Love Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey? You’re in for something amazing! This homemade version is packed with creamy banana bliss, crunchy walnuts, and rich chocolate chunks—everything you adore, made fresh in your own kitchen. The best part? It’s super simple, so whether you’re a pro or just starting out, this recipe’s a win.
Let’s jump in and whip up some deliciousness!
What You Need to Know
Time Breakdown
- Prep time: Around 10 minutes
- Freezing time: 24 hours (yep, it’s worth the wait)
- Total time: Just over 24 hours
How Much It Makes
This recipe gives you about 1 pint, which is great for two small servings—or one big indulgent bowl if you’re not sharing! Want more? Go ahead and double or triple the recipe, but freeze each batch in separate pint containers.
Is It Easy?
Absolutely. This one’s beginner-friendly. The Ninja Creami really does all the hard work for you.
What You’ll Need
- A Ninja Creami machine
- A freezer-safe container (like the Ninja Creami pint container)
- An immersion blender (or a regular blender)
- Basic measuring tools
Don’t Have a Blender? A fork or potato masher works fine for mashing bananas—it just might not be as silky smooth.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 small ripe bananas (mash them up)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
- ¼ cup chocolate chunks (chop them up)
- 2 tbsp walnuts (also chopped)
Want to Switch Things Up?
- Need it dairy-free? Use oat milk and coconut cream instead.
- No maple syrup? Honey, agave, or even a sugar-free sweetener like stevia works great.
- Prefer pecans over walnuts? Go for it. Or skip the nuts entirely if allergies are a concern.
Pro Tip: Make sure your bananas have plenty of brown spots—they’re sweeter and more flavorful that way. And for a richer chocolate taste, use chunks with at least 60% cocoa.
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Base
Mash your bananas in a bowl until smooth. Then add the milk, cream, vanilla, and (if needed) maple syrup. Mix it all up in your pint container. For a creamy texture, blend it with an immersion blender—but if you like it chunkier, leave a few banana bits in there.
Bonus Tip: Taste the mix at this stage. If you want it sweeter, now’s the time to adjust.
Step 2: Freeze It
Pop the lid on your container and set it flat in the freezer. Let it freeze solid—at least 24 hours.
Heads-Up: Don’t cut corners on the freezing time. Less than 24 hours might mess with the texture later on.
Step 3: Process in Your Ninja Creami
Take the container out of the freezer and remove the lid. Lock it into your Ninja Creami and hit the “Ice Cream” button. Wait for the magic to happen!
Quick Fix: If your ice cream looks crumbly after the first run, don’t stress—just use the “Re-spin” function to make it creamy.
Step 4: Add Your Mix-Ins
Make a small well in the center of the processed ice cream. Toss in your chocolate chunks and walnuts. Run the “Mix-In” function to blend everything together.
Pro Tip: Press the mix-ins gently into the ice cream before starting the machine. It helps everything blend better.
Ways to Customize
For Special Diets
- Vegan? Use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Nut-Free? Skip the walnuts or swap them for sunflower seeds.
Put Your Spin On It
- Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to boost the banana flavor.
- Toss in fresh berries for a summery twist.
- Drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top for a fancier finish.
Serve It Up
How to Dish It Out
Scoop your ice cream into a bowl or a waffle cone. Sprinkle extra chocolate chunks or walnuts on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Make It Even Better
Pair your ice cream with warm brownies or banana bread. It’s heavenly.
Leftovers? No Problem
Store any extras in the same container and keep it in the freezer. It stays good for about a week. Just let it soften at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
So there you have it—your own homemade Chunky Monkey ice cream! It’s creamy, loaded with goodies, and totally customizable. Whether you’re recreating a classic or trying something new, this recipe is sure to hit the spot every time. Enjoy!
