If you have a soft spot for both peanut butter and ice cream, then get ready to fall absolutely in love with the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Ice Cream Recipe. This homemade treat brilliantly combines the creamy richness of whipped heavy cream, the luscious sweetness of condensed milk, and the irresistible chunkiness of chopped Reese’s Miniatures Peanut Butter Cups, creating an indulgent dessert that tastes like pure joy in every spoonful. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your favorite candy in a refreshing, cool form that’s ready to delight you anytime at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully simple, relying on a handful of pantry staples and the star ingredient to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the creamy base to the rich pockets of peanut butter and chocolate—that will make your ice cream absolutely unforgettable.
- 16 oz heavy cream: This whips into fluffy peaks and forms the luscious, smooth creaminess that every great ice cream needs.
- 15 oz can sweetened condensed milk: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture without the need for an ice cream maker.
- 1/4 cup peanut butter: Imparts that classic, nutty peanut butter flavor that perfectly echoes the candy’s signature taste.
- 30 Reese’s Miniatures Peanut Butter Cups (unwrapped and chopped): The star ingredient that provides delightful chocolate peanut butter chunks in every bite.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cups
Start by unwrapping and chopping the Reese’s Miniatures into small pieces. This ensures you get those fun, crunchy pockets of chocolate and peanut butter dispersed evenly throughout your ice cream, giving each spoonful that satisfying texture.
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
Pour the heavy cream into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the wire whip attachment. Whip it on high speed for about 3 minutes until you see stiff peaks forming—this means your cream is perfectly aerated and ready to be transformed into ice cream magic.
Step 3: Blend in Condensed Milk and Peanut Butter
Add in the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter to the whipped cream. Continue whipping for another minute on high speed. This step blends the flavors seamlessly, enriching the mixture with the iconic Reese’s peanut butter taste and the smooth sweetness from the condensed milk.
Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Reese’s
Gently stir in most of your chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but make sure to save some for sprinkling on top later. This careful folding keeps the mix light and airy while packing in those irresistible candy bits for every mouthful.
Step 5: Freeze Your Ice Cream Mixture
Transfer your dreamy peanut butter cup mixture into a loaf pan or any freezer-safe container. Scatter the remaining chopped Reese’s cups on top for extra crunch and visual appeal. Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Step 6: Chill Overnight
Place your container in the freezer and let it chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. This slow freeze allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives you the creamy consistency that makes this recipe so special.
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving game, sprinkle additional chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top for crunch and charm. You can also drizzle a little melted chocolate or peanut butter sauce to make the presentation irresistible and add a silky finish that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm brownies or freshly baked cookies for the ultimate decadent dessert combo. You could also serve it alongside sliced bananas or strawberries to introduce a fresh contrast that brightens the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation to the next level by serving the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Ice Cream Recipe in mini waffle cones or hollowed chocolate cups. Layering it in parfait glasses with crushed peanut butter cups and whipped cream can transform it into a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to resist finishing it in one sitting), store your ice cream in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent freezer burn. Seal it tightly with plastic wrap before closing the lid for best results.
Freezing
This homemade ice cream freezes beautifully for up to two weeks. To maintain its creamy texture, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to soften just enough for easy serving.
Reheating
Unlike many other desserts, this ice cream doesn’t require reheating. Instead, simply allow it to soften slightly at room temperature if it’s too hard right out of the freezer—this will keep its creamy consistency without melting away.
FAQs
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
Nope! The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Ice Cream Recipe is designed to be no-churn, meaning you can make it entirely in your mixer and freezer without any special equipment.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture and peanutty goodness that complements the chopped Reese’s pieces perfectly.
Is it possible to substitute the Reese’s Miniatures with a different candy?
While the classic taste comes from Reese’s, you can experiment with similar peanut butter or chocolate candies if you’re feeling adventurous. Just be mindful of the flavors blending well together.
How long does it take for the ice cream to fully set?
For the best texture and flavor, plan for at least 8 hours of freezing time, but overnight chilling is ideal to allow the ice cream to firm up perfectly and the flavors to meld.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe is rich in dairy, but you might experiment with coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk as alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly from the traditional version.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own ice cream, and the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Ice Cream Recipe brings beloved candy flavors to life in a cool, creamy form that’s perfect anytime you want to treat yourself or wow your guests. Don’t wait to dive into this deliciously simple and satisfying dessert—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Creamy and indulgent Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Ice Cream combines rich heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and peanut butter with chunks of Reese’s Miniatures for a no-churn, easy homemade dessert perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 16 oz heavy cream
- 15 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
Add-Ins
- 30 Reese’s Miniatures Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Reese’s Cups: Unwrap and chop the Reese’s Miniatures into small pieces, setting some aside to use as a topping later.
- Whip Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the wire whip attachment. Whip on high speed for about 3 minutes until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is fully aerated and fluffy.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Peanut Butter: Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter to the whipped cream. Continue whipping on high speed for an additional minute to fully incorporate all ingredients into a smooth mixture.
- Fold in Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, reserving some to sprinkle on top of the ice cream before freezing.
- Freeze the Ice Cream Mixture: Transfer the ice cream mixture into a loaf pan or a freezer-safe bowl. Evenly distribute the remaining reserved chopped Reese’s Cups over the top for added texture and decoration.
- Chill: Cover the pan or bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Chill for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the ice cream to set properly before serving.
Notes
- Do not thaw the ice cream before serving to maintain the perfect creamy texture.
- Use natural creamy peanut butter for the best flavor integration.
- For a smoother peanut butter swirl, gently warm the peanut butter before mixing.
- This recipe requires no ice cream maker—simply whip and freeze.
- The ice cream can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week for optimal freshness.
- Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping to soften slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
