
Add the milk and peanut butter and heat over medium to medium-low heat stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and leaves a thick film on the back of the spoon.
Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap, ensuring that it touches the surface, and leave it to cool down to room temperature.
Whip up the heavy cream to medium peaks.
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the whipped cream. Whisk until homogeneous in consistency.
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, transfer the soft ice cream to a container, close it tightly, and refrigerate further until the ice cream is at desired consistency.

The collage image shows six steps to make homemade ice cream with peanut butter.

How to make no-churn peanut butter ice cream

To make no-churn ice cream, transfer the whipped cream and egg yolk mixture into an air-tight container or in a container and close it with plastic wrap so they touch each other, and place it in the freezer for 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy with some crushed roasted peanuts.

Possible variations

Salted caramel - Prepare a homemade Salted caramel sauce and swirl it into the ice cream just before freezing. The sweet and salty caramel will beautifully complement the peanut butter flavor.
Peanut butter swirls - Same as with Salted caramel, you can swirl some crunchy or creamy peanut butter into the ice cream right before freezing it.
Pretzels - Crush some pretzels and either sprinkle them on top of the ice cream or mix them directly into the ice cream mixture. The salty crunch of the pretzels will provide an exciting texture contrast to the smooth ice cream.
Toasted coconut - Toast shredded coconut in a pan until golden brown, then sprinkle it into the ice cream mixture.
Chocolate chips - Fold your choice of chocolate chips into the ice cream mixture before freezing to create a delicious chocolate chip peanut butter ice cream.
Peanut butter cups - Add some chopped peanut butter cups into the ice cream mixture and freeze it.

Ice cream topped with crushed peanuts in a white ramekin. One spoon was taken. Roasted peanuts are lying around.

FAQ

How to store peanut butter ice cream?

Store it in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Can you use other nut butters to make this ice cream?

Yes, you can use other nut butter such as pistachio butter or hazelnut butter to create different ice cream flavors.

More ice cream recipes

Homemade ice cream sandwiches

Matcha green tea ice cream

Chocolate ice cream

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