If you’ve ever craved a sweet treat that combines creamy indulgence with a satisfying crunch, then Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is the dessert you need to try. Originating from New Zealand, this ice cream is a delightful fusion of rich vanilla ice cream and crunchy bits of honeycomb toffee. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings together smooth, creamy textures with bursts of caramelized sweetness in every bite.
As a fan of ice cream, I’ve always been fascinated by how different countries have their own unique flavors. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream stands out as one of New Zealand’s most beloved treats, second only to plain vanilla in popularity. But what makes this ice cream so special? It’s all about the honeycomb toffee, known locally as hokey pokey, which adds a delightful crunch and caramel flavor to the ice cream base. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or as an after-dinner treat, Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What is Hokey Pokey Ice Cream?
At its core, Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is a simple yet irresistible combination of vanilla ice cream and small chunks of honeycomb toffee. The honeycomb pieces are made from sugar, golden syrup (or corn syrup), and baking soda, which creates that signature airy and crunchy texture. These bits are then folded into a creamy vanilla base, giving you a delightful contrast between smooth and crunchy in every spoonful.
The term “hokey pokey” has been used in New Zealand since the late 19th century to describe honeycomb toffee. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that this beloved candy was incorporated into ice cream, creating what we now know as Hokey Pokey Ice Cream[7]. Today, it’s not only a staple in New Zealand but also enjoyed by ice cream lovers around the world.
The History of Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: A Kiwi Innovation
To truly appreciate Hokey Pokey Ice Cream, it’s important to understand its roots. This iconic flavor has a fascinating history that is deeply intertwined with New Zealand’s culinary traditions. Although ice cream has been enjoyed around the world for centuries, Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is a uniquely Kiwi creation.
The term “hokey pokey” originally referred to honeycomb toffee, which has been a popular sweet treat in New Zealand since the late 19th century. However, the exact origins of Hokey Pokey Ice Cream are a bit more mysterious. Several individuals claim to have invented this beloved flavor, but one of the most widely accepted stories credits Brian Simon, an ice cream maker from Dunedin, with its creation in 1953[2][3]. Inspired by American candy-flavored ice creams, Simon decided to incorporate broken Crunchie bars—a honeycomb toffee candy—into vanilla ice cream. The result was an instant hit, and Hokey Pokey Ice Cream quickly became a national favorite.
Over time, other ice cream manufacturers in New Zealand began producing their own versions of Hokey Pokey Ice Cream. Today, it is one of the most popular flavors in the country, second only to plain vanilla[4]. What makes it so special is its simplicity: a rich vanilla base combined with crunchy pieces of sweet honeycomb toffee. It’s a flavor that evokes nostalgia for many Kiwis, reminding them of childhood summers and trips to the local dairy.
How to Make Hokey Pokey Ice Cream at Home
Making Hokey Pokey Ice Cream at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a fun way to enjoy this beloved Kiwi treat from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you have an ice cream maker or prefer a no-churn method, this recipe can be tailored to your preferences. The key to achieving that perfect balance of creamy vanilla and crunchy honeycomb lies in preparing the honeycomb toffee (hokey pokey) correctly and folding it into a smooth vanilla base.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Hokey Pokey Ice Cream, you’ll need two main components: the vanilla ice cream base and the honeycomb toffee. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Vanilla Ice Cream Base:
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Honeycomb Toffee (Hokey Pokey):
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Start by whisking together the egg yolks and sugar until they become smooth and pale yellow. In a saucepan, heat the milk and salt over medium heat until it begins to simmer (but don’t let it boil). Slowly add some of the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper it, then pour everything back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, strain into a bowl, and stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least three hours.
2. Make the Honeycomb Toffee
While your ice cream base is chilling, you can prepare the hokey pokey. In a saucepan, combine sugar and golden syrup over medium heat. Stir until the mixture melts and turns a deep amber color (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda—this will cause the mixture to foam up dramatically! Pour it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for about 20 minutes before breaking it into small pieces.
3. Churn or Freeze Your Ice Cream
Once your ice cream base has chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to your manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can use a no-churn method by whipping heavy cream with condensed milk until stiff peaks form, then folding in your chilled base.
4. Add Hokey Pokey Pieces
In the final minutes of churning (or just before freezing if using no-churn), fold in your honeycomb pieces. Be careful not to add them too early, as they may dissolve into the ice cream. Transfer your ice cream to a shallow container, cover with plastic wrap or wax paper, and freeze for at least four hours.
Where to Find Hokey Pokey Ice Cream and Variations to Try
If you’re not up for making Hokey Pokey Ice Cream at home, don’t worry! This iconic dessert can be found in various places, particularly if you’re in New Zealand or Australia. Many local dairies, supermarkets, and ice cream parlors sell this flavor, with brands like Tip Top leading the charge. Tip Top is one of New Zealand’s most famous ice cream brands and is credited with popularizing Hokey Pokey Ice Cream on a national scale.
For those outside of New Zealand, finding Hokey Pokey Ice Cream might be a bit more challenging, but it’s not impossible. Some specialty stores that carry international products may stock it, or you can order it online from retailers that ship globally. Additionally, some artisanal ice cream shops may offer their own twist on this classic flavor, so it’s always worth checking your local ice cream parlors.
Variations of Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
While the traditional version of Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is made with vanilla ice cream and honeycomb toffee pieces, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this flavor. Here are a few fun variations you might want to try:
- Chocolate Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: Swap out the vanilla base for chocolate ice cream for a richer, more decadent treat. The combination of chocolate and honeycomb toffee is irresistible!
- Salted Caramel Hokey Pokey: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce to your vanilla base before folding in the honeycomb pieces. The saltiness balances out the sweetness of the hokey pokey for a more complex flavor profile.
- Hokey Pokey with Nuts: For added texture and flavor, try mixing in some chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts along with the honeycomb toffee.
- Vegan Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: If you follow a plant-based diet, you can still enjoy Hokey Pokey Ice Cream by using coconut or almond milk as your base. There are even vegan-friendly versions of honeycomb toffee that you can make or purchase.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does hokey pokey taste like?
Hokey pokey has a sweet, caramel-like flavor with a crunchy texture. When combined with vanilla ice cream, it creates a delicious contrast between creamy and crunchy.
Is hokey pokey ice cream only available in New Zealand?
While Hokey Pokey Ice Cream originated in New Zealand and is most popular there, it can also be found in some parts of Australia and other countries through specialty stores or online retailers.
Can I make hokey pokey without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can use a no-churn method by whipping heavy cream with condensed milk until stiff peaks form and then folding in your vanilla base and hokey pokey pieces.
What’s the difference between honeycomb toffee and hokey pokey?
In New Zealand, “hokey pokey” refers specifically to honeycomb toffee. The candy is made by heating sugar and syrup until caramelized and then adding baking soda to create air bubbles that give it its signature crunch.
Conclusion
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic Kiwi treat that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of people around the world. Whether you’re enjoying it straight from the freezer on a hot day or experimenting with different variations at home, this ice cream offers a perfect balance of creamy vanilla goodness and crunchy caramel sweetness. Its rich history and simple ingredients make it an easy yet indulgent dessert that anyone can enjoy. So why not give it a try? Whether you make it yourself or buy it from your local store, you’re in for an unforgettable treat!
