This rich and indulgent Reese’s ice cream is made with a creamy vanilla ice cream loaded with chunks of peanut butter cups. It’s simple to make and totally irresistible!
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Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Reese’s peanut butter cups are hands-down my favorite candy. I even recreated them in these no-bake peanut butter bars, so added them into ice cream was a no-brainer. This homemade Reese’s ice cream starts with a rich, churned vanilla ice cream base and is packed with chunks of peanut butter cups for the perfect chocolate-peanut butter bite.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer party or treating yourself on dessert night, this creamy and indulgent peanut butter cup ice cream is always a hit. It’s easy to make in an ice cream maker and delivers that classic candy flavor in every scoop.
“My new favorite! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing reeses ice cream recipe! Super easy to make and it’s super tasty! Loved it!”
Ingredients for Homemade Reese’s Ice Cream
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Heavy cream: This creates the thickness of the ice cream as well as the creaminess.
- Whole milk: Adds to the heavy cream and gives it a thick and creamy texture and flavor.
- Sugar: Added in for sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch! This also balances out the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: Use a splash of vanilla to bring the flavors together.
- Reese’s peanut butter cups: We used Reese’s brand for this recipe. Take small or mini-Reese’s peanut butter cups and cut them into small pieces or chunks of Reese’s.
How to Make the Best Reese’s Ice Cream
- Ice cream machine. Prep your ice cream machine according to package directions. Some machines require you to freeze the bowl first and for others, you will need to have ice and rock salt.
- Mix together. Combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a bowl or the base of the ice cream container you plan to use.
- Make ice cream. When you’re ready to make the ice cream, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker bowl. Follow the instructions for your specific machine. Turn on the machine and let it churn and stir until it looks like frozen yogurt (about 25 minutes). At this point, you can mix in the chopped Reese’s or leave them out and save them for topping when serving. Then store in an airtight container in the freezer to become firm.
- Serve. Scoop into a bowl when ready to serve and top with Reese’s cups and a drizzle of hot fudge if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Follow these simple tips to make your Reese’s ice cream recipe turn out perfectly every time!
- Use an ice cream maker. This recipe requires an ice cream machine. I use a Cuisinart ice cream maker, and it’s my go-to all summer long.
- Freeze the bowl ahead of time. Don’t forget to freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker the night before, it’s essential for proper churning.
- Chop the candy. Roughly chop the Reese’s before mixing them in or adding on top. Uneven pieces are totally fine—some bites with big chunks are the best part!
- Firm vs soft serve. For classic scoopable texture, freeze the churned ice cream for a few hours. If you like soft serve, you can enjoy it right away.
Variations
Try these easy swaps and add-ins to customize your Reese’s ice cream:
- Peanut butter swirl. For a stronger peanut butter flavor, mix ½ to ¾ cup of creamy peanut butter into the base and reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon.
- Stir-in or topping. You can mix the chopped Reese’s into the base before freezing or simply sprinkle them on top after scooping, great for picky eaters or nut allergy households.
- Hot fudge. Want to level it up? Drizzle with hot fudge before serving for a truly indulgent treat.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! If you don’t have a machine, you can make a similar version using my no-churn vanilla ice cream and fold in chopped peanut butter cups before freezing.
This ice cream will stay fresh in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to store it in the back of the freezer with a layer of parchment or wax paper on top to prevent ice crystals.
Absolutely! Try chopped peanut butter M&Ms or Reese’s pieces, chocolate chips, or your favorite candy bar for a fun twist.
Try these other homemade ice cream favorites for summer: Cuisinart strawberry ice cream recipe, chocolate ice cream, and this s’more ice cream recipe!
More Chocolate and Peanut Butter Desserts
Reese’s Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 10 Reese's peanut butter cups , chopped
Depending on machine: Ice and rock salt
Optional toppings: hot fudge or chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Prep your ice cream machine according to package directions. Some machines require you to freeze the bowl first and others you will need to have ice and rock salt.
- Combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt and vanilla in a bowl or the base of your ice cream container you plan to use.
- When you're ready to make the ice cream, pour mixture into your ice cream maker bowl. Follow instructions for your specific machine. Turn on machine and let it churn until it looks like frozen yogurt (about 25 minutes). At this point, you can mix in the chopped Reese's or leave them out and save for topping when serving. Then store in an air tight container in the freezer to become firm.
- Scoop into a bowl when ready to serve and top with Reese's cups and a drizzle of hot fudge if desired. Enjoy!
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Jacque Hastert
You have combined two of my favorite things. Reese’s and ice cream… genius!
Claudia Lamascolo
I just had to try this as soon as I saw this online and I have to say its the best homemade ice cream we have ever eaten! My son is a huge peanut butter cups fan!
Michael Wurm Jr
You’re after my heart with this recipe! Sounds SOOOOO good!!
xo Michael
Liz
Nothing better than good old fashion vanilla ice cream – unless you add peanut butter cups – of course ;-)
Rachel
This look amazing….Got something new here….
susie liberatore
This sounds so good!! thanks for sharing
Sandra
This is such a fantastic summer treat!!
Andie Thueson
I have actually never attempted to make homemade ice cream – other than nice cream with bananas. My kids would flip! I will have to give this recipe a try!
Sabrina
I can’t get enough peanut butter and chocolate in my ice cream! This looks amazingly delicious!
Mallory Lanz
Reese’s blizzards from Dairy Queen are my husband’s favorite! He will love this ice cream for sure!
Jessica Burgess
Oooooooh my goodness. My family would LOVE for me to make this! Yum-O!
Amanda
My favorite ice cream flavor just got even better !!
Val
what is the yield for this recipe?
Jamielyn
It’s a little over a quart!
Angie
This looks delicious Jamielyn! I have a question- do you think it would work to mix and cook it ahead of time and keep in the fridge until I’m ready to make in the ice cream maker? Thank you!
Jamielyn
Yes, I think that would still work great. Just stir it before pouring into the ice cream maker. :)
Lauren
pinned this last week and couldn’t wait to try! Made tonight with the kids and YUMMY doesn’t even describe. We did oreo and then batch of reeces! now have plans for banana this weekend and who knows!!
Jamielyn
SO glad you enjoyed the recipe. Banana would be amazing!!
Gina
Hmm- I’m all about the homemade ice cream. YUM. Come summer that machine is going just about every day.
Ann
We always made ice cream when I was growing up. It was a really big deal and so, so good. Thank you for sharing this!
Gwen
Yum. Reeses are my total weakness. I’m looking away now!