Kit Kat Ice Cream represents an innovative twist on the classic Kit Kat chocolate bar, blending the iconic, crispy wafer snack with the creamy, indulgent experience of ice cream. This dessert innovation marries the familiar taste of Kit Kat, known for its light, crunchy texture and chocolate coating, with the smooth, refreshing qualities of ice cream, creating a delightful treat that appeals to both chocolate and ice cream lovers alike.
The introduction of Kit Kat Ice Cream has expanded the Kit Kat brand beyond its traditional boundaries, offering consumers a new way to enjoy the beloved flavors in a frozen format. It showcases the versatility of the Kit Kat brand, demonstrating how well-loved flavors can be reimagined into new, exciting forms. The ice cream variant typically features chunks of Kit Kat bars mixed into the ice cream, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite, encapsulated in a rich, chocolatey swirl that perfectly complements the creamy base.
This product launch taps into the growing trend of hybrid desserts, where two popular treats are combined to create an ultimate indulgence. Kit Kat Ice Cream not only serves as a testament to the brand’s innovation but also caters to the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers, offering a novel dessert experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Prep time
15 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook time
0 minutes
Cuisine
Fusion
Course
Desserts
Servings
4 persons
Kitchen Tools
Ice cream maker
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Loaf pan or ice cream container
Knife and cutting board (for chopping Kit Kats)
Freezer
Ingredients for Kit Kat Ice Cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
4 large Kit Kat bars (standard size), chopped
How To Make Kit Kat Ice Cream?
Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is thoroughly cold. This step is crucial for a smooth ice cream texture.
Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the ice cream. This process usually takes about 20-25 minutes but may vary depending on your machine.
Add Kit Kat Pieces
In the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped Kit Kat bars to the ice cream maker, allowing them to mix evenly throughout the ice cream.
Freeze to Set
Transfer the churned ice cream, now mixed with Kit Kat pieces, into a loaf pan or an ice cream container. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Final Freeze
Place the container in the freezer and freeze until the ice cream is firm, about 2-4 hours or overnight for best results.
Serve
Once the ice cream is set, scoop and serve immediately. Enjoy the creamy texture and crunchy Kit Kat pieces in every bite of your homemade Kit Kat Ice Cream.
What To Serve With Kit Kat Ice Cream?
Warm Brownie Squares: The gooey, chocolatey goodness of warm brownies pairs perfectly with the crunchy, creamy texture of Kit Kat ice cream, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened homemade whipped cream atop a scoop of Kit Kat ice cream adds a luxurious, velvety smoothness that enhances the overall dessert experience.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A generous drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over the ice cream can intensify the chocolate flavor, making each bite decadently delicious.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts adds a nutty crunch that complements the crispy wafers in the Kit Kat ice cream, offering a satisfying textural contrast.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can cut through the sweetness of the ice cream, adding a refreshing, fruity element to the dish.
Coffee or Espresso: Serving a small cup of strong coffee or espresso on the side can enhance the chocolate flavors of the Kit Kat ice cream, making it a perfect dessert pairing for coffee lovers.
Caramel Sauce: A swirl of caramel sauce adds a buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the milk chocolate and wafer flavors of the Kit Kat ice cream, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Cookie Crumbles: Adding crumbled cookies such as chocolate chip or Oreo on top of the ice cream introduces an additional layer of crunch and flavor, elevating the dessert to new heights.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkling toasted coconut flakes over the ice cream can introduce a tropical twist, adding a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate and wafer elements.
How to store leftover Kit Kat ice cream?
Airtight Container: Transfer any leftover Kit Kat ice cream into an airtight container. This minimizes exposure to air, which can lead to freezer burn and ice crystallization, affecting the texture and flavor of the ice cream.
Press Plastic Wrap: Before sealing the container, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream. This extra barrier helps prevent ice crystals from forming on the ice cream itself.
Seal Tightly: Ensure the lid of the container is sealed tightly. If using a container without a secure lid, cover it with a double layer of aluminum foil, pressing down around the edges to seal it as much as possible.
Label and Date: Use a piece of masking tape and a marker to label the container with the contents and the date. This helps you keep track of how long the ice cream has been stored and ensures it is consumed while at its best quality.
Store in the Back: Place the ice cream container in the back of the freezer where the temperature is most constant. Frequent temperature changes from opening and closing the door can affect the texture of the ice cream.
Avoid Contamination: Keep the ice cream away from strong-smelling foods in the freezer to prevent the ice cream from absorbing unwanted odors, which can alter its taste.
Quick Access: Organize your freezer to allow quick access to the ice cream. The less time the freezer door is open, the more stable the temperature remains, preserving the ice cream’s quality.
Consume Within a Month: For the best quality, consume leftover Kit Kat ice cream within a month. While it can be stored longer, the quality and texture are best when enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Chocolate Bars: Swap Kit Kats for other chocolate bars, such as Snickers, Twix, or Milky Way, to introduce new flavors and textures. Each bar brings its unique taste, from caramel and peanuts to biscuit layers.
Vegan Version: Use coconut milk and vegan cream as the base, and choose vegan chocolate bars similar to Kit Kat for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version. Agave syrup can substitute granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Coffee Infused: Add a shot of espresso or a tablespoon of instant coffee to the ice cream base to create a mocha Kit Kat ice cream. The coffee flavor complements the chocolate and wafer nicely.
