Butter Crunch Ice Cream Recipe

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I can confidently say that homemade ice cream is magic—it’s a little labor of love that turns simple ingredients into total bliss. Plus, making Butter Crunch Ice Cream at home lets you completely personalize the recipe.

How to make Butter Crunch Ice Cream

Butter Crunch Ice Cream is a creamy ice cream flavor made with a sweet vanilla or buttery base and mixed with crunchy buttercrunch candy pieces—typically a toffee-like mixture of caramelized sugar and butter, sometimes with nuts or a chocolate coating.

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon salt (to enhance flavor balance)

Butter Crunch Candy

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds work wonderfully)
• 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, melted (optional, for coating the candy or drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Create the Ice Cream Base

1. Combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight). This helps to infuse the flavors and improves the texture.

Step 2: Make the Butter Crunch Candy

1. Prep the nuts: Lightly toast the chopped nuts in a dry skillet or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–8 minutes. This enhances the flavor. Set them aside to cool.
2. Candy Mixture: Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer (the “hard crack” stage). It will turn golden and bubbly.
3. Quickly mix in the toasted nuts and spread the mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool completely until it hardens.
4. Once hardened, break the candy into small, bite-sized chunks or crush it slightly for smaller pieces.
5. (Optional) Dip the candy chunks in melted chocolate or lightly drizzle the chocolate over the pieces for added decadence. Let the chocolate set before proceeding.

Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Remove the ice cream base from the refrigerator and give it a final whisk. Pour it into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn until it reaches a thick, frozen consistency.
2. During the last 5 minutes of the churning process, add the butter crunch candy chunks (and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or caramel ribbons) to the ice cream maker. This ensures they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Freeze and Serve

1. Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover the container tightly.
2. Place the container in the freezer to firm up for at least 2–4 hours (or overnight) before serving. This step gives the ice cream that perfect scoopable texture.
3. Serve the Butter Crunch Ice Cream in bowls, cones, or use it to top off a warm dessert for that heavenly hot-and-cold combination!

Tips for Perfect Butter Crunch Ice Cream

• Use high-quality ingredients: Premium heavy cream, fresh nuts, and good chocolate can elevate your recipe and make a noticeable difference.
• Avoid overmixing: When adding the candy, be gentle—you don’t want to break up all those crunchy bits!
• Experiment with flavors: Add a swirl of caramel sauce, chocolate fudge, or even peanut butter if you’d like to customize the recipe further.
• Chill thoroughly: Giving the ice cream base adequate refrigeration time ensures maximum creaminess during churning.
• Storage tip: Cover the ice cream with parchment paper or plastic wrap before sealing the container. This prevents freezer crystals from forming on the surface.

What to serve with

Butter Crunch Ice Cream is the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and crunchy textures, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can make this indulgent treat even more memorable.

1. Classic Dessert Pairings

A. Warm Brownies

The rich chocolatey goodness of a freshly baked brownie beautifully complements the creamy and crunchy elements of Butter Crunch Ice Cream. The contrast of warm and cold creates a decadent combination that feels indulgent and satisfying.

Idea: Place a scoop of Butter Crunch Ice Cream atop a warm brownie and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an elevated dessert.

B. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing ice cream with cookies is always a hit! The buttery crunch of the ice cream perfectly offsets the soft yet chewy texture of chocolate chip cookies.

Idea: Make an ice cream sandwich by scooping Butter Crunch Ice Cream between two homemade cookies. Roll the edges in crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra flair!

2. Fruit-Based Pairings

A. Roasted Pears or Apples: The rich caramelized flavors of roasted pears or baked apples work wonders when paired with Butter Crunch Ice Cream. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar to amplify the flavour profile.

B. Fresh Strawberries or Raspberries: For something light and refreshing, fresh berries are a great addition. The tangy sweetness of raspberries or strawberries balances the rich butter and crunch in the ice cream. You can serve them on the side or layer them between scoops for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients Substitutes

There are plenty of substitutions you can make in this Butter Crunch Ice Cream recipe without sacrificing its creamy texture or delicious taste.

