If you love Moose Tracks Ice Cream, you are going to obsess over this homemade version. It is rich, creamy, packed with peanut butter cups, and swirled with melted chocolate. Best of all, you don't need an ice cream maker.
Instead, this no-churn recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to create a classic vanilla base with that signature chocolate ribbon. In fact, it comes together in about 10 minutes, which makes it perfect when you want a freezer dessert without the hassle.
Moose Tracks is a classic flavor made with a vanilla ice cream base, a fudge or chocolate swirl, and plenty of peanut butter cup pieces. Traditionally, it is made with churned ice cream.
However, this version skips the machine entirely and still delivers that same creamy texture. As a result, it is faster, easier, and honestly tastes like a premium pint.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Homemade Moose Tracks is nostalgic, indulgent, and unbelievably easy. Plus, you can customize it depending on what you love most.
- First - it is a true no-churn recipe, so there is no special equipment needed.
- Next - it uses only 6 ingredients, and they are all easy to find.
- Even Better - the texture turns out creamy and scoopable every time.
- Finally - you can adjust the mix-ins. Add extra peanut butter cups or more swirl. It is up to you!
Ingredients
To make Moose Tracks, you will need these easy-to-find items
- Heavy Cream - the secret to that ultra-creamy, scoopable texture
- Dark Chocolate Bar - Deep, bold chocolate that melts into a silky swirl.
- Reese Cups - Little peanut butter treasure bites that turn this into true Moose Tracks.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - Sweet, thick, and totally essential. It adds sweetness and keeps the ice cream from freezing into a rock-solid brick.
- Vanilla Extract - Just a splash, but it makes the whole base taste like the real deal.
- Butter - The secret helper for the chocolate swirl!
Let's Talk Vanilla
I had the privilege of using vanilla beans from Madagascar, and wow. The flavor is unreal. I you've never tried vanilla straight from the bean, consider this your sign. Real vanilla gives your ice cream a deeper, more intense flavor that extract just can't match.
Just keep in mind - vanilla beans measure differently than extract
- Ā½ of a vanilla bean = 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other Vanilla Options
- Vanilla Bean Paste - this is the easiest upgrade and offers a bold vanilla flavor
- Use 1 teaspoon of paste for 1 teaspoon of extract.
- Pure Vanilla Extract - choose pure over imitation for the richest flavor.
- Mexican Vanilla -
- Why skip imitation vanilla? - Since this is a vanilla-based ice cream, you'll actually be able to taste the difference. Immitation vanilla can be more one-note and taste a little artificial in frozen desserts.
Detailed Instructions for Moose Tracks Ice Cream:
- Prepare your equipment by placing your mixing bowl and baking dish in the freezer to chill.
- Chop the Reese's into small cubes.
ProTip: Freeze your peanut butter cups for easier chopping and no smearing.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla to the chilled mixing bowl. Whip with a hand mixer until you have stiff peaks.
- Add in sweetened condensed milk and chopped peanut butter cups. With a spatula, fold the ingredients in. Do not use the mixer.
- Melt the chocolate bar with 1.5 teaspoon of butter in a double boiler on medium heat.
- Place parchment paper into the cold 9x9 dish, and pour ā of the ice cream mixture in. Even out the mixture with a spatula so it freezes evenly. Then, pour a layer of melted chocolate. Spread with a spatula and then top with the remaining ice cream mixture.
- Place a lid on it and freeze for 4-6 hours. Scoop and Enjoy!
ProTip: Use a warm scoop for clean scoops. You can run your scoop under hot water and scoop like a pro.
Equipment and Supplies
This recipe is easy to make with just the right tools! Here are some items I use and trust!
- Vanilla Extract - The flavor MVP. It turns "sweet cream" into real-deal vanilla ice cream.
- 9 X 9 Pyrex - Your ice cream's new home. Freezer-friendly and scoop-ready.
- Silicone Spatulas - For folding gently (and scraping every last bit). No waste allowed!
- Double Boiler - The safest way to melt chocolate without burning it...because scorched chocolate is heartbreak.
- Hand Mixer - Shortcut to fluffy, whipped cream perfection.
- Ice Cream Scoop - your ticket to perfect round scoops. The fastest way from freezer to happiness.
substitutions and additions
Make it your own
- Want a sweeter swirl? Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate
- No Reese's cups? Chop up a Butterfinger bar!
- Add Crunch - Crushed Oreos, pretzel pieces, or graham cracker chunks
- Kid-Friendly - M&M's, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or cookie dough bites.
- More Chocolate - add in mini chocolate chips, brownie bites, chocolate chip cookie pieces, or hot fudge swirl.
Fun Flavor Boosters
- Pinch of sea salt - makes the vanilla and chocolate taste a little richer.
- Ā½ teaspoon almond extract - gives it a bakery-style vanilla flavor (use sparingly).
- Ā¼ teaspoon espresso powder - doesn't make it taste like coffee, it makes the chocolate pop.
- Splash of bourbon or rum - adds warmth and helps keep the texture softer in the freezer.
Recipe
Moose Tracks Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Shelf Stable Heavy Cream
- 4 oz Chocolate Bar
- 12 oz Chopped Reese Thins Cups 30 Reese's Thins
- 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Ā½ teaspoon Butter
Instructions
- Place a large mixing bowl and a 9 x 9 baking dish in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- Chop peanut butter cups into small cubes.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla into the chilled mixing bowl. Whip with hand mixer until you have stiff peaks.
- Add in sweetened condensed milk and chopped peanut butter cups. With a spatula, fold the ingredients in. Do not use mixer.
- Melt chocolate bar with 1.5 teaspoon of butter in a double boiler on medium heat.
- Place parchment paper into the cold 9x9 dish, and pour ā of the ice cream mixture in. Even out mixture with a spatula. Then, pour a layer of melted chocolate. Spread with a spatula and then top with the remaining ice cream mixture.
- Place a lid on it and freeze for 4-6 hours. Scoop and Enjoy!
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
You should keep the total to around 1 to 11/2 cups so the ice cream stays creamy.
It typically needs 4-6 hours to freeze completely. However, for the best texture, letting it sit overnight works even better.
Use sweetened condensed coconut milk plus a dairy-free whipped topping.
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Jackie Lewis says
It was yummy!!! I added in one cup of malted milk balls cut in half!
CookitwithTim says
OMG glad it was a hit. Be sure to leave me a star rating if you can. TY So much.
CookitwithTim says
Very easy to make and I promise you will love it.
Mag says
So yummy and easy!
CookitwithTim says
Yay. Thanks so much.