If you’re someone who loves ice cream with a rich, buttery flavor and a delightful crunch, then butter brickle ice cream is a must-try. This vintage treat, which originated in the early 20th century, has been a favorite for generations. With its smooth caramel-like base and crunchy toffee bits, butter brickle ice cream is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will take you on a nostalgic trip back to simpler times.
A Brief History of Butter Brickle Ice Cream
Butter brickle ice cream was first created in the 1920s by the Fenn Bros. Ice Cream and Candy Company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It quickly became a popular flavor across the Midwest and beyond. The original butter brickle flavor was based on a toffee candy that was rich in butter and sugar, giving it that signature crunch. Over time, this flavor became synonymous with indulgence, offering a perfect combination of creamy ice cream and crispy toffee bits.
Though the Fenn Bros. company no longer exists, the legacy of butter brickle lives on through various recipes and adaptations. Today, many ice cream lovers recreate this classic flavor at home using simple ingredients like brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
What Makes Butter Brickle Ice Cream So Special?
What sets butter brickle ice cream apart from other flavors is its unique combination of rich, buttery ice cream and crunchy toffee bits. The base of the ice cream is typically a smooth, creamy vanilla or caramel flavor, which is then enhanced by the addition of homemade or store-bought toffee pieces. The toffee adds a delightful crunch and a deep caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the ice cream.
The secret to butter brickle’s deliciousness lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The buttery richness of the ice cream is offset by the sweet, slightly bitter crunch of the toffee. This contrast makes every bite an exciting experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or as a winter treat, butter brickle ice cream offers a nostalgic flavor that’s hard to resist.
Homemade vs Store-Bought Butter Brickle Ice Cream
When it comes to butter brickle ice cream, you have two options: making it at home or buying it from your favorite ice cream parlor or grocery store. Both options have their merits, but there’s something truly special about homemade butter brickle ice cream. By making it yourself, you can control the quality of ingredients and customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating your own batch of this classic dessert.
To make butter brickle ice cream at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients: heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and of course, toffee bits. You can either make your own toffee or use store-bought options like Heath bars for convenience. The process involves creating a rich custard base, which is then churned in an ice cream maker before adding the toffee pieces.
If you prefer store-bought options, brands like Braum’s offer their own take on this classic flavor[7]. Their version features buttery toffee pieces mixed into a smooth vanilla base, providing all the nostalgic flavors you crave without any of the work.
How to Make Butter Brickle Ice Cream at Home
Making butter brickle ice cream at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a fun way to recreate this nostalgic flavor in your own kitchen. The key to a great butter brickle ice cream lies in two components: the creamy ice cream base and the crunchy toffee bits. Below, I’ll walk you through the steps to make both from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the toffee:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
For the ice cream base:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 large egg yolks
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Toffee
Start by preparing the toffee that will give your butter brickle ice cream its signature crunch. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches 300°F (the hard-crack stage) using a candy thermometer. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once ready, pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for about an hour. After it hardens, break it into small pieces that will later be added to the ice cream.
2. Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a large saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges of the pan—this ensures that the sugar has dissolved properly. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, then slowly add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to temper them (this prevents scrambling). Return everything to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
3. Chill and Churn
Once your custard base is ready, transfer it to a bowl and place it in an ice water bath for about two minutes. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When you’re ready to churn, pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and follow your machine’s instructions.
4. Add Toffee Bits
As your ice cream churns and reaches a soft-serve consistency, sprinkle in your homemade toffee pieces or store-bought Heath bits for convenience. This step ensures that every bite has that delightful crunch that makes butter brickle ice cream so irresistible.
5. Freeze Until Firm
Once churned, transfer your ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for an additional 4-6 hours until firm.
Where to Find Butter Brickle Ice Cream Today
Although butter brickle ice cream may not be as widely available as some of the more common flavors, you can still find it at select ice cream parlors and specialty stores. Some regional brands, like Braum’s, continue to carry this nostalgic flavor. Additionally, companies like Hershey’s have kept the spirit of butter brickle alive with products like Heath Bits ‘o Brickle Toffee Bits, which can be used to make your own version of the ice cream at home.
If you’re lucky enough to live near an old-fashioned ice cream shop or a local creamery, you might just stumble upon this hidden gem. Many smaller ice cream makers are reviving classic flavors like butter brickle, bringing them back into the spotlight for a new generation of ice cream lovers to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between butter brickle and butter pecan ice cream?
While both flavors share a buttery base, butter brickle ice cream features crunchy toffee bits, whereas butter pecan includes roasted pecans. The toffee in butter brickle adds a caramelized sweetness and crunch that sets it apart from the nutty flavor of butter pecan.
2. Can I make butter brickle ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! While an ice cream maker helps achieve a smoother texture, you can still make butter brickle ice cream without one. Simply prepare your custard base, fold in whipped cream for extra airiness, and freeze in an airtight container. Stir every 30 minutes for the first few hours to prevent large ice crystals from forming.
3. What is the origin of butter brickle ice cream?
Butter brickle originated in the 1920s at Fenn Bros. Ice Cream and Candy Co. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was initially based on a popular toffee candy that was incorporated into vanilla ice cream, creating the iconic flavor we know today.
4. Can I substitute Heath bars for homemade toffee in butter brickle ice cream?
Absolutely! Heath bars or Heath Bits ‘o Brickle Toffee Bits are great substitutes for homemade toffee when making butter brickle ice cream. They provide the same crunchy texture and caramelized flavor without the extra work.
5. How long does homemade butter brickle ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade butter brickle ice cream can last up to two weeks in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to enjoy it within the first week.
Conclusion
Butter brickle ice cream is more than just a dessert—it’s a nostalgic experience that transports you back to simpler times with every bite. Whether you’re making it from scratch or enjoying a store-bought version, this classic flavor offers a perfect balance of creamy richness and crunchy sweetness that’s hard to resist.
If you’ve never tried butter brickle before, now is the perfect time to indulge in this timeless treat. With its rich history and unique flavor profile, butter brickle ice cream deserves a spot on your list of must-try desserts.