There’s something magical about the first warm day of spring when you can finally put away the heavy jackets and indulge in sweet, creamy desserts. As the sun peeks through the clouds, I find myself craving something to cool me down and satisfy my sweet tooth. That’s where my Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream comes in!
Imagine thick, silky ice cream bursting with the rich flavors of caramelized butter and crunchy almond brittle. It’s a delightful combination that transforms a simple dessert into a gourmet experience—all made from the comfort of your kitchen. After years of experimenting with frozen treats, this luscious ice cream was born from a blend of kitchen creativity and a love for crunchy confections.
Whether you’re hosting friends for a summer barbecue or simply treating yourself after a long day, this ice cream recipe is sure to impress. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, and you’ll never look at store-bought ice cream the same way again! So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful sweet adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Why is Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream so delightful?
Irresistible Flavor: The warm notes of caramelized butter paired with the crunch of almond brittle create a dessert that’s both unique and indulgent.
Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed! With straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade ice cream in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s spring gatherings or cozy nights in, this ice cream fits right in and delights every palate.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it in a cone, alongside a warm brownie, or simply on its own—it’s bound to impress!
Make Ahead Convenience: With minimal effort, prepare it ahead of time, ensuring you have a creamy treat on hand whenever the cravings hit.
Try this delightful dessert today and experience a taste sensation that will draw you away from store-bought!
Delicious Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream Ingredients
For the Base
- Whole milk – Essential for creating a creamy texture; try using low-fat if you prefer a lighter version.
- Cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent to give the ice cream a smooth mouthfeel.
- Cream cheese – Adds richness and helps to create a silky ice cream texture.
- Fine sea salt – A pinch will enhance the other flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
For the Flavoring
- Unsalted butter – The star of this recipe; browning it adds deep, nutty flavor.
- Heavy cream – Ensures a rich and decadent ice cream; don’t skimp on the creaminess!
- Sugar – Sweetens the base; feel free to swap for brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
- Light corn syrup – Prevents ice crystals, making your Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream ultra-smooth.
For the Mix-Ins
- Almond Brittle – Offers that delightful crunch and sweetness; use store-bought or homemade.
- Optional larger shreds – Great for garnishing, providing an extra layer of texture and elegance when serving.
How to Make Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream
-
Mix the Slurry: In a small bowl, blend about 2 tablespoons of whole milk with the cornstarch until smooth. This will help thicken your ice cream beautifully.
-
Whisk Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine the softened cream cheese and fine sea salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
-
Prepare Ice Bath: Fill a large bowl with ice and water, creating a refreshing ice bath to cool your ice cream base later.
-
Brown the Butter: In a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Bring it to a gentle boil, letting it bubble until rich and dark brown. Remove from heat and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes.
-
Separate the Butter Oil: Carefully pour the golden butter oil into a storage container, leaving the solids behind. This step ensures you capture that nutty flavor without any graininess.
-
Combine Remaining Ingredients: To the butter solids, add the remaining whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and light corn syrup. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat and let it boil for 4 minutes.
-
Whisk in the Slurry: Remove the pot from heat and gradually whisk in your cornstarch slurry, ensuring everything combines thoroughly.
-
Thicken Mixture: Return to medium-high heat and simmer while stirring with a heatproof spatula, cooking until just slightly thickened—about 1 minute.
-
Blend with Cream Cheese: Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the cream cheese bowl, whisking until it’s completely smooth and has a creamy consistency.
-
Chill the Mixture: Pour the ice cream base into a 1-gallon Ziploc freezer bag and quickly submerge it in your prepared ice bath. Let it chill for about 30 minutes.
-
Churn the Ice Cream: Transfer the chilled ice cream base to the frozen canister of your ice cream maker and churn until it’s thick and creamy.
-
Fold in Almond Brittle: Pack your ice cream into a storage container, folding in the bite-sized almond brittle as you go. Ensure an even mix for delightful crunch in every bite.
-
Freeze & Set: Press a sheet of parchment paper directly against the surface of the ice cream and seal with an airtight lid. Freeze it for at least 4 hours until it’s firm and ready to serve.
Optional: Add larger shreds of almond brittle on top for a fancy garnish when serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the ice cream base up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply follow the steps up to cooling the mixture, then seal it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent any absorption of odors. The folded almond brittle can also be prepared up to 3 days before serving; just store it in a separate container to preserve its crunch. When you’re ready to indulge, churn your base, fold in the brittle, and freeze until firm. Enjoy a delightful homemade treat with minimal day-of effort!
What to Serve with Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream?
Nothing pairs quite like a sweet delight on a warm day, and the creamy texture of this ice cream deserves the perfect companions to elevate your dessert experience.
-
Chocolate Chip Cookies: The warm, gooey texture of freshly baked cookies brings a delightful contrast to the cold ice cream, creating a mouthwatering treat.
