With its velvety white chocolate base, tart cherry swirls, and bursts of chocolate-coated cherry pieces, this Baskin Robbins Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream feels like a dessert version of a warm hug on a frosty day!
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How to make Baskin Robbins Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream
Baskin Robbins Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream is a seasonal, limited-time ice cream flavor that the chain usually brings back during the winter holiday season (often as the December Flavor of the Month).
Ingredients:
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream (for a creamy texture)
- 1 cup whole milk (balances the richness)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (to sweeten)
- 6 oz white chocolate chips or chopped chunks (for the signature flavor – use good-quality white chocolate for the best results)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cherry Swirl:
- 1 cup tart cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, depending on how tart the cherries are)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Chocolate-Coated Cherry Pieces:
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (or chopped fresh cherries)
- 1/2 cup dark
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the White Chocolate Ice Cream Base
- Heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved, but do not boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the white chocolate chunks. Stir continuously until they melt completely, creating a smooth, creamy base.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour it into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming as it freezes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Swirl
- Add the tart cherries, sugar, and lemon juice to a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and cook until the cherries break down and release their juices (about 5–7 minutes).
- Use a fork or immersion blender to mash the cherries into a thick, jam-like consistency. Let this mixture cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate-Coated Cherry Pieces
- Melt the dark or milk chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip the dried cherries (or chunks of fresh cherries) into the melted chocolate until fully coated, then transfer them to a parchment-lined tray to set. Place the tray in the refrigerator to harden the chocolate.
Step 4: Assemble the Ice Cream
- Once the white chocolate ice cream is churned and ready, carefully layer it into a freezer-safe container. Alternate layers of the ice cream, cherry swirl, and chocolate-coated cherry pieces for maximum flavor distribution.
- Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl the cherry mixture into the ice cream. Avoid overmixing—you want pockets of cherry goodness!
- Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for 2–3 hours to firm up before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream:
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Use premium white chocolate for a rich flavor and tart cherries for a pop of brightness. The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference!
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste both the ice cream base and cherry swirl as you go. Adjust sugar levels to fit your preference, especially if you prefer a more tart profile.
- Prevent Ice Crystals: Stir the ice cream base frequently during the freezing process if you aren’t using an ice cream maker. This ensures a creamy texture.
- Add Texture: For a crunchier experience, toss in some chopped almonds or white chocolate chunks with the cherry pieces.
- Presentation Matters: To make it festive, serve scoops in a bowl or cone topped with extra chocolate-coated cherries or drizzle with white chocolate sauce.
What to serve with
Baskin Robbins Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream is a showstopper on its own, thanks to its creamy white chocolate base, tart cherry swirls, and chocolate-coated cherry pieces.
- Freshly Baked Brownies: The fudgy, rich flavor of brownies balances the creaminess of the Baskin Robbins Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream while adding an extra chocolatey depth. Serve the brownie warm with a generous scoop of the ice cream melting on top for a café-worthy dessert.
- Apple Crumble or Cherry Cobbler: Fruity crumbles and cobblers have that cozy, holiday-season warmth that pairs beautifully with the tart cherry swirls in the ice cream. The buttery, crunchy topping and tender baked fruit create a lovely contrast to the creamy Baskin Robbins Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream.
- Molten Lava Cake: The gooey center of a chocolate lava cake is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The blend of molten chocolate and the ice cream’s delicate white chocolate notes will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients Substitutes
Recreating Baskin Robbins’ Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream at home is a fun and rewarding process, but sometimes you may need to make adjustments based on dietary restrictions, ingredient availability, or personal preferences.
1. Substitutes for the Ice Cream Base
The ice cream base consists of heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and white chocolate. These components create the creamy and rich texture associated with traditional ice cream. If you need alternatives, here’s what you can use:
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream contributes to the ice cream’s creamy texture and richness. If you’re out of it or want a lower-fat option, you can use:
- Coconut Cream: A vegan-friendly and plant-based substitute with a rich texture. Be sure to use full-fat coconut cream for the best results.
- Half-and-Half: This is a lower-fat substitute that retains some creaminess, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
- Evaporated Milk: A great substitute if you want the richness and don’t mind a slightly lighter texture.
Whole Milk
Whole milk balances the richness of the cream. Here are some options if you don’t have it or need dairy-free alternatives:
- Oat Milk: A creamy non-dairy milk that’s perfect for ice cream due to its thick texture.
- Almond Milk: A lighter plant-based milk option. Choose unsweetened versions to control sweetness.
- Cashew Milk: Known for its creamy consistency, cashew milk works wonderfully in ice cream recipes.
- 2% or Skim Milk: If you want a lower-fat alternative to whole milk, these options will work, but the ice cream will be slightly less creamy.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar enhances sweetness and texture by dissolving evenly into the ice cream base. You can swap it with:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners add depth of flavor but may slightly alter the overall taste. Reduce the amount slightly, as they are sweeter than sugar.
- Coconut Sugar: It adds a mild caramel-like flavor and is a great natural option.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Perfect for a low-calorie or sugar-free version of ice cream. Use only a small amount, as these are highly concentrated sweeteners.
- Brown Sugar: Can add a hint of molasses-like flavor, giving the ice cream a slightly different complexity.
White Chocolate
White chocolate provides the signature flavor of this recipe. However, it can be substituted with:
- Vegan White Chocolate: Ideal for plant-based or dairy-free recipes. Look for brands without dairy.
- Caramelized White Chocolate: If you want a deeper flavor, you can caramelize white chocolate chunks before melting them into the base.
- Coconut Butter: While it won’t taste exactly like white chocolate, it has a creamy and slightly sweet profile that mimics the texture.
2. Substitutes for the Cherry Swirl
The cherry swirl adds tartness, fruit flavor, and color to the ice cream. If you cannot find tart cherries or prefer other options, here are some substitutes:
Tart Cherries
Tart cherries are key to achieving the signature flavor of this ice cream. Alternatives include:
- Sweet Cherries: Swap out tart cherries with fresh or canned sweet cherries. If using canned, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries make a great substitute, offering tart and fruity notes similar to cherries. Add a bit of sugar when cooking them down.
- Raspberries: These berries are naturally tart and can mirror the tangy flavour of tart cherries. Strain out the seeds for a smooth swirl.
- Strawberries: While slightly sweeter, strawberries work similarly and pair beautifully with white chocolate and chocolate-coated pieces.
Final Thoughts
With this recipe, you’ll have the delicious flavors of Baskin Robbins Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream in your freezer, ready to make chilly evenings a little sweeter.
More Ice Cream Recipes:
- Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe
- Copycat Ben and Jerry’s Tonight Dough Recipe
- Homemade Dunkin’ Dubai Sundae Recipe
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