Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Recipe
Chunky Monkey Ice Cream is a rich and indulgent dessert made with ripe bananas, creamy base, crunchy walnuts, and decadent chocolate chunks. This homemade recipe is easy to prepare, requiring simple ingredients like heavy cream, milk, and sweetened condensed milk, combined with natural banana sweetness. Toasted walnuts and high-quality chocolate add texture and flavor, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Customize it with add-ins like caramel or coconut for a unique twist, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a classic, creamy, and delicious ice cream at home!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: To combine the ingredients like the cream, milk, and mashed bananas.
- Whisk For blending the heavy cream, milk, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Food Processor or Blender To puree the bananas into a smooth consistency (optional, if you want a smoother texture).
- Chopping Knife and Cutting Board To chop the walnuts and chocolate into chunks.
- Ice Cream Maker To churn the mixture and achieve a smooth, creamy texture (if you don’t have one, a freezer-safe container and occasional stirring can work as well).
- Airtight Container For storing the ice cream while it freezes and hardens.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately.
- Spatula: For folding in the walnuts and chocolate chunks and scraping down the sides of bowls.
- Parchment Paper or Plastic Wrap To cover the surface of the ice cream in the storage container to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium-sized Ripe Bananas (approximately 1 ½ cups mashed)
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- ½ cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ½ cup Walnuts, chopped (optional: toasted for extra flavor)
- ½ cup Chocolate Chunks or Chips
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Optional Add-ins (if desired):
- 1-2 tablespoons Honey or Agave Syrup (for extra sweetness)
- Chocolate Syrup for swirls throughout the ice cream
- ¼ cup Coconut Flakes for added texture and flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Mixture:Peel and mash 3-4 ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. If you prefer a creamier texture, use a food processor or blender to puree the bananas.
- Combine the Creamy Base:In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until fully blended.
- Mix in the Bananas:Add the mashed bananas to the cream mixture and stir well until fully combined.
- Add the Chunks:Gently fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts and ½ cup of chocolate chunks or chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Churn and Freeze:Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. After churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 4-6 hours until firm. Enjoy your homemade Chunky Monkey Ice Cream!
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your ice cream will be. Overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe, as they have a naturally sweeter taste and smoother texture.
- Freezing Time: After churning, make sure to freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up properly. If you're using a freezer without an ice cream maker, remember to stir the mixture every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness by adding honey or agave syrup. Taste the mixture before freezing to ensure it meets your sweetness level.
- Storage: Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it becomes too hard to serve.
- Customization: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins! You can mix in other nuts, fruit, or even swirls of caramel or peanut butter for a personalized twist on this delicious treat.