-
Salted Caramel Brownies: Rich and fudgy brownies smothered in salted caramel deepen the flavor profile while complementing the buttery notes of the ice cream.
-
Fresh Berries: A medley of mixed berries adds a refreshing burst of tartness, creating a beautiful balance with the sweetness of the ice cream. They also add lovely color to your dessert plate!
-
Waffle Cones: Crisp waffle cones provide a classic base perfect for scooping up your Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream, enhancing that crunchy texture we all love.
-
Espresso or Coffee: Serve alongside a bold cup of espresso or a creamy latte; the coffee’s bitterness beautifully contrasts the sweet ice cream, creating a harmonious blend.
-
Chocolate Sauce: A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce over a scoop transforms the ice cream into an indulgent sundae, adding depth and decadence.
Enjoy mixing and matching these delightful pairings, and create a memorable dessert experience worthy of the best ice cream shops!
Expert Tips for Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream
Butter Quality: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. Cheap butter can result in an unappealing taste; the better the butter, the richer the ice cream!
Chill Properly: Ensure the ice cream base is entirely chilled in the ice bath. If skipped, it may not churn properly in the ice cream maker, leading to a less creamy texture.
Even Mixing: Fold the almond brittle into the ice cream carefully. Aim for even distribution so every scoop has that crunchy goodness and delightful sweetness.
Prevent Ice Crystals: Light corn syrup is essential as it helps prevent ice crystals from forming, ensuring a smooth and creamy Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream.
Storage Tips: Press parchment paper against the surface of your ice cream before sealing to help prevent ice crystals and maintain freshness.
Storage Tips for Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream
Fridge: Store any leftover butter almond brittle ice cream in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed straight from the freezer.
Freezer: This ice cream can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s in an airtight container with parchment paper pressed against the surface to prevent ice crystals.
Reheating: If it’s too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions: For an elegant presentation, top with extra almond brittle shreds or drizzle with warm chocolate sauce when serving directly from the freezer.
Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream Variations
Feel free to explore and elevate your ice cream experience with these creative twists!
-
Nut-Free: Substitute the almond brittle with crushed caramel popcorn for a sweet crunch without nuts.
-
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese to create a creamy base that everyone can enjoy.
-
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of almond extract to enhance the almond flavor throughout the ice cream. It’s a simple change that makes a big impact!
-
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips or a swirl of fudge for a decadent mix of flavors—the combination of chocolate and almond is simply irresistible.
-
Salted Caramel: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the ice cream just before freezing for a sweet and salty flavor experience.
-
Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when mixing in the almond brittle for a surprising twist.
-
Fresh Fruits: Incorporate chunks of fresh peaches or strawberries before freezing for a fruity delight that perfectly complements the buttery ice cream.
-
Gourmet Toppings: Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt or a dusting of crushed pistachios for an extra layer of flavor and a visually stunning finish!
Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right ingredients for Almond Brittle?
Absolutely! When choosing almond brittle, look for brands with high-quality ingredients. Ideally, the brittle should be crunchy, not stale or overly soft. If making it at home, ensure the nuts are freshly roasted, providing a richer flavor and better texture.
How long can I store leftover Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream?
You can store this delightful ice cream in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to use an airtight container and press parchment paper against the surface before sealing it to minimize ice crystals from forming. This will keep your ice cream as fresh as possible!
Can I freeze Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze it! After churning the ice cream, pack it into a storage container, adding chopped almond brittle throughout. Seal it tightly with an airtight lid and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes if it’s too hard to scoop.
What should I do if my ice cream is too icy or hard?
Sometimes, ice cream can develop ice crystals due to improper mixing or not using enough stabilizers like corn syrup. To prevent this, ensure that you mix the ingredients well and enjoy the ice cream within the storage timeframe. If your ice cream is already icy, you can try blending it in a food processor with a splash of milk to restore creaminess before refreezing.
Is this Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream safe for those with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, this ice cream contains almonds, which are not safe for anyone with nut allergies. If you want to make a nut-free version, consider substituting nut brittle with a mix-in that suits your dietary needs, like chocolate chips or crushed cookies. Always check for allergens before serving to anyone!
Can I make Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Very much! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the prepared mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours until it’s smooth and creamy. This will give you that lovely texture—just a bit more hand-on effort!
Indulge in Decadent Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, blend whole milk with the cornstarch until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese and fine sea salt until smooth.
- Fill a large bowl with ice and water to prepare an ice bath.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until dark brown.
- Carefully pour the golden butter oil into a storage container, leaving solids behind.
- Add remaining whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and light corn syrup to butter solids and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and whisk in cornstarch slurry, ensuring everything combines.
- Return to heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the hot mixture into the cream cheese until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer bag and submerge in the ice bath, chilling for 30 minutes.
- Transfer the chilled base to the ice cream maker and churn until thick and creamy.
- Pack into a storage container, folding in almond brittle.
- Press parchment paper against the surface and freeze for at least 4 hours.