Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream Recipe (with Weight Watchers Points)
Indulge in the creamy goodness of homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream, featuring a rich base of vanilla ice cream swirled with decadent chocolate fudge sauce, chunks of peanut butter cups, and chocolate chips. This irresistible treat is perfect for any occasion, and it’s easy to prepare in your own kitchen with the help of an ice cream maker. Below, we’ll walk you through a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this delightful dessert, along with a nutritional breakdown, including Weight Watchers points for those who are tracking their intake.
Ingredients for Ice Cream Base:
To create the foundation for your Moose Tracks Ice Cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
These simple ingredients combine to form the creamy, luscious texture of the ice cream base, setting the stage for the indulgent mix-ins.
Ingredients for Mix-Ins:
The mix-ins are what elevate this ice cream to true Moose Tracks greatness. These ingredients give it that signature swirl of chocolate and peanut butter:
- ½ cup chocolate fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped into small pieces
- ½ cup chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
These ingredients combine to give your ice cream its signature taste and texture, with pockets of smooth fudge, crunchy peanut butter, and chocolate in every bite.
Detailed Instructions for Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Start by creating the vanilla ice cream base, which will be the heart of this delicious treat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk, stir the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved completely into the liquid mixture. This will ensure a smooth texture when the ice cream freezes, with no graininess from undissolved sugar. Make sure the mixture is well-blended before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Churn the Ice Cream
Now it’s time to turn your ice cream base into actual ice cream! Pour the cream mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular model. Typically, you’ll churn the mixture for about 20-30 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency. Be patient—this is the step that will transform the liquid base into a rich, creamy frozen treat.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe! Simply pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape the ice crystals and stir the mixture, until it becomes a smooth, creamy texture. This method will take several hours, but it will still result in delicious homemade ice cream.
Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins
Once your ice cream has reached the desired soft-serve texture, it’s time to add the mix-ins. Gently remove the ice cream from the churn and place it into a large mixing bowl. Carefully fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chunks or chips with a spatula, ensuring that the candy pieces are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
Next, take your chocolate fudge sauce (whether store-bought or homemade) and drizzle it over the ice cream. Use a spatula to gently swirl the fudge into the ice cream, creating those signature ribbons of chocolatey goodness that make Moose Tracks so irresistible. Be sure not to overmix—it’s important to keep some of those beautiful fudge swirls intact for the best presentation and flavor.
Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream
Once your ice cream base is fully mixed and swirled with the fudge and candy pieces, it’s time to freeze it. Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. For best results, freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the ice cream to firm up to a scoopable consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After your ice cream has frozen completely, it’s time to enjoy! Scoop the Moose Tracks Ice Cream into bowls or cones. Take a moment to admire the swirls of chocolate fudge and chunks of peanut butter cups in each serving. With its creamy base and indulgent mix-ins, this ice cream is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Pair it with your favorite toppings, or enjoy it as-is—it’s delicious either way!
Nutritional Information
Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream is a decadent treat, but it’s also important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown based on one serving of this ice cream:
- Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving
- Total Fat: 19 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 55 milligrams
- Sodium: 50 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 25 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Weight Watchers Points (Updated for 2024)
- Heavy cream: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
- Chocolate fudge sauce: ½ cup
- Mini peanut butter cups: ½ cup
- Chocolate chunks/chips: ½ cup
For 6 servings, the total points value is approximately 7-8 points.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Ice Cream
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest, richest ice cream, it’s essential to use full-fat dairy products. Substituting with lower-fat milk or cream will affect the texture and mouthfeel of your ice cream, making it less creamy.
- Chill the Ice Cream Base: If you have time, chill the ice cream base for about 2 hours before churning. This will help the mixture freeze faster and produce a smoother texture.
- Mix-ins Can Be Customized: Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins. If you prefer other types of candy, nuts, or even fruit, you can swap the peanut butter cups for things like caramel chunks, crushed cookies, or mini marshmallows.
- Store Properly: To keep your homemade ice cream fresh and creamy, store it in a tight-sealing container to prevent ice crystals from forming. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for best results.
- No Ice Cream Maker?: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Use the no-churn method by following the instructions for scraping and stirring the mixture in the freezer.
Conclusion: A Perfectly Indulgent Dessert
Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. With our detailed instructions, you can easily prepare and enjoy this delicious ice cream right at home. Don’t forget to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences, and most importantly—enjoy every scoop!