Nothing beats the rich, creamy delight of homemade ice cream, especially when it’s inspired by a classic candy bar like Milky Way. This recipe brings together the smooth chocolate, luscious caramel, and velvety nougat flavors we all love, transforming them into a frozen treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To make our Milky Way Ice Cream, we combine a rich ice cream base with the iconic flavors of the Milky Way candy bar. Below are the essential ingredients that bring this decadent dessert to life.
Ice Cream Base Ingredients
Our creamy base is key to capturing the smooth texture and luscious mouthfeel reminiscent of a classic ice cream treat. We use:
- 2 cups whole milk, cold
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for subtle chocolate undertone)
Milky Way Candy Ingredients
To capture the distinctive Milky Way flavors— smooth chocolate, gooey caramel, and velvety nougat—we integrate these candies directly:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Prep Details |
|---|---|---|
| Milky Way candy bars | 4 bars (about 52g each) | Roughly chopped into small pieces |
| Caramel sauce | ½ cup | Store-bought or homemade |
| Chocolate chips | ½ cup | Semi-sweet or milk chocolate |
Optional Toppings
For extra indulgence and presentation flair, consider these toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Crumbled Milky Way bars
- Drizzle of extra caramel or chocolate syrup
- Chopped toasted nuts (pecans or almonds)
Using these ingredients, our Milky Way Ice Cream delivers a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and rich chocolate-caramel goodness in every scoop.
Equipment Needed
To craft our Milky Way Ice Cream with perfect texture and flavor, having the right equipment is essential. Here is a list of the tools we need to bring this creamy, chocolate-caramel delight to life:
- Ice Cream Maker: Enables us to churn the mixture evenly, incorporating air for a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Medium Saucepan: For gently heating the milk, cream, and cocoa powder without scorching.
- Mixing Bowls: At least two — one for whisking egg yolks and sugar, and another for combining ingredients.
- Whisk: To vigorously combine egg yolks and sugar, ensuring a smooth custard base.
- Spatula: For folding chopped Milky Way bars and caramel sauce into the ice cream gently.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: To strain the custard base, removing any cooked egg bits for silky smoothness.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurement guarantees balanced flavor and texture.
- Freezer-Safe Container: For storing the ice cream as it hardens to scoopable perfection.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To chop the Milky Way bars into bite-sized pieces.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ice Cream Maker | Churns ice cream for smooth texture |
| Medium Saucepan | Heats milk and cream mixture carefully |
| Mixing Bowls | Combines ingredients effectively |
| Whisk | Mixes egg yolks and sugar thoroughly |
| Spatula | Gently folds in mix-ins without deflating the ice cream |
| Fine Mesh Strainer | Removes lumps from custard base |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Ensures accurate ingredient proportions |
| Freezer-Safe Container | Stores finished ice cream for firm setting |
| Knife and Cutting Board | Prepares Milky Way bars for mixing |
Using these tools allows us to manage every step of creating Milky Way Ice Cream with precision and ease, ensuring the rich chocolate, caramel, and nougat flavors shine through in every delicious scoop.
Prep Work
Before we dive into the churning process, preparing our ingredients carefully ensures a smooth experience and a vibrant Milky Way Ice Cream flavor. Let’s get everything ready step-by-step.
Preparing the Milky Way Candy
To capture the authentic Milky Way taste, properly chopping the candy bars is key. This allows the gooey caramel and nougat to distribute evenly throughout the ice cream, creating delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Use a sharp knife and cutting board.
- Chop the Milky Way candy bars into small, bite-sized pieces approximately ½ inch chunks for easy folding.
- Set chopped candy aside in a bowl for later incorporation.
- Tip: Keep the pieces chilled if your kitchen is warm to prevent melting before mixing.
| Item | Recommended Amount | Prep Note |
|---|---|---|
| Milky Way Candy Bars | 3-4 bars | Chop into ½ inch pieces |
Preparing the Ice Cream Base
The rich custard base forms the creamy foundation that holds our Milky Way flavors together.
- Combine whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan.
- Add granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and whisk thoroughly to dissolve.
- Heat the mixture over medium, stirring occasionally until just steaming—do not boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle about 1 cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously to temper.
- Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (170-175°F).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.
- Let cool completely in the refrigerator before churning.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 1 cup | Use whole milk for creaminess |
| Heavy Cream | 2 cups | Adds rich, velvety texture |
| Granulated Sugar | ¾ cup | Sweetens the base |
| Cocoa Powder | ¼ cup | For the chocolate flavor |
| Egg Yolks | 5 large | Thicken and enrich the custard |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Enhances overall flavor |
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect Milky Way Ice Cream—rich, creamy, and bursting with the iconic flavors of chocolate, caramel, and nougat.
Making the Ice Cream Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk (2 cups), heavy cream (2 cups), granulated sugar (¾ cup), and unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup).
- Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling, and the sugar and cocoa powder dissolve fully.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 6 large egg yolks until smooth.
- Slowly pour about one cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.
- Let the custard cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill thoroughly.
Mixing in the Milky Way Pieces
- Once the ice cream base is chilled, chop 4 Milky Way candy bars into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Stir the chopped Milky Way bars gently into the cold custard base.
- Add ½ cup caramel sauce and ½ cup chocolate chips to the mixture, folding them in evenly.
- This blend will infuse the base with the iconic Milky Way flavors—smooth chocolate, gooey caramel, and creamy nougat—distributed perfectly in every bite.
Freezing the Ice Cream
- Pour the flavor-infused custard into your ice cream maker.
- Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions—typically about 20–25 minutes—until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
- Layer additional chopped Milky Way pieces or drizzle caramel and chocolate syrup if desired for extra texture and flavor.
- Seal tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up before serving.
- When ready to serve, scoop generously and garnish with optional toppings like whipped cream, crushed nuts, or more candy pieces for an indulgent finish.
| Step | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Base Ingredients | 2 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, ¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 6 egg yolks, 1 tsp vanilla |
| Candy Add-ins | 4 Milky Way bars chopped, ½ cup caramel sauce, ½ cup chocolate chips |
| Churning Time | 20–25 minutes |
| Freezing Time | Minimum 4 hours |
By following these instructions, we bring the luscious, iconic Milky Way Ice Cream experience from candy bar to creamy dessert with each delicious scoop.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Milky Way Ice Cream experience, we recommend several serving ideas to highlight its rich chocolate, caramel, and nougat flavors. Here are the best ways to present and enjoy this decadent dessert:
- Serve in chilled bowls or cones to keep the ice cream creamy longer. The cold surface prevents fast melting and preserves texture.
- Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for a light contrast to the dense, velvety custard base.
- Sprinkle crushed Milky Way candy pieces or mini chocolate chips over the ice cream. This adds a delightful crunch and intensifies the signature Milky Way taste.
- Drizzle extra caramel or chocolate syrup for added sweetness and visual appeal. We especially love swirls of caramel that complement the hidden layers inside the ice cream.
- Pair with warm brownie bites or chocolate chip cookies. The warmth contrasts beautifully with the cold, creamy texture.
- Garnish with a few toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor enhancement.
- For an indulgent treat, create a Milky Way sundae by layering scoops of the ice cream with fudge sauce, caramel drizzle, and chopped candy bars in a tall glass.
| Serving Element | Purpose | Flavor/Texture Enhancement |
|---|---|---|
| Chilled bowl or cone | Retains creaminess | Keeps ice cream smooth |
| Whipped cream | Adds lightness | Creamy, fluffy contrast |
| Crushed Milky Way pieces | Adds crunch | Boosts chocolate & nougat notes |
| Caramel/chocolate syrup | Adds sweetness & shine | Enhances caramel & cocoa flavors |
| Warm brownie or cookies | Temperature contrast | Balances cold creamy texture |
| Toasted nuts | Adds texture & nuttiness | Provides subtle crunch & flavor |
| Milky Way sundae layers | Builds complexity & visual appeal | Combines multiple textures & flavors |
“The right presentation turns Milky Way Ice Cream from a simple dessert to a memorable indulgence.”
By following these serving suggestions, we ensure every scoop captures the full indulgent essence of the Milky Way flavor profile with a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to preserve the creamy texture and rich flavors of our Milky Way Ice Cream. Follow these guidelines to keep your dessert fresh and delicious.
Freezing for Optimal Freshness
- Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container to prevent ice crystals and flavor loss.
- Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the lid. This extra layer minimizes ice crystal formation.
- Store the container in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Thawing Before Serving
- For the best scoopability, remove the ice cream from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Let it soften slightly at room temperature while keeping it covered to preserve moisture.
Shelf Life
| Storage Condition | Duration | Quality Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (-18°C) | Up to 2 weeks | Best texture and flavor retention |
| Room Temperature | Not recommended | Melts quickly, loses texture |
Avoid Frequent Temperature Fluctuations
- Minimize opening the freezer frequently to prevent temperature changes that cause ice crystals.
- Once thawed partially, do not refreeze as it will negatively impact the creamy consistency.
“Treat your homemade Milky Way Ice Cream like a precious dessert — careful storage is key to enjoying every luscious bite just as intended.”
By following these storage tips, our Milky Way Ice Cream will stay smooth, gooey, and flavorful every time we dig in.
Conclusion
Making Milky Way Ice Cream at home lets us enjoy a truly indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and smooth nougat in every bite. With the right ingredients and careful preparation, we can create a dessert that rivals any store-bought version.
By following the steps and tips for churning, layering, and storing, we ensure a perfect texture and flavor every time. Whether served on its own or as part of a sundae, this recipe brings a delicious twist to classic ice cream.
Let’s dive in and savor the sweet satisfaction of homemade Milky Way Ice Cream together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make Milky Way Ice Cream at home?
You need whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, chopped Milky Way candy bars, caramel sauce, and chocolate chips. Optional toppings include whipped cream, crumbled candy bars, and syrups.
What equipment is required to make this ice cream?
Essential equipment includes an ice cream maker, mixing bowls, a fine mesh strainer, and basic kitchen utensils like a whisk and spatula.
How do I prepare the ice cream base?
Heat milk, cream, sugar, and cocoa powder, temper egg yolks by gradually mixing in the hot liquid, then cook until thickened to form a smooth custard base.
When should I add the Milky Way pieces and caramel sauce?
Add chopped Milky Way bars, caramel sauce, and chocolate chips to the cooled custard base before churning in the ice cream maker.
How long do I churn and freeze the ice cream?
Churn the mixture until it reaches soft-serve consistency, then freeze for at least four hours to achieve the perfect texture.
What are some serving suggestions for Milky Way Ice Cream?
Serve in chilled bowls or cones, add whipped cream, sprinkle crushed candy pieces, drizzle caramel or chocolate syrup, or pair with warm brownies or cookies for extra indulgence.
How should I store homemade Milky Way Ice Cream?
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap, store in the coldest freezer section, and avoid frequent temperature changes.
How do I keep the ice cream scoopable after freezing?
Remove it from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and make scooping easier without melting it too quickly.