Copycat Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter Recipe

There’s just something magical about that gooey brownie batter core surrounded by luscious chocolate and vanilla ice cream that makes every bite a dreamy delight. I’ve come up with a delectable Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter recipe that channels all the indulgence of Ben & Jerry’s but with the added fun of being homemade.

How to make Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter

Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter is a rich and indulgent ice cream flavor that combines two types of chocolate ice cream — chocolate and chocolate chip — swirled with a brownie batter core and chunks of fudge brownies.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for the chocolate portion)

For the Brownie Chunks:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Brownie Batter Core:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brownie Chunks

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a small baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely, then cut them into small chunks.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter Core

1. In a bowl, mix together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the flour, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract, and stir to create a thick and gooey brownie batter. Set this aside—this will be the star of your ice cream!

Step 3: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves.
2. Divide the mixture into two halves. To one half, add the cocoa powder and whisk until fully combined (this creates the chocolate portion!).
3. Chill both mixtures in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Using an ice cream maker, churn the vanilla mixture first, then separately churn the chocolate mixture. Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions (typically about 20-25 minutes per batch).
2. Carefully fold the cooled brownie chunks into the churned ice cream.

Step 5: Assemble the Brownie Batter Ice Cream

1. In a large container, layer the chocolate ice cream and vanilla ice cream, alternating between them.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the brownie batter core into the center layer and swirl gently to create pockets of gooey goodness.
3. Cover and freeze for 4-6 hours (or until firm).

Tips for Success

• Using Pasteurized Flour: Since the brownie batter core is unbaked, using heat-treated flour is recommended to ensure safe consumption. You can heat flour in the oven for a few minutes to pasteurize it.
• Don’t Skip Chilling: Keeping the ice cream base cold before churning ensures a creamier texture.
• Control Swirls: Use a small spatula to carefully layer and swirl the brownie batter core into your ice cream. Overmixing can blend the batter too much into the base.
• Storage: Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It’ll stay fresh for up to 7 days—if it lasts that long!

What to serve with

Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter is rich, decadent, and indulgent, making it a star on its own. However, pairing it with complementary treats or beverages can elevate your dessert experience.

1. Baked Goods

Adding baked goods provides additional textures and flavors that complement the creamy ice cream and chocolatey goodness.

• Warm Brownies: Serve a warm brownie alongside the Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter for a double dose of indulgence. The soft, gooey brownie contrasts beautifully with the chilly ice cream.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Pair with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for a classic combination. The buttery, chewy flavor of the cookie enhances the chocolatey ice cream.
• Waffles or Pancakes: Add a scoop of Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter to a crispy waffle or a stack of fluffy pancakes. This creates a decadent breakfast-for-dessert pairing.
• Optional: Drizzle with warm chocolate or caramel sauce for extra flair.

2. Toppings

Complement the ice cream with toppings to add variety and texture.

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped roasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts to introduce crunch and nutty flavors.
• Fresh Fruits: Balance the richness with the tartness of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the presentation and lighten the dessert.
• Chocolate Ganache or Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache or fudge sauce over the ice cream for a “lava cake-inspired” texture.
• Caramel Sauce: If you’re looking for a contrast, try adding a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. The sweet and salty combination complements the chocolate base perfectly.
• Sprinkles or Chocolate Chips: For a festive flare, throw on rainbow sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or shaved chocolate.

3. Desserts to Enhance a Sundae Setup

You can turn Ben & Jerry’s Brownie Batter Ice Cream into the centerpiece of a sundae buffet by serving additional dessert crackers, bases, or cake.

• Ice Cream Cones or Bowls: Serve scoops in crispy waffle cones or bowls for a fun and portable way to enjoy.
• Ice Cream Cakes: Use the ice cream as part of a homemade ice cream cake where layers of Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter alternate with layers of chocolate cake and cookie crumbs.
• Chocolate Cups: Scoop the Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter into chocolate cups made from hardened melted chocolate. This adds presentation points and extra chocolate!

Ingredients Substitutes

Ben & Jerry’s Brownie Batter is a delicious ice cream flavor that incorporates brownie batter swirls. If you want to make this at home or modify the recipe based on ingredient availability or dietary restrictions, substitute ingredients can play a big role.

1. Dairy Base: Milk and Cream

Ben & Jerry’s uses a creamy dairy base for their ice cream, which is made from milk and heavy cream. This richness is crucial for achieving their signature creamy texture.

Substitutes:

• Non-Dairy Alternatives: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk for a vegan or lactose-free version. For creaminess, opt for full-fat coconut milk or add coconut cream. Blend soaked cashews with water to make cashew cream.
• Lower Fat Options: Use reduced fat milk combined with evaporated milk or a splash of half-and-half for a lighter version while retaining creaminess.
• Goat’s Milk or Sheep’s Milk: For those trying to avoid cow’s milk while retaining dairy options.

2. Eggs (for custard-style ice cream)

Eggs are used in traditional ice cream recipes to make custards. They provide richness and help stabilize the base.

Substitutes:

• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Use a slurry of 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch/arrowroot mixed with cold liquid as a natural thickener for the ice cream. It’s great for egg-free recipes.
• Agar-Agar or Gelatin: This is used to set properties in recipes without the inclusion of eggs.
• Silken Tofu: Blend about ¼ cup of silken tofu for a vegan version that maintains creaminess.
• Aquafaba (Chickpea Water): Whip aquafaba to mimic egg whites’ texture in lighter ice cream recipes.

3. Sweeteners

Ben & Jerry’s typically uses granulated sugar as a sweetener.

Substitutes:

• Natural Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can replace sugar, though they may slightly alter the flavor.
• Artificial or Calorie-Free Sweeteners: Use stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free alternative.
• Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: These can add a deeper caramel-like flavor.
• Date Paste: Blended dates work well for natural sweetness in recipes.

4. Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder gives the ice cream its chocolatey taste and is used both for the base and brownie batter swirls.

Substitutes:

• Carob Powder: A caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder.
• Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: For a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor.
• Raw Cacao Powder: Ideal for a more intense, health-focused chocolate flavor.

Final Thoughts

Ben & Jerry’s Brownie Batter Ice Cream is versatile and pairs beautifully with a host of desserts, toppings, and drinks.

More Ice Cream Recipes:

• Copycat Blue Bell Ice Cream Cookie Cake Recipe
• Ice Cream Recipe for Ice Cream Maker
• Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream Recipe
• Copycat Van Leeuwen Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
• Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake Ice Cream Recipe