Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re as obsessed as I am with the creamy banana base, rich fudge chunks, and crunchy walnuts of this Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream, you’re probably wondering if there’s a way to recreate this magic at home. The good news? You absolutely can!

How to make Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream

This Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream is a fan favorite for those who enjoy a mix of creamy, nutty, and chocolatey textures with a bold banana taste.

Ingredients

For the Banana Ice Cream Base:

• 3 large ripe bananas (the riper they are, the sweeter your ice cream will be)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup dark fudge chunks (you can chop up your favorite chocolate bar or use store-bought mini fudge pieces)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. Peel the bananas and slice them into chunks. Place them in a blender or food processor along with the sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to ensure it’s cold before freezing.

Step 2: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Pour the chilled banana mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, this takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on your machine.
2. Churn until the ice cream starts to reach a soft-serve consistency.

Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins

1. Once the ice cream is ready to be removed from the machine, quickly fold in the fudge chunks and toasted walnuts. Use a spatula to distribute them evenly throughout the ice cream.

Step 4: Freeze

1. Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container with a lid. Smooth the top and cover.
2. Freeze for at least 4–6 hours or until firm.

Tips for Success

• Choose Ripe Bananas: The sweeter and riper your bananas, the better your ice cream will taste. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
• Toast Your Walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their nutty flavor. Simply place them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Let them cool before adding to the ice cream.
• Chill All Your Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your banana mixture and mix-ins are cold before combining. This helps the ice cream maintain its creamy texture.
• Get Creative: Feel free to experiment! Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter or caramel for an extra indulgent twist.

What to serve with

Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream is already a masterpiece on its own—with its banana-flavored base, rich fudge chunks, and crunchy toasted walnuts. However, pairing it with complementary sides and toppings can take your dessert to the next level.

1. Warm Brownies or Chocolate Lava Cake: The fudgy chunks in Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream pair beautifully with warm, gooey chocolate desserts. A rich, homemade brownie or chocolate lava cake creates a magical combination when served alongside or underneath a scoop of creamy banana ice cream. The contrast between warm and cold adds to the indulgence, and the flavors complement each other perfectly.

Tip: Serve the brownie slightly warm with a drizzle of fudge sauce to tie the flavors together.

2. Banana Bread: Lean into Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream’s signature banana base by pairing it with a slice of moist banana bread. The subtle spiced sweetness of banana bread harmonizes wonderfully with the ice cream’s creamy texture while adding a comforting homemade touch to your dessert spread.

Tip: Warm the banana bread slightly and top it with a scoop of Chunky Monkey ice cream for an irresistible dessert sandwich.

3. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches: Create handheld desserts by sandwiching scoops of Chunky Monkey ice cream between your favorite cookies. Chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal walnut cookies work especially well as their flavors complement the fudge chunks and walnuts in the ice cream.

Tip: Freeze the cookie sandwiches for 30 minutes before serving to make them less messy and perfect for grab-and-go treats.

4. Fresh Fruit Platter: Balance the richness of Chunky Monkey Ice Cream with a platter of fresh fruits. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries bring tartness and vibrant colors, while slices of fresh bananas echo the ice cream’s main theme. This pairing works wonderfully for those who love a touch of freshness with their dessert.

Tip: Add whipped cream or a drizzle of honey to the fruit platter for extra indulgence.

5. Waffle Cones or Bowls: For a classic ice cream shop vibe, serve Chunky Monkey in waffle cones or bowls. The crunch and slight sweetness of freshly made waffles add texture to each bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, make homemade waffle cones for an extra-special touch.

Tip: Dip the edges of the waffle cones in melted chocolate and sprinkle chopped walnuts for a thematic pairing.

Ingredients Substitutes

Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream is a beloved treat that combines banana-flavored ice cream, fudge chunks, and walnuts. If you’re looking to make your version but don’t have or don’t want to use certain ingredients, substitutes can help you craft a delicious alternative.

1. Banana Ice Cream Base

The classic Chunky Monkey ice cream uses a banana-flavored ice cream base. If you’re looking for alternatives:

• Ripe Bananas: If you don’t have banana ice cream or flavoring, you can use fresh ripe bananas blended into your base mixture. The ripeness affects the sweetness and flavor, so ensure they’re fully ripe for the best results.
• Banana Extract: If fresh bananas aren’t available or if you prefer a stronger banana flavor, banana extract can be used in your ice cream base. Adjust the quantity to taste.
• Frozen Bananas: Blend frozen bananas to create a creamy base which resembles the texture of ice cream. This option is great for dairy-free or healthier versions.
• Alternative Fruit Base: If you want to explore other flavors, mango or pineapple puree can mimic the tropical notes of banana in the recipe.

2. Fudge Chunks

Fudge chunks provide rich, chocolaty goodness. If you need a substitute:

• Dark Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips or broken chocolate bars for a similar taste and texture.
• Milk Chocolate Pieces: If you prefer a sweeter option, milk chocolate pieces work as a great substitute.
• Cocoa Nibs: For a healthier, less sweet alternative, cocoa nibs add chocolate flavor with a touch of crunch.
• Carob Chips: Carob chips are a non-chocolate option that works for those with allergies to chocolate or caffeine.

3. Walnuts

Walnuts bring a nutty crunch to Chunky Monkey. If you’re looking for substitutes:

• Pecans: Pecans have a slightly sweet and buttery flavour that complements the ice cream beautifully.
• Almonds: Almonds, either sliced or chopped, can provide a crunch without overpowering the flavor.
• Cashews: Cashew pieces are creamier and milder, making them a good alternative.
• Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts impart a unique flavor that pairs well with chocolate and banana.
• Pumpkin Seeds or Sunflower Seeds: For nut-free alternatives, roasted seeds can mimic the crunch factor.
• Granola Clusters: Granola can provide crunch and a touch of sweetness for those looking for a creative replacement.

4. Dairy-Based Ice Cream

The original recipe uses dairy-based ice cream. For non-dairy or allergy substitutes:

• Coconut Milk Ice Cream: Use coconut milk as a base for a creamy, tropical vibe similar to banana.
• Almond Milk Ice Cream: Almond milk is a great alternative for those who want to avoid dairy.
• Cashew Cream Ice Cream: Cashew cream blended with sweeteners makes for a rich, non-dairy option.
• Oat Milk Ice Cream: Oat milk has a neutral flavor and creamy texture, making it a versatile base.
• Soy Milk Ice Cream: Soy milk works well for those looking for gluten-free and non-dairy options.

5. Sweeteners

Chunky Monkey ice cream uses sugar as a sweetener, but substitutes can tweak the flavor or make the recipe healthier:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can replace sugar for a richer taste.
• Agave Syrup: Agave syrup is a low-glycemic alternative for sweetness.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit: For sugar-free options, stevia or monk fruit sweeteners can achieve sweetness without the calories.
• Dates: Blended dates can provide natural sweetness while enhancing the fruity flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like homemade Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream. You can control the sweetness, customize the ingredients, and enjoy the satisfaction of recreating a Ben & Jerry’s classic in your kitchen. Plus, it’s the perfect dessert to impress friends and family at parties—or just to treat yourself!

More Ben & Jerry’s Recipes:

• 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