This s'mores ice cream recipe brings the classic campfire treat to a whole new level. Creamy, homemade vanilla ice cream is swirled with gooey marshmallows, chunks of graham crackers, and a rich chocolate drizzle. The result is a delectable dessert that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The ingredients for this recipe are relatively common, you might have most of them already in your fridge or pantry. However, if you're planning to make this recipe from scratch, be prepared to pick up fresh dairy products such as heavy cream and whole milk. You'll also need egg yolks which are crucial for creating the custard base. For the add-ins, you might need to head to the baking aisle for mini marshmallows and graham crackers. And don't forget the chocolate - a good quality one will really elevate the flavor.
Key Ingredients for S'mores Ice Cream
Heavy cream: This forms the rich, creamy base of the ice cream.
Whole milk: This is used to thin the cream a bit, while still maintaining a creamy texture.
Vanilla extract: This adds a depth of flavor to the ice cream base.
Salt: A touch of salt can enhance the sweetness of the ice cream.
Egg yolks: These are used to create a custard base for the ice cream, giving it a rich and creamy texture.
Sugar: This adds sweetness to the custard base.
Chocolate: This will be melted and swirled in the vanilla ice cream to give a delightful contrast.
Mini marshmallows: These will be broiled to get a toasted flavor, similar to real s'mores.
Graham crackers: These add a nice crunch and mimic the graham cracker element of a traditional s'more.
One reader, Harlen Chung says:
This s'mores ice cream recipe is a game-changer! The creamy base perfectly complements the gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate. The graham crackers add a delightful crunch. It's a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories around the campfire. I can't get enough of it!
Mastering the Techniques for S'mores Ice Cream
How to make the ice cream base: This technique involves heating the cream, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan, then tempering the egg yolks and sugar, and finally thickening the custard to the right consistency.
How to add the mix-ins: This technique involves melting the chocolate, broiling the marshmallows, and incorporating them into the churned ice cream along with the graham crackers.
How To Make S’mores Ice Cream
With a creamy vanilla base, try your hand with this luscious s’mores ice cream made with charred marshmallows, graham crackers, and melted chocolate.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Ice Cream Base:
- 2cupsheavy cream
- ⅔cupwhole milk
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ½tspsalt
- 6egg yolks
- ⅓cupsugar
For Add-Ins:
- 6ozchocolate,about 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2cupsmini marshmallows
- 6graham crackers,broken into small pieces
Instructions
Ice Cream Base:
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Place the ice cream maker churning bowl in the freezer the day before making the ice cream.
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Pour the cream, milk, vanilla extract, and salt into a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, for about 15 to 18 minutes until small bubbles form around the edges of the pan. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat.
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In a medium bowl, beat the yolks and sugar together with a whisk until the mixture is thick and pale.
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Use a ladle to pour the milk mixture in a slow, thin, steady stream into the egg and sugar mixture, whisking the entire time. Continue until all the liquid is combined. Don’t rush this; otherwise, it will end up with scrambled eggs.
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Return the custard to the pan and place it over low heat. Stir gently with a spatula for about 8 minutes until the custard thickens to the consistency of maple syrup.
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When the custard is ready, it will coat the back of a spoon, and if a finger is drawn through it, the mark will remain.
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As soon as the custard thickens, remove from heat, and transfer the custard to a large bowl. If the custard looks as though it may have cooked egg bits in it, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. If it looks smooth, skip this step.
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Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. When ready, it will be the consistency of eggnog.
Add-ins:
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Break up the graham crackers into pieces the size of a nickel. In a small saucepan over low heat, add the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips. Stir continuously for about 5 to 7 minutes until melted. Remove from heat.
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Place the rack in the center of the oven, turn on oven light, and set oven to broil. Line a small baking sheet with foil or parchment, and spray it with cooking spray. Sprinkle the marshmallows over the prepared pan.
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Place under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the tops are brown. Do not leave oven, and watch it the whole time. Remove the pan from the oven. Let the marshmallows cool for about 5 minutes.
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Pour the cooled custard into the bowl of ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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After about 5 to 7 minutes, the ice cream should be getting thicker. Add the marshmallows a few at a time.
