If you are on a quest for the ultimate frozen treat, then this Nutella-Swirled Vanilla Ice Cream with Reese’s-Style Chunks Recipe will absolutely steal your heart—and your taste buds. Imagine silky, creamy vanilla ice cream generously adorned with luscious swirls of Nutella and studded with irresistibly rich, peanut buttery chunks inspired by Reese’s candies. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that come together in a way that will have you craving this dessert on repeat. Whether you’re making this for a casual family night or an impressive dessert for friends, this recipe is pure bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, but each one plays a critical role in creating that perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch. The magic lies in the simplicity combined with quality ingredients that add layers of flavor and texture you’ll adore.
- Good quality vanilla ice cream: The foundation of the dish, providing that rich and smooth base to hold all the delicious additions.
- Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the peanut buttery chunks together.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Bring a subtle crunch and a slightly sweet, toasty note.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives structure to the peanut butter chunks.
- Peanut butter: The star of the chunks, delivering creamy, nutty depth reminiscent of Reese’s.
- Nutella: Swirled into the ice cream, this spreads a luxurious layer of chocolate-hazelnut goodness throughout every scoop.
How to Make Nutella-Swirled Vanilla Ice Cream with Reese’s-Style Chunks Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Ice Cream
Pull the quart of vanilla ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This soften stage is crucial because it allows the ice cream to be scoopable and easy to mix without melting into a puddle. Once it’s soft but still cold, scoop it into a large mixing bowl ready for all the fun add-ins.
Step 2: Whip Up Peanut Butter Chunks
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Stir or beat these together until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency that will hold its shape when chilled. Pop this mixture into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes so it firms up a bit — this is how you get those perfect bite-size chunks that pack a peanut buttery punch.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Peanut Butter Chunks
Using a 1/4 teaspoon or any small spoon, scoop out small dollops from the peanut butter mixture to form little chunks. You can either place them directly on the softened ice cream before freezing or lay them out on a wax paper-lined tray to freeze separately. This step ensures the chunks won’t melt or lose their shape once mixed into the ice cream.
Step 4: Add Nutella Swirls and Peanut Butter Chunks
Time for the fun part: fold those peanut buttery chunks into the softened ice cream along with small dollops of Nutella. Use a spoon or knife to swirl the Nutella gently – the goal is to create beautiful ribbons of hazelnut chocolate throughout, not to blend it in completely. This swirling will give every bite a delightful surprise of flavor contrasts.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer everything into an airtight container and pop it back into the freezer for at least a couple of hours—or until it’s totally firm again. This freezing step locks in all those tasty layers so you can scoop out delicious Nutella-Swirled Vanilla Ice Cream with Reese’s-Style Chunks at your leisure.
How to Serve Nutella-Swirled Vanilla Ice Cream with Reese’s-Style Chunks Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already decadent treat, consider topping it with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or extra graham cracker crumbs for texture. A light drizzle of warm Nutella or melted peanut butter on top also makes each serving look as good as it tastes. A few fresh strawberries or banana slices can add a fresh, fruity twist that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This ice cream is a showstopper all by itself but pairs wonderfully with simple desserts like warm brownies, chocolate chip cookies, or even a scoop alongside a slice of warm apple pie. The temperature and texture contrasts bring out the best in both the ice cream and your favorite baked goods.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation at your next gathering, serve the ice cream in mini waffle cones or edible cookie cups. Layered parfaits with the ice cream, chopped nuts, and extra Nutella drizzles inside clear glasses create an eye-catching dessert that’s sure to impress. You can even offer a DIY sundae bar with various toppings for guests to customize their scoops.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Nutella-Swirled Vanilla Ice Cream with Reese’s-Style Chunks Recipe in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve freshness. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing the lid to minimize ice crystals forming on top.
Freezing
This ice cream is best enjoyed within a week or two, but it freezes beautifully for up to one month. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly and kept in the coldest part of your freezer for optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
There’s no reheating for ice cream, of course! However, if your ice cream is too hard to scoop straight from the freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This softens it just enough for easy scooping without losing that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of ice cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla is the perfect canvas for the Nutella and peanut buttery chunks, feel free to experiment with chocolate, caramel, or even coffee ice cream for a unique twist.
How do I make sure the peanut butter chunks don’t melt into the ice cream?
The key is to firm up the peanut butter mixture in the fridge or freezer before adding it to the softened ice cream. This helps the chunks keep their shape during mixing and freezing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Make sure to pick peanut butter and Nutella-like spreads that meet your dietary needs.
Is it necessary to swirl the Nutella instead of mixing it thoroughly?
Swirling creates those beautiful ribbons of chocolate-hazelnut flavor that surprise your palate with every bite. Fully mixing would lose that visual and taste contrast, making the ice cream more uniform but less exciting.
How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?
Preparation is quick—about 10 minutes for assembly—but you’ll need to factor in at least a couple of hours freezing time to get the ice cream perfectly set before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you want a recipe that feels like a special occasion in every scoop, you really must try the Nutella-Swirled Vanilla Ice Cream with Reese’s-Style Chunks Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that brings out pure joy—rich, creamy, peanut buttery, and chocolaty all at once. Give it a go, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “more please.” You’ll be so glad you made this your new favorite treat.
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Nutella-Swirled Vanilla Ice Cream with Reese’s-Style Chunks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Nutella-Swirled Vanilla Ice Cream with Reese’s-Style Chunks recipe combines creamy vanilla ice cream with rich Nutella swirls and homemade peanut butter and graham cracker chunks for a deliciously indulgent frozen treat. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this no-cook recipe adds texture and flavor with easy-to-make peanut butter bites that are swirled and mixed into softened vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 1 quart good quality vanilla ice cream
Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Chunks
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (half stick)
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Nutella Swirl
- 1/3 cup Nutella
Instructions
- Soften the ice cream: Set out the vanilla ice cream for about 20-30 minutes until it softens enough to scoop easily into a mixing bowl.
- Prepare peanut butter chunks: In a separate bowl or using a stand mixer, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Beat them together until smooth. Refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes so it firms up slightly and is easier to shape.
- Shape peanut butter bites: Use a 1/4 teaspoon or small spoon to form bite-sized chunks from the peanut butter mixture. Place them either directly onto the softened ice cream or line them up on a wax-paper-lined sheet pan. Chill or freeze these chunks so they hold their shape.
- Combine ice cream and mix-ins: Add the peanut butter bites to the softened ice cream along with small dollops of Nutella (1/3 cup). Use a spoon or knife to gently swirl the Nutella into the ice cream without fully mixing, creating beautiful swirls.
- Freeze to set: Transfer the swirled and chunk-studded ice cream into a Tupperware or ice cream container. Freeze for at least a couple of hours until the ice cream is completely firm and ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Allow the ice cream to soften adequately but not melt completely for easier mixing.
- You can adjust the amount of peanut butter chunks according to taste; some can be reserved as a snack.
- The Nutella swirl should be folded gently to maintain distinct swirls and visual appeal.
- Use good quality vanilla ice cream for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals.
