Ben & Jerry’s is a name that resonates with the symphony of clinking spoons on pint-sized containers, filled with some of the most whimsical and decadent ice cream flavors known to humankind. Among their cherished lineup, the Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate-Covered Strawberry flavor stands out as a testament to the duo’s genius in crafting something that not only tugs at your heartstrings but stirs up a whirlwind of sensory delight, especially around the season of love.
Table of Contents
How to make Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate-Covered Strawberry
Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Covered Strawberry is a limited-edition ice cream flavor introduced for Valentine’s Day 2025. It features a creamy strawberry ice cream base with a strawberry jam swirl and rich chocolate fudge flakes, capturing the essence of the classic romantic dessert.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
Strawberry Swirl:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chocolate Flakes:
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Ice Cream Base:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until it is thoroughly chilled, preferably overnight.
- While the base is chilling, prepare the strawberry swirl. In another saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries soften, and the mixture thickens slightly about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate.
Chocolate Flakes:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid.
- Once solid, break the chocolate sheet into small, chip-like flakes. Store in the freezer until ready to use.
Churning the Ice Cream:
- Puree the 1 cup of chopped strawberries until smooth. Stir this puree into your chilled ice cream base.
- Pour the strawberry ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- In the last few minutes of churning, add in your chocolate flakes, letting them mix thoroughly into the ice cream.
- Once churned, gently swirl the chilled strawberry swirl into the ice cream using a spoon or spatula. Avoid overmixing to maintain distinct swirls.
Freezing:
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, layering in additional chocolate flakes and spoonfuls of the strawberry swirl if desired.
- Cover and freeze until solid, usually about 4-6 hours or overnight for best results.
Tips for a Perfect Batch
- Quality Matters: Use the best quality strawberries and chocolate you can find; their flavors are the highlight of your ice cream.
- Chill Time is Crucial: Make sure your ice cream base and swirl mixtures are thoroughly chilled before churning. It makes all the difference in texture.
- Be Gentle: Fold in the chocolate flakes and strawberry swirl gently to ensure beautiful, distinct layers and swirls in your ice cream.
What to serve with
Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate-Covered Strawberry is an indulgent treat that can stand alone proudly with its rich, creamy flavors. However, part of the joy of enjoying such a decadent dessert lies in pairing it with complementary delicacies that elevate the entire experience.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: The lightness and slight tartness of freshly whipped cream can balance the sweetness and richness of the ice cream. To make your own, simply whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Dollop on top of each serving for an elegant touch.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Echo the flavors found within the ice cream by serving it with chocolate-dipped strawberries. They’re delicious and visually stunning, making for an impressive presentation.
- Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread cookies offer a delightful texture contrast to creamy ice cream. Their simplicity won’t overshadow the main attraction but will beautifully complement its rich flavors.
- Espresso or Coffee: For those who enjoy a balance of sweet and bitter, serving a strong espresso or a cup of rich coffee alongside or even over the ice cream (affogato-style) can be a revelation. The coffee’s bitterness cuts through the sweetness and refreshes the palate with each bite.
- Sparkling Dessert Wine: If you’re in the mood for something luxurious, a chilled glass of sparkling dessert wine could perfectly accompany you. Look for a wine with berry notes that can complement the strawberry elements in the ice cream.
- Nutty Brittle or Praline: Adding a crunchy, nutty element like a brittle or praline can introduce an exciting textural play. The caramelized sugar will resonate with the sweetness of the ice cream, while the nuts offer a satisfying crunch.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: For an ultimate indulgence, serve a small portion of warm chocolate lava cake alongside a scoop of the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry ice cream. The contrast of warm cake with cold ice cream is a classic for a reason and the flowing chocolate centre pairs wonderfully with the strawberry and chocolate pieces.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate-Covered Strawberry ice cream can be a fun and rewarding project. If you’re looking to substitute some of the ingredients – whether due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply because you don’t have some items on hand – plenty of options are available to ensure you can still enjoy this delicious treat.
Base Ingredients:
- Heavy Cream: You can use full-fat coconut milk or a high-quality almond or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. These alternatives will still provide the creaminess essential to the ice cream’s texture.
- Milk: Replace dairy milk with plant-based milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. For a richer texture, choose full-fat versions of these alternatives.
- Sugar: If you’re avoiding refined sugars, you can substitute with equal amounts of coconut sugar or use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners will slightly alter the texture.
- Egg Yolks: Those avoiding eggs can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer equivalent to four eggs to help thicken the ice cream base. Another option is to use cornstarch or arrowroot powder (about 2 tablespoons) to help thicken the mixture without eggs.
Flavorings and Mix-ins:
- Strawberries: While it’s tough to beat the flavor of fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries can be a good substitute. Make sure they are thawed and drained well to avoid adding too much water to the ice cream.
- Chocolate-Coated Strawberries: For the chocolate-covered strawberries mixed into the ice cream, you can use store-bought vegan chocolate-covered strawberries or make your own using dairy-free chocolate. To coat the strawberries easily in chocolate, melt the chocolate gently and dip them, laying them out on parchment paper to set.
- Cocoa Powder: If you aim for a deeper chocolate flavor in parts of the ice cream, ensure you’re using unsweetened cocoa powder. For an alternative, carob powder can work in a pinch, though it will offer a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Choosing what to serve with your Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate-Covered Strawberry ice cream depends largely on the occasion and your tastes.
More Chocolate-Covered Recipes:
- Kroger Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Recipe
- Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Recipe
- Copycat Nuts.com Chocolate Covered Oreos Recipe
- M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate Recipe
- Christmas Chocolate Pretzels Recipe
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
Strawberry Swirl:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chocolate Flakes:
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Ice Cream Base:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until it is thoroughly chilled, preferably overnight.
- While the base is chilling, prepare the strawberry swirl. In another saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries soften, and the mixture thickens slightly about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate.
Chocolate Flakes:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid.
- Once solid, break the chocolate sheet into small, chip-like flakes. Store in the freezer until ready to use.
Churning the Ice Cream:
- Puree the 1 cup of chopped strawberries until smooth. Stir this puree into your chilled ice cream base.
- Pour the strawberry ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's directions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- In the last few minutes of churning, add in your chocolate flakes, letting them mix thoroughly into the ice cream.
- Once churned, gently swirl the chilled strawberry swirl into the ice cream using a spoon or spatula. Avoid overmixing to maintain distinct swirls.
Freezing:
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, layering in additional chocolate flakes and spoonfuls of the strawberry swirl if desired.
- Cover and freeze until solid, usually about 4-6 hours or overnight for best results.