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Use a spoon or spatula to drizzle in the chocolate a little bit at a time. It’s okay if the chocolate is a little thick; just try to drop it in ribbons. Chocolate should break up so it looks like chocolate chip ice cream.
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When ready, the chocolate’s consistency should be like soft-serve ice cream.
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Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container and fold in the graham crackers.
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Serve immediately or smooth the top of the ice cream, press a piece of parchment paper over the top, and cover it with a lid. Put the ice cream in the freezer, and let it chill for at least 2 hours. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 470.92kcal
- Fat: 32.87g
- Saturated Fat: 19.00g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.06g
- Carbohydrates: 43.30g
- Fiber: 1.62g
- Sugar: 32.52g
- Protein: 5.28g
- Cholesterol: 193.13mg
- Sodium: 242.21mg
- Calcium: 90.18mg
- Potassium: 179.53mg
- Iron: 1.40mg
- Vitamin A: 292.38µg
- Vitamin C: 0.36mg
A Crucial Technique for Perfecting S'mores Ice Cream
When melting the chocolate, it's important to keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent it from burning. Chocolate can easily seize or burn if the heat is too high or if it's not stirred frequently. If the chocolate does seize, try adding a small amount of neutral oil, like canola, and stir until it becomes smooth again.
Time-Saving Tips for Making S'mores Ice Cream
Prep ahead: Make the ice cream base a day in advance and chill it overnight to save time on the day of making the ice cream.
Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought graham crackers and chocolate syrup to cut down on prep time and simplify the recipe.
Quick freeze: After adding the graham crackers, place the ice cream in the freezer for 1 hour to speed up the chilling process before serving.
Efficient assembly: Prepare the add-ins while the ice cream base is chilling to streamline the process and minimize overall prep time.
Substitute Ingredients For S’mores Ice Cream Recipe
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a similar richness and creaminess to the ice cream base, while also adding a subtle coconut flavor.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a slightly nutty flavor to the ice cream base.
egg yolks - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can act as a thickening agent, similar to egg yolks, and help create a creamy texture in the ice cream base.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness to the ice cream base while also imparting a unique flavor profile.
chocolate - Substitute with cocoa powder: Cocoa powder can be used to infuse a rich chocolate flavor into the ice cream base without the need for solid chocolate.
mini marshmallows - Substitute with chopped marshmallows: Chopped marshmallows can be used as a substitute for mini marshmallows, providing a similar texture and flavor.
graham crackers - Substitute with vanilla wafers: Vanilla wafers can be used as a substitute for graham crackers, adding a slightly different flavor and texture to the ice cream.
Presenting Your S'mores Ice Cream Masterpiece
Elevate the ice cream scoop: Use a small ice cream scoop to create a perfectly rounded and smooth scoop of the s'mores ice cream. This will give it a polished and professional appearance.
Garnish with toasted marshmallows: Place a few lightly toasted marshmallows on top of the ice cream scoop to add a touch of elegance and a hint of smoky flavor to the presentation.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Create a beautiful drizzle of melted chocolate over the ice cream using a squeeze bottle or a small spoon. This will add a luxurious touch and enhance the visual appeal of the dessert.
Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs: Lightly sprinkle graham cracker crumbs around the base of the ice cream scoop to add a rustic and inviting element to the presentation.
Serve in a chilled glass bowl: Present the s'mores ice cream in a chilled glass bowl to create a stunning visual contrast and keep the dessert at the perfect temperature for enjoyment.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For an extra touch of sophistication, delicately place a small piece of edible gold leaf on top of the ice cream to create a luxurious and eye-catching presentation.
Accompany with a chocolate-dipped spoon: Serve the s'mores ice cream with a decorative spoon that has been dipped in melted chocolate and chilled. This adds a unique and elegant touch to the presentation.
Surround with fresh berries: Arrange a few fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, around the base of the ice cream scoop to provide a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dessert.
Essential Tools for Crafting S'mores Ice Cream
- Ice cream maker: An ice cream maker is essential for churning and freezing the ice cream mixture to achieve a creamy texture.
