Copycat Blue Bell Butter Crunch Ice Cream Recipe

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Some flavors are more than treats; they are true experiences. For many of us, Blue Bell Butter Crunch Ice Cream holds a special, nostalgic place in our hearts (and freezers!). Trying this recipe at home makes me feel even better than a chef, haha.

What Is Blue Bell Butter Crunch Ice Cream?

Blue Bell Butter Crunch Ice Cream is a popular flavor of ice cream made by Blue Bell Creameries.

Ingredients:

Vanilla Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean scraped)
• 4 large egg yolks (for custard-style richness)
• Pinch of salt

Butter Crunch Candy Pieces:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 g) light corn syrup or glucose syrup
• ¼ cup (60 g) peanut butter
• ¼ cup (40 g) crushed roasted peanuts
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ tsp baking soda (for airy crunch)
• Pinch of salt

Optional Chocolate Coating:

• ¾ cup (120 g) chocolate (milk or semisweet), melted
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil (to thin for coating)

Instructions:

Make The Vanilla Custard Base

Heat The Milk Mixture:

1. In a medium pot, combine milk + half of the cream + half the sugar and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat over medium until steaming (NOT boiling).

1. Whisk egg yolks: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and thick.

Temper The Yolks:

1. Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk into the yolks while whisking.
2. Pour the warmed yolk mixture back into the pot.

Thicken The Custard:

1. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon (170–178°F / 77–82°C).
2. DO NOT boil or the custard will curdle.

Chill:

1. Remove from heat, stir in the remaining cream and vanilla.
2. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Make The Butter Crunch Candy:

Cook The Candy Base:

1. In a small pot, heat sugar + corn syrup over medium heat.
2. Cook until it becomes a light golden caramel.

1. Stir In Peanut Butter: Remove from heat and quickly stir in peanut butter, peanuts, butter, and salt.

Add Baking Soda:

1. Stir in baking soda, the mixture will foam and lighten.
2. Pour onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.

• Cool And Break: Let cool completely, then break into small chunks (pea-size to marble-size).

Chocolate-Coat The Candy (Optional but Recommended):

1. Melt chocolate with a bit of oil.
2. Dip the candy bits into the melted chocolate or drizzle to coat lightly.
3. Spread on parchment and freeze for 10–15 minutes.

Churn The Ice Cream:

1. Pour the chilled vanilla base into your ice-cream maker.
2. Churn according to manufacturer instructions (usually 20–30 minutes).
3. When the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, add the candy pieces.
4. Mix for 30–60 seconds to distribute evenly.

Freeze for Final Texture:

1. Scoop into a container.
2. Freeze 4–6 hours until firm.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

Getting The Perfect Blue Bell Texture

• Blue Bell ice cream is dense (low overrun).
• To imitate this, churn slower or stop the machine before it becomes too airy.
• Store in a shallow container to harden more evenly.

Keeping Candy Crunchy:

• Moisture is the enemy, always keep candy cold before mixing in.
• The optional chocolate coating helps a LOT.
• Don’t add candy too early, or it will sink.

Flavor Tips:

• Add a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste for a premium vanilla taste.
• Use milk chocolate instead of dark for a more Blue Bell-like candy flavor.
• If you want bigger crunch pieces, stir in a few larger chunks when packing into the container.

Storage Tips:

• Homemade ice cream lasts 2–3 weeks before losing texture.
• Cover the surface directly with parchment to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm the scoop in water to avoid tearing the ice cream.

What To Serve Blue Bell Butter Crunch Ice Cream With

Warm Desserts:

• Warm Brownie or Lava Cake: The fudgy, warm interior of a dark chocolate brownie or the molten center of a lava cake is the quintessential pairing. The bitterness of the dark chocolate cuts through the Blue Bell Butter Crunch Ice Cream’s sweetness beautifully.
• Apple Crisp or Peach Cobbler: The spiced, baked fruit and buttery streusel topping provide a welcome warmth and a hint of tartness. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm fruit flavors always complement vanilla and peanut butter.
• Waffles or Crêpes: A warm, slightly crispy waffle or a thin, delicate crêpe acts as a perfect vehicle for the ice cream. Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a touch of maple syrup.

Baked Goods & Sauces:

• Whipped Cream: Always a classic. Use fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream to add a cloud-like texture and extra creaminess.
• Hot Fudge Sauce: An absolute must-try. The dense, slightly viscous, and warm chocolate sauce pools around the Blue Bell Butter Crunch Ice Cream, reinforcing the chocolate flavor present in the candy pieces.
• Caramel Sauce (Warm or Cold): A smooth, buttery caramel sauce will enhance the toffee/brittle notes in the crunch. A salted caramel sauce adds another layer of complexity.
• Shortbread Cookies: A simple, buttery shortbread provides a dense, soft bite that contrasts nicely with the cold, creamy Blue Bell Butter Crunch Ice Cream.
• Pretzel Rods: For those who love sweet and salty, serve a couple of sturdy pretzel rods on the side for dipping. The saltiness and extra crunch are superb with the peanut butter flavor.

Fruit & Toppings:

• Sliced Bananas: Bananas and peanut butter are a classic combination. Sliced, fresh bananas add a soft, tropical sweetness.
• Fresh Strawberries or Raspberries: These berries offer a bright, slightly acidic flavor that cleanses the palate and keeps the richness of the ice cream from becoming overwhelming.
• A Light Dusting of Cocoa Powder: For a sophisticated finish, sprinkle high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder over the top before serving.
• Chopped Peanuts or Pecans: If you want to lean into the nuttiness, add a few extra chopped, salted peanuts or toasted pecans for an intense nut flavor.
• Calcium for Bone Health: As a dairy product, the ice cream is a source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
• Source of Vitamins and Minerals: It contains Vitamins A, D, and some B vitamins (like Riboflavin and B12), and minerals like Phosphorus and Potassium, which are vital for overall bodily function.
• Energy Supply: The combination of carbohydrates (sugar) and fats makes ice cream a dense source of energy, providing quick fuel to the body.
• Protein Content: The milk solids provide a small amount of protein, which supports muscle maintenance and satiety.

Health Benefits

• Calcium for Bone Health: As a dairy product, the ice cream is a source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
• Source of Vitamins and Minerals: It contains Vitamins A, D, and some B vitamins (like Riboflavin and B12), and minerals like Phosphorus and Potassium, which are vital for overall bodily function.
• Energy Supply: The combination of carbohydrates (sugar) and fats makes ice cream a dense source of energy, providing quick fuel to the body.
• Protein Content: The milk solids provide a small amount of protein, which supports muscle maintenance and satiety.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is more than a dessert; it’s a personal triumph in the kitchen. We encourage you to savor every scoop of this creation. Share it with friends and family, or keep the whole delicious batch for yourself (we wouldn’t blame you!).

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