Mint Chocolate Twist: Incorporate a few drops of mint extract into the ice cream mixture for a refreshing mint chocolate Kit Kat ice cream. This variation is particularly delightful in warmer weather.
Fruit-Flavored Ice Cream: Mix fruit puree, such as raspberry or strawberry, into the ice cream base for a fruity twist. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the chocolate and ice cream.
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor. This addition works well with the texture of the Kit Kat pieces.
Salted Caramel Swirl: Before freezing, swirl in homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce for a salty-sweet flavor contrast that elevates the overall taste of the Kit Kat ice cream.
White Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate Kit Kats and substitute some of the regular milk with coconut milk for a creamier, tropical-inspired version with a different chocolate profile.
Cookie Dough Mix-In: Add chunks of edible cookie dough to the ice cream after churning for a double dessert treat. Cookie dough and Kit Kat pieces make for a decadent combination.
Matcha Flavor: For a unique twist, blend matcha powder into the ice cream base to create a Matcha Kit Kat ice cream. This variation offers a slight bitterness that pairs well with the sweet chocolate and wafer.
Tips and Tricks
Chill Your Tools: Before you start, chill the mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This helps keep the ice cream mixture cold, promoting a smoother texture.
Pre-Freeze Kit Kats: Freeze the Kit Kat bars before chopping and adding them to the ice cream. This prevents them from melting into the mixture and maintains their crunchy texture.
Gradual Sugar Addition: When mixing the base, add the sugar gradually and whisk until fully dissolved. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture without any gritty sugar crystals.
Experiment with Cream Ratios: For a richer ice cream, increase the ratio of heavy cream to milk. For a lighter version, use more milk than cream. Adjusting these ratios allows you to control the creaminess and fat content.
Use Pure Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for a more robust and authentic flavor. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the taste of the final product.
Layer the Mix-Ins: When transferring the churned ice cream to the storage container, layer the Kit Kat pieces with the ice cream. This ensures an even distribution of chocolate and wafer bits in every scoop.
Prevent Freezer Burn: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This minimizes air exposure and prevents freezer burn, keeping the ice cream fresh.
Serve at the Right Temperature: Remove the ice cream from the freezer about 5-10 minutes before serving. This slight thaw makes scooping easier and enhances the flavor and texture.
Customize Your Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add additional flavors to the ice cream base, such as coffee, caramel, or cocoa powder, for a customized taste experience that complements the Kit Kat.
Make It a Sundae: Elevate your Kit Kat ice cream by serving it as part of a sundae. Add toppings like whipped cream, more chopped Kit Kats, chocolate sauce, and a cherry on top for a truly decadent treat.
Keep It Fresh: If storing the ice cream for an extended period, consider layering a piece of parchment paper over the plastic wrap before sealing the container. This extra barrier helps maintain the ice cream’s texture and flavor integrity.
Yes! While an ice cream maker helps achieve a smooth texture, you can make Kit Kat ice cream without one. After mixing your base, freeze it for about two hours, then whisk or blend it to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process 2-3 times before adding chopped Kit Kats and freezing until solid.
Homemade Kit Kat ice cream can last up to a month in the freezer when stored properly in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the ice cream. However, for the best quality and flavor, it’s recommended to enjoy it within the first two weeks.
Yes, you can substitute lower-fat milk and cream alternatives, such as skim milk or light cream. Keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the creaminess and overall texture of the ice cream, making it less rich than the full-fat version.
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milks and creams, such as almond milk and coconut cream. Ensure the Kit Kat bars or alternative chocolate wafer bars used are also dairy-free. The result will be a delicious, vegan-friendly treat.
To minimize ice crystals, make sure the ice cream mixture is very cold before churning. Use an airtight container for storage and press plastic wrap against the surface of the ice cream before sealing. Keeping the freezer at a consistent temperature also helps prevent ice crystal formation.
Recipe by JesseCourse: DessertsCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Easy
Servings
4
servings
Cooking timeminutes
Calories
470
kcal
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
4 large Kit Kat bars (standard size), chopped
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is thoroughly cold. This step is crucial for a smooth ice cream texture.
Pour the chilled ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the ice cream. This process usually takes about 20-25 minutes but may vary depending on your machine.
In the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped Kit Kat bars to the ice cream maker, allowing them to mix evenly throughout the ice cream.
Transfer the churned ice cream, now mixed with Kit Kat pieces, into a loaf pan or an ice cream container. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Place the container in the freezer and freeze until the ice cream is firm, about 2-4 hours or overnight for best results.
Once the ice cream is set, scoop and serve immediately. Enjoy the creamy texture and crunchy Kit Kat pieces in every bite of your homemade Kit Kat Ice Cream.
Conclusion
Kit Kat ice cream is a delightful fusion of creamy ice cream and crunchy Kit Kat bars, offering a unique dessert experience that caters to both ice cream and chocolate lovers. This treat combines the smooth, rich texture of homemade ice cream with the crispy wafers and chocolate of Kit Kats, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With options for customization, including dairy-free and low-fat versions, it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by a wide audience.
Making Kit Kat ice cream at home allows for personal touches, turning a simple dessert into a creative culinary adventure. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a personal treat, Kit Kat ice cream is a testament to the joy of combining classic flavors into something new and exciting, ensuring every scoop is a delightful experience.
