Copycat Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food Recipe

Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food is the ultimate cure for a rough day, a celebration for a good one, or simply the perfect excuse to indulge a little. That irresistible combination of creamy chocolate ice cream, gooey marshmallow swirls, luscious caramel, and those iconic fudge fish bites—it’s a masterpiece that keeps our taste buds singing.

How to make Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food

Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food is a popular ice cream flavor created in collaboration with the rock band Phish. It was first introduced in 1997 and has become one of the brand’s signature flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process works best for a rich flavor)
• 3 egg yolks (for a custard-like texture)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Swirls:

• ½ cup marshmallow fluff or melted marshmallows
• ½ cup caramel sauce

For the Fudge Fish Pieces:

• 6 ounces dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
• Silicone fish-shaped molds (optional; you can just chop the chocolate into small chunks if you don’t have molds)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fudge Fish Pieces

1. Melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave (heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between).
2. Pour the melted chocolate into silicone fish molds or spread it thinly on parchment paper to harden, then break it into small pieces once set.
3. Let the chocolate cool while you prepare the ice cream.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Ice Cream Base

1. Whisk the Cocoa Powder: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and milk over medium heat until well combined and slightly warm.
2. Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a few spoonfuls of the warm chocolate mixture to the yolks to gently temper them. Slowly pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
3. Cook the Custard: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (avoid boiling).
4. Add Heavy Cream: Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix well.
5. Chill the Base: Pour the ice cream base into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours or until cold.

Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Pour the chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this takes 20-25 minutes.

Step 4: Fold in the Swirls & Fish Pieces

1. Marshmallow Swirl: While transferring the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, dollop in the marshmallow fluff. Use a butter knife to gently swirl it through the ice cream.
2. Caramel Swirl: Drizzle the caramel sauce in and swirl as you did with the marshmallow.
3. Add the Fudge Fish: Stir in the hardened chocolate pieces or fish-shaped fudge chunks, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

1. Cover the container with an airtight lid or plastic wrap and freeze for 4-6 hours to firm up.
2. Once the ice cream is ready, scoop generously into bowls, cones, or straight out of the tub—it’s yours to enjoy!

Tips for the Ultimate Homemade Phish Food

• Choose High-Quality Chocolate: The richness of your fudge fish depends on the chocolate you use, so opt for premium brands if possible.
• Don’t Over-Swirl: If you overmix the marshmallow and caramel swirls, they’ll blend into the ice cream base rather than creating distinct ribbons.
• Customize the Fish Shapes: If you can’t find fish molds, you can use any fun shapes—or just chop the chocolate into chunks for a rustic version.
• Experiment with Dairy-Free Options: Use coconut cream and almond milk instead of heavy cream and cow’s milk, and choose vegan-friendly marshmallows and dark chocolate for a plant-based version.
• Add Extra Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative—try adding crushed graham crackers for extra texture or a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel twist.

What to serve with

Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food is a decadent ice cream packed with rich chocolate flavors, gooey caramel, fluffy marshmallow swirls, and adorable fudge fish pieces. While it’s amazing on its own, pairing it with complementary treats can elevate the dessert experience into a full-blown celebration!

1. Pair with Waffle Cones or Bowls

Why: Waffle cones or bowls add a delightful crunch and create a fun, easy way to eat Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food.

How to Serve:

• Make fresh waffle cones or bowls if you’re feeling adventurous. They can be flavored with cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra depth.
• Store-bought cones work just as well—dipping the edges in melted chocolate or caramel and sprinkling toppings (like crushed nuts or mini marshmallows) adds a personal touch.

2. Top with Fresh Fruit

Why: Fresh fruit balances the richness of Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food and adds bursts of natural sweetness and acidity.

Suggestions:

• Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and serve them on the side or arrange them as a garnish on the scooped ice cream.
• Banana Slices: Layer bananas around the bowl for a banana split twist.
• Raspberries: The tartness of raspberries complements the chocolate ice cream beautifully.