- Medium saucepan: A medium saucepan is used to heat the cream, milk, and other ingredients for the ice cream base.
- Whisk: A whisk is used for beating the egg yolks and sugar together to create a thick and pale mixture.
- Ladle: A ladle is used to pour the milk mixture into the egg and sugar mixture in a slow, steady stream while whisking continuously.
- Spatula: A spatula is used for stirring the custard over low heat to ensure it thickens to the desired consistency.
- Fine-mesh strainer: A fine-mesh strainer is used to strain the custard if it appears to have cooked egg bits in it, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Small saucepan: A small saucepan is used to melt the chocolate for the add-ins.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to broil the marshmallows for the s'mores ice cream.
- Ice cream scoop: An ice cream scoop is used to serve the s'mores ice cream once it's ready to be enjoyed.
Storing and Freezing Your S'mores Ice Cream Creation
To store the s'mores ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container or a loaf pan covered tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This will prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface and keep the ice cream fresh for longer.
Label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of how long it has been stored. Homemade ice cream can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture.
If you want to keep the ice cream for an extended period, consider placing a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before covering it with the lid. This extra layer will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the smooth texture of the ice cream.
When you're ready to serve the s'mores ice cream, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to scoop and ensure a creamy consistency.
If you have leftovers, quickly return the ice cream to the freezer to prevent melting and the formation of ice crystals. Avoid leaving the ice cream out at room temperature for too long, as this can cause a grainy texture and affect the overall quality.
For best results, consume the s'mores ice cream within 2 weeks of preparation. After that, the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate, and ice crystals may form on the surface.
A Fascinating Fact About S'mores Ice Cream
The s'mores ice cream recipe is a delightful treat that combines the classic campfire flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers into a creamy and indulgent dessert. This frozen delight is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, making homemade ice cream allows you to customize the flavors and add-ins to suit your preferences. Whether you're a fan of traditional s'mores or simply love the combination of chocolate and marshmallows, this recipe offers a fun and delicious way to enjoy these campfire favorites in a new and exciting form.
The Economics of Homemade S'mores Ice Cream
This s'mores ice cream recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the heavy cream, chocolate, and marshmallows, which can be quite affordable when purchased in bulk. However, the occasional expense of an ice cream maker and the use of multiple egg yolks may slightly increase the overall cost. Considering the delightful and indulgent nature of this dessert, it's worth the investment for a special treat. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its rich flavor and nostalgic appeal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20.
Is S'mores Ice Cream Healthy or Unhealthy?
The s'mores ice cream recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and egg yolks - are all high in calories, fat, and sugar. The add-ins, such as chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, also contribute to the overall sugar and calorie content of the dessert. Consuming excessive amounts of these ingredients can lead to weight gain and other health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or coconut milk
- Use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar
- Opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) for added antioxidants and less sugar
- Reduce the number of egg yolks or use a plant-based substitute like silken tofu
- Incorporate fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, to add natural sweetness and fiber
- Use whole wheat graham crackers for a boost in fiber and nutrients
- Serve smaller portions and enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet
Editor's Take on This S'mores Ice Cream Recipe
The s'mores ice cream recipe is a delightful twist on a classic treat. The creamy, rich ice cream base pairs perfectly with the gooey marshmallows, decadent chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. The methodical approach to creating the custard ensures a smooth and velvety texture, while the addition of the add-ins provides a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the nostalgic flavors of s'mores in a cool and refreshing dessert.
Enhance Your S’mores Ice Cream Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delightful Alternatives to S'mores Ice Cream
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with S'mores Ice Cream
Why trust this S’mores Ice Cream Recipe:
This s'mores ice cream recipe is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate with gooey marshmallows and crunchy graham crackers. The creamy base is made with high-quality heavy cream and whole milk, ensuring a luscious texture. The use of real egg yolks and vanilla extract adds depth of flavor, while the meticulous steps for creating the custard ensure a silky smooth consistency. The addition of homemade chocolate sauce and toasted marshmallows elevates this recipe to a gourmet level, making it a trustworthy and irresistible indulgence.
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