Substitutes for the Ice Cream Base

1. Heavy Cream Alternatives

Heavy cream is key to creating a rich and creamy texture, but if you’re looking for alternatives:

• Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, use canned coconut cream. It’s thick, rich, and adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery crunch.
• Cashew or Almond Cream: Blend soaked cashews or almonds with water to create a smooth and creamy alternative. This is a fantastic plant-based option and adds a mild nutty undertone to the ice cream.
• Half-and-Half: If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, substitute half (or all) of the heavy cream with half-and-half. Keep in mind, the resulting ice cream may be slightly less creamy.

2. Whole Milk Alternatives

Whole milk contributes to the smooth texture and consistency of the ice cream base. Here are substitutes:

• Oat Milk: A creamy, non-dairy substitute with a neutral flavor that works well in ice cream recipes. Use full-fat versions for best results!
• Soy Milk: Another non-dairy alternative, soy milk offers a neutral flavor but a slightly thinner consistency than whole milk.
• 2% or Skim Milk: If you’re reducing fat, you can opt for low-fat dairy milk. Note that this may make the ice cream less rich and creamy.

3. Granulated Sugar Alternatives

Sugar not only provides sweetness but also helps lower the freezing point of the ice cream for that smooth texture. Try these substitutes:

• Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness along with a warm, caramel-like flavor that complements the butter crunch beautifully.
• Honey or Agave Syrup: Both are great natural sweeteners that can replace granulated sugar. Agave is milder in flavor, while honey adds floral notes.
• Coconut Sugar: A more natural alternative that introduces a rich, molasses-like flavor. It’s slightly less sweet than granulated sugar, so you may need to use a bit more.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a lower-calorie option, you can use natural sugar substitutes. Be sure to follow packaging ratios, as they are much sweeter than granulated sugar.

Substitutes for Butter Crunch Candy

1. Butter Alternatives

Butter is an essential ingredient in making the candy, but if you need a substitute:

• Vegan Butter: Works seamlessly in place of regular butter, offering a similar texture and flavor. Choose a high-quality vegan butter for the best results.
• Coconut Oil: While coconut oil brings a slight coconut flavor, it performs similarly to butter when caramelizing sugars.
• Ghee: If you’re looking for a clarified butter substitute, ghee offers a rich, nutty flavor and pairs wonderfully with the crunch candy.

2. Sugar Substitutes

For the candy portion, you can substitute brown and granulated sugar to align with your preferences or dietary needs:

• Maple Syrup or Honey: Use these to caramelize instead of sugar. Keep an eye on the temperature during cooking, as these liquids cook faster and may burn quickly.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural alternative that creates a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Monk fruit and erythritol are lower-calorie alternatives that can work, but they may not caramelize quite as well as traditional sugars.

3. Nuts Alternatives

Nuts are essential for the crunchy part of Butter Crunch Candy, but there are ways to substitute them depending on dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Nut-Free Crunch Options: Use pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or crushed pretzels for crunch without nuts. These can offer similar texture while keeping the recipe nut-free for those with allergies.
• Other Nuts: While pecans and almonds are ideal for this recipe, you can absolutely swap them out for walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts. Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.
• Candy-Free Option: Skip the nuts altogether and substitute with crushed cookies, graham crackers, or even granola for an alternative texture.

4. Optional Semi-Sweet Chocolate Substitutes

The semi-sweet chocolate in the recipe can add an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer or need a substitute:

• Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa flavor.
• White Chocolate: For a sweeter and creamier alternative, drizzle melted white chocolate onto the candy.
• Caramel: Opt for a caramel drizzle instead of chocolate for an equally indulgent touch.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: If you’re avoiding dairy, look for vegan or dairy-free chocolate chips made from alternatives like coconut milk.

Final Thoughts

Butter Crunch Ice Cream is delicious on its own, but pairing it with other desserts, fruits, sauces, or drinks can elevate it to a true masterpiece.

More Ice Cream Recipes:

• Michigan Pothole Ice Cream Recipe
• Haagen Dazs Peppermint Bark Ice Cream Bars Recipe