Are you looking for a dessert that's both indulgent and easy to make? Look no further than these chocolate and salted caramel ice cream bites! Made with just five ingredients, this no-bake recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank or taking up your entire day in the kitchen.
If you are looking for a deliciously easy-to-make treat, you are going to love these ice cream cupcakes.
The combination of chocolate and salted caramel gives these ice cream bites a decadent flavor. The walnuts give just the right amount of crunch.
These cupcakes are perfect for parties, BBQs, or any casual entertaining.
The best part? These cupcakes are super easy to make! No baking required - just assemble the ingredients, let them chill for a bit, and you're good to go.
Plus, they're easy to customize to your liking. You can swap out the ice cream for your favorite flavor, add different toppings, or even sprinkle some sea salt on top.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Ice Cream (Softened): Chocolate ice cream brings that rich, creamy texture we all crave in a dessert. Feel free to swap this out for a dairy-free chocolate ice cream. Brands like So Delicious and Ben & Jerry's have some fantastic options that are just as creamy and indulgent.
- Salted Caramel Ice Cream (Softened): The sweet and salty dance of flavors that this brings to the table is nothing short of magical. It complements the chocolate ice cream beautifully. For a fun twist, consider using a coffee-flavored ice cream or even a vanilla bean.
- Chocolate Chips: These little morsels are essential for creating that hard shell we all love. I typically go for semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balance of sweetness, but feel free to use milk chocolate for a sweeter bite or dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor. Vegan chocolate chips are also a great substitute for those avoiding dairy.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is the secret ingredient that transforms our chocolate chips into a smooth, dippable sauce that hardens upon cooling. It adds a slight coconutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with our ice creams. If coconut isn't your thing, you can substitute it with a neutral-tasting oil like canola or even a bit of clarified butter (ghee) for a richer taste.
- Chopped Toasted Walnuts:: The crunch of toasted walnuts adds a delightful texture contrast to our creamy bites. Not to mention, they bring a nutty flavor that's hard to beat. If you're allergic to walnuts or simply not a fan, feel free to swap them out with toasted pecans, almonds, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a nut-free option. Remember, the key is to add a bit of crunch to complement the softness of the ice cream.
Step by Step
Line 12 muffin tins with liners. Silicone liners work well for this recipe. (They aren't shown in the images, but I make this for my birthday every year and purchased them just for this recipe!)
Fill the bottom of each muffin tin with your chocolate ice cream. Spread evenly.
Place muffin tins in the freezer for 1 hour to solidify the ice cream.
Heat chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
Mix ½ cup of the melted chocolate mixture with ¾ cup of chopped walnuts.
Spoon the chocolate walnut mixture over the frozen ice cream layer in each muffin tin.
Freeze the muffin tins for another hour to set the chocolate walnut layer.
Add a layer of Salted Caramel ice cream on top of the chocolate walnut layer.
Return the muffin tins to the freezer for another hour.
Finish by topping each ice cream bite with the remaining melted chocolate mixture (you will need to remelt it) and sprinkle with the leftover walnuts.
Freeze the assembled ice cream bites for at least 45 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
- Patience is Key: Ensure each layer is fully frozen before adding the next. This not only keeps the layers distinct but also makes the whole bite easier to handle later on.
- Mix and Match Madness: Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors. Think outside the box with combinations like peanut butter ice cream with a jelly swirl or mint chocolate chip with a white chocolate coating.
- Double Boiler, Double Fun: Melting chocolate can be tricky, but a double boiler (or a makeshift one with a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water) makes it foolproof. The gentle heat ensures your chocolate melts evenly without burning, perfect for that smooth, glossy finish we're after.
- Nutty by Nature: Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the mix elevates their flavor and adds an extra crunch. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, though; they go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash!
- Serving Tip: If you're serving these at a party or to a group of eager kids, cut small squares of parchment paper. Once the bites are fully frozen and ready to serve, place each one on a square. It makes handling them a breeze.
More Sweet Treats to Enjoy
- Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream: Dive into the summer any day of the year with this lusciously smooth Strawberry Ice Cream.
- Lemon Loaf: Brighten up your afternoon with this zesty Lemon Loaf.
- White Chocolate Bark: For those moments when you need a little sparkle in your day, White Chocolate Bark is like a festive celebration for your taste buds.
- Peppermint Ice Cream: Cool down and perk up with my homemade Peppermint Ice Cream.
Ice Cream Bites
Ingredients
- ¾ Pint chocolate ice cream softened
- ¾ Pint salted caramel ice cream softened
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup coconut oil
- 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts divided
Instructions
- Line 12 muffin tins.
- Layer the chocolate ice cream on the bottom of the muffin tins. Freeze for 1 hour.
- Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. (You may also use a metal bowl over a pot of water.) Stir until melted.
- Combine ½ cup of the chocolate mixture with ¾ cup of walnuts. Spread on top of the ice cream. Freeze for an hour.
- Top the chocolate walnut mixture with the caramel ice cream. Return to the freezer for another hour. Top with remaining chocolate mixture and walnuts. Freeze for at least 45 more minutes and enjoy!
Pragati // Simple Medicine
YUM! I am a big fan of So Delicious. These cupcakes look amazing. It kind of reminds me of ice cream cake, which is basically the best thing ever. Thanks for sharing! I've saved this one for later 🙂
sarah
helllllo delicious! My greatest weakness..ICE CREAM. These are mkaing me hungry even though I only just ate breakfast! 😛
xo,
Sarah Grace
Athletic Avocado
such a fun way to eat ice cream! Yum!
Stephanie_The_Recipe_Renovator
Those look crazy dangerous good. Like, I could maybe never make them or I would eat the entire thing at one time.
Sinful Nutrition
A frozen cupcake?! SO creative! Plus, I adore ice cream far more than cake anyways. 🙂
Alisa Fleming
Oh my heavens - I'm going to pick up some of that ice cream to make this ASAP!
Anne|Craving Something Healthy
These are by far the most delicious things I've seen all day! Pinned 🙂
Allison Jones
These look fabulous! I always see So Delicious Dairy Free Ice Cream in the grocery store, but I have yet to try it. I may have to pick some up.
Best Wishes,
Allison | http://www.LiveLifeWellBlog.com