Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an ice cream that effortlessly combines creamy, fruity, nutty, and chocolatey goodness, Chunky Monkey Ice Cream is an absolute must-make. This delightful treat takes ripe bananas, rich heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk as its base, then adds in crunchy walnuts and luscious dark chocolate chunks to create a perfectly balanced frozen dessert. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a homemade indulgence, this recipe promises layers of flavor and texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making your Chunky Monkey Ice Cream shine. Each component plays a special role, from the silky base to the crunchy and sweet mix-ins, ensuring every scoop is a celebration of taste and texture.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 cups of chilled cream form the rich and creamy foundation of the ice cream.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 14 ounces of this naturally sweet and thick milk add sweetness and help with the ice cream’s smooth texture without needing an ice cream machine.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons bring a warm, aromatic depth that enhances all other flavors.
• Ripe Bananas: 3 perfectly ripe bananas introduce natural sweetness and a distinctive fruity flavor that defines Chunky Monkey Ice Cream.
• Chopped Walnuts: 1 cup offers a lovely crunch and a slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the bananas and chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate Chunks: ¾ cup of chunky pieces provide rich, bittersweet bursts of chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Chunky Monkey Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Start by peeling and mashing your ripe bananas until smooth but with just enough texture to give your ice cream some natural banana character. The ripeness is key here—overripe bananas are perfect because they deliver the sweetest flavor without overpowering.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. This whipped cream is what makes your ice cream beautifully fluffy and creamy, so be careful not to overwhip it into butter.

Step 3: Mix Condensed Milk and Vanilla

In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla extract. This mixture will act as the sweet base of your ice cream and also keeps it creamy without the need for an ice cream maker.

Step 4: Combine Banana, Condensed Milk Mixture, and Whipped Cream

Gently fold the mashed bananas and the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream. Take your time folding to maintain the airy texture, which is essential for a light but rich Chunky Monkey Ice Cream.

Step 5: Add Walnuts and Chocolate Chunks

Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts and dark chocolate chunks. These ingredients give the ice cream its signature “chunky” texture and fantastic bursts of flavor that make this dessert so memorable.

Step 6: Freeze Until Firm

Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover it tightly, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. This hit-the-sweet-spot freezing time allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the texture to firm up just right.

How to Serve Chunky Monkey Ice Cream

Garnishes

Serving your Chunky Monkey Ice Cream with a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts and a few chocolate shavings on top not only enhances its visual appeal but also adds fresh texture with every spoonful. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also complement the banana and walnut flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pairing this ice cream with warm brownies or a moist banana bread elevates the dessert experience. The contrast between warm and cold and the combination of similar flavors make your dessert plate feel indulgently complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve Chunky Monkey Ice Cream in waffle cones topped with a cherry or a slice of banana for a fun twist? Alternatively, layer it between thin slices of pound cake for a decadent ice cream sandwich that’s perfect for summer gatherings or special treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Chunky Monkey Ice Cream, store any leftovers in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and keep the flavors fresh. Make sure to press a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to minimize ice crystals.

Freezing

This ice cream freezes wonderfully due to the condensed milk and whipped cream base. Keep it in the coldest part of your freezer for the best texture and flavor retention, and it’s ready whenever a sweet craving hits.

Reheating

Since this is an ice cream, reheating is not typically needed or recommended. However, if it becomes too firm, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping to help soften it perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of heavy whipping cream?

Regular milk won’t give you the same creamy and airy texture because it lacks the fat content needed to whip and create that fluffy base essential for Chunky Monkey Ice Cream.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can experiment with coconut cream and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly from the classic version.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe—yellow with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. Under-ripe bananas will lack the signature taste and creaminess.

Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely, pecans or almonds can also work well if you prefer a different crunch or flavor, but walnuts provide a classic taste that complements the banana and chocolate best.

Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?

Nope! This no-churn recipe uses whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk to achieve a creamy, scoopable texture without any special equipment.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough that you try making Chunky Monkey Ice Cream at home. It’s a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey that feels like a hug in a bowl. This recipe is easy enough for any day and special enough to impress your friends and family—trust me, it will become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

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