How to Plate: Arrange the fruit in neat slices or serve in small bowls alongside the ice cream.

3. Pair with Warm Brownies

Why: The combination of warm, gooey brownies with ice cream is a timeless dessert duo. The chocolate in the brownies will amplify the chocolatey goodness of Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food.

How to Serve:

• Bake your favorite brownies (classic, fudge or nut-filled varieties work best).
• Serve a scoop of ice cream directly on top of the brownie while it’s still warm. The ice cream will melt slightly, creating a heavenly sauce-like effect.
• You can also sprinkle crushed graham crackers or chopped fudge fish pieces over the top for texture.

Ingredients Substitutes

Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food is a gourmet ice cream flavor that combines chocolate ice cream with gooey marshmallow swirls, caramel swirls, and fudge fish. If you’re trying to recreate this flavor at home but need substitutions for the original ingredients due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preferences, there are several ways you can adjust the recipe while still achieving a delicious result.

1. Chocolate Ice Cream

Chocolate ice cream is the base of Phish Food and contributes the rich chocolate flavor. Here are substitutions you can consider:

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use a plant-based chocolate ice cream made from almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Popular brands like So Delicious or NadaMoo! Offer options.
• Homemade Alternative: Blend frozen bananas with cocoa powder (or melted dairy-free chocolate) for a healthier, vegan alternative.
• Low-Calorie Option: Use a low-sugar or reduced-calorie chocolate ice cream, such as Halo Top or an equivalent brand.
• Customizable Base: If chocolate ice cream isn’t preferred, you could experiment with a blend of coconut cream and cocoa powder as your homemade base.

2. Marshmallow Swirls

Marshmallow swirls add a sweet, gooey texture. Since marshmallows contain gelatin (which isn’t vegetarian) and may not suit certain diets, substitutes include:

• Vegan Marshmallow: Brands like Dandies or Trader Joe’s vegan marshmallows can be melted to replicate the sticky marshmallow swirls.
• Coconut Cream Swirl: For a similar consistency, whip coconut cream with sugar and a touch of vegan gelatin (agar-agar) to create a sticky swirl.
• Honey or Agave Syrup: These can create gooey ribbons within the ice cream, though they may lack the marshmallow flavor.
• Homemade Marshmallow Fluff Alternative: Combine aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) with sugar and vanilla extract to mimic marshmallow fluff.

3. Caramel Swirls

Caramel swirls provide richness and sweetness. Depending on your preference or dietary restrictions, substitutes include:

• Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce: Use a store-bought vegan caramel sauce made from coconut milk and sugar.
• Homemade Caramel: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk when making caramel at home. Coconut sugar can replace traditional sugar for a healthier twist.
• Maple Syrup Swirl: For a simpler alternative, use pure maple syrup. While it won’t taste exactly like caramel, it will add a similar sweetness and sticky texture.
• Date Caramel: Blend pitted dates with hot water and a bit of vanilla extract to create a naturally sweet, gooey caramel substitute.

4. Fudge Fish

These chocolate fudge fish are fun and provide a pop of texture in the ice cream. Alternatives for fudge fish include:

• Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Choose regular or dairy-free chocolate chips (e.g., Enjoy Life) as a simpler substitution.
• Homemade Fudge Pieces: Create your fudge pieces using sweetened condensed coconut milk and melted chocolate, then shape them into fish if you want to maintain the playful theme.
• Candy Pieces: Use other candy shapes or broken dairy-free chocolate bars for a fun twist.
• Nut-Based Chocolates: If you want to introduce a crunchy texture, you could use chocolate-covered nuts or nut clusters.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a customizable recipe to bring the essence of Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food to your freezer. Creating this treat is a labor of love that’ll delight your taste buds and impress your friends.

More Ben & Jerry’s Recipes:

• Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Recipe
• Ben and Jerry Milk and Cookies Ice Cream Recipe
• Copycat Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked Ice Cream Recipe
• Copycat Ben and Jerry’s Brownie Batter Recipe