Milky Way Ice Cream Recipe: Easy Homemade Dessert Treat

Indulging in a creamy, dreamy Milky Way ice cream is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a little magic to your dessert table. This homemade ice cream recipe captures the luscious flavors of the iconic Milky Way candy bar, blending rich chocolate, caramel swirls, and nougat-like creaminess into every spoonful.

Whether you’re hosting a summer party, craving a late-night treat, or simply want to delight your loved ones with a unique frozen dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

What makes this Milky Way ice cream truly special is its balance of textures and flavors. The smooth, velvety base is studded with gooey caramel ribbons and chunks of chocolate nougat, creating a symphony of taste and mouthfeel.

Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the sweetness and richness to your liking. Ready to embark on a delicious adventure?

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to creating your very own Milky Way ice cream masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Milky Way ice cream recipe is a delightful twist on classic candy-inspired desserts. It’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients and doesn’t require any special equipment beyond a standard ice cream maker.

The recipe combines the charm of homemade ice cream with the nostalgic flavors of Milky Way bars, featuring luscious caramel, creamy nougat, and rich chocolate.

What’s more, this ice cream is perfectly balanced – not too sweet, with just the right amount of gooey caramel and crunchy chocolate pieces. It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike and a fantastic way to get creative in the kitchen.

Plus, you’ll love how it freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream (cold)
• 1 cup whole milk (cold)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup chopped Milky Way bars (roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (optional for extra chocolate crunch)

Equipment

• Ice cream maker (a standard electric model works best)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh sieve (for straining the custard)
• Freezer-safe container (for storing the ice cream)

Instructions

1. Prepare the custard base: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk together over medium heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
3. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about half of the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
4. Cook the custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
5. Strain and cool: Remove the custard from heat and strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Chill the custard: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill thoroughly.
7. Churn the ice cream: Once chilled, pour the custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 20-25 minutes until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
8. Add mix-ins: During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the chopped Milky Way bars and milk chocolate chips (if using). Allow them to incorporate evenly.
9. Layer with caramel: Transfer half of the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the ice cream. Add the remaining ice cream and top with the rest of the caramel sauce. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the caramel into the ice cream.
10. Freeze: Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
11. Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the rich, gooey delight!

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, make sure your custard base is completely chilled before churning. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and prevents large ice crystals from forming.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the custard into a shallow container and freeze. Stir every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals and mimic churning.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped toasted pecans or almonds along with the candy pieces for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Overload: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before freezing.
• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy with coconut milk and use dairy-free caramel and chocolate bars.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Milky Way ice cream is a decadent treat on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple additions. Try serving it with warm brownies or chocolate cake for a heavenly dessert combo.

A drizzle of extra caramel or chocolate sauce on top adds a glossy finish and boosts the indulgence factor.

For a fun twist, pair scoops of this ice cream with freshly sliced bananas or strawberries to complement the chocolate and caramel flavors. You can also serve it in waffle cones for a crunchy contrast or alongside a cup of hot espresso for an irresistible affogato-style treat.

Conclusion

Making Milky Way ice cream at home is a rewarding experience that brings the nostalgic flavors of your favorite candy bar into a luscious frozen dessert. This recipe is both approachable and impressive, perfect for ice cream lovers who want to experiment with rich caramel and chocolate flavors in a creamy base.

The combination of smooth custard, gooey caramel swirls, and chocolate bits creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this Milky Way ice cream is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to check out other delicious homemade ice cream recipes like Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Salted Caramel Ice Cream, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream for more inspiration.

Happy churning and enjoy every bite of your Milky Way magic!

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