15 Classic Ice Creams With A Twist

Ice cream is a timeless dessert that brings joy to people of all ages. However, sometimes it’s fun to take the classics and give them a little twist.

Whether it’s adding an unexpected ingredient, using a different base, or introducing new flavor combinations, these 15 classic ice creams with a twist will elevate your ice cream game to new heights.

From reinvented chocolate and vanilla flavors to adventurous fruit and nutty options, there’s something to excite every taste bud. You can enjoy these updated favorites year-round, whether it’s for a summer treat or a comforting indulgence.

Here are the first five recipes to get you started on your delicious frozen adventure!

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1. Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Ice Cream

This chocolate hazelnut crunch ice cream gives the traditional chocolate ice cream a crunchy texture with roasted hazelnuts and a swirl of hazelnut spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup roasted hazelnuts (chopped)
• 2 tbsp hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves.
2. Once combined, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
3. Let the mixture cool, then pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. During the last few minutes, add the chopped hazelnuts and swirl in hazelnut spread.
5. Freeze for 3-4 hours before serving.

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2. Mint Chocolate Chip with a Coconut Twist

A refreshing twist on the classic mint chocolate chip ice cream, this version incorporates coconut milk, giving it a creamy texture and tropical flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• Green food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat until sugar is dissolved.
2. Stir in peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring for color (optional).
3. Let the mixture cool and pour it into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. In the last few minutes, add chocolate chips.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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3. Salted Caramel Pretzel Ice Cream

Sweet and salty come together in this salted caramel pretzel ice cream. The crunchy pretzels pair perfectly with the rich caramel ice cream base.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar, heating until the sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in caramel sauce and let it cool completely.
3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. In the last few minutes of churning, add the crushed pretzels and sea salt.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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4. Strawberry Basil Sorbet

This twist on the classic strawberry sorbet introduces a fresh basil flavor, creating a refreshing and herbaceous frozen treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine strawberries, water, sugar, basil leaves, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the basil leaves.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours before serving.

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5. Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Ice Cream

This decadent ice cream adds depth to the classic butter pecan by incorporating browned butter and a touch of bourbon for a rich, nutty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup pecans (chopped and toasted)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (browned)

Instructions:

1. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
2. In another saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and brown sugar. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Stir in the browned butter and bourbon, then let the mixture cool completely.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. In the last few minutes, add the toasted pecans. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

6. Lemon Lavender Ice Cream

This refreshing lemon lavender ice cream brings a floral touch to the classic lemon ice cream, creating a unique, aromatic flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp dried lavender
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat gently and add lavender. Let steep for 10-15 minutes.
2. Strain out the lavender and stir in lemon juice and zest.
3. Let the mixture cool completely, then pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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7. Maple Bacon Ice Cream

A salty-sweet twist on the classic vanilla ice cream, this maple bacon ice cream combines crispy bacon with the sweetness of maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon (chopped)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and maple syrup. Heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in vanilla extract and let the mixture cool completely.
3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. In the last few minutes, add the chopped bacon.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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8. Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream

This tropical twist on classic vanilla ice cream blends the creamy taste of coconut with sweet pineapple chunks for a refreshing, exotic treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple (chopped)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine coconut milk, pineapple, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture into an ice cream maker.
3. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours before serving for a creamy, tropical dessert.

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9. Choco-Matcha Ice Cream

This choco-matcha ice cream blends the earthy flavor of matcha with rich chocolate, creating a creamy and indulgent dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp matcha powder
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat. Stir in matcha powder and cocoa powder until fully dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
3. Let the mixture cool, then pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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10. Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

This creamy, tangy raspberry cheesecake ice cream is a delicious twist on the classic cheesecake flavor, with a burst of fresh raspberries.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in fresh raspberries, mashing them slightly to release the juice.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

11. Salted Caramel Coffee Ice Cream

This salted caramel coffee ice cream combines the deep flavor of coffee with a rich caramel base, finished with a touch of sea salt for a balanced sweet-salty contrast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (sugar-free)
• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in the caramel sauce, instant coffee granules, and sea salt.
3. Let the mixture cool completely before pouring it into an ice cream maker.
4. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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12. Chocolate Cherry Almond Ice Cream

This decadent chocolate cherry almond ice cream combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries and a crunch of toasted almonds.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds (chopped)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
2. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Let it cool completely.
3. Stir in the chopped cherries and toasted almonds.
4. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Freeze for 4 hours before serving.

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13. Sweet Potato Pie Ice Cream

This twist on traditional sweet potato pie combines the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a cozy and comforting frozen treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cooked sweet potato (mashed)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine heavy cream, milk, mashed sweet potato, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth, then pour into an ice cream maker.
3. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm and serve chilled.

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14. Pistachio Date Ice Cream

This pistachio date ice cream brings a savory pistachio flavor balanced with the natural sweetness of dates. It’s creamy and full of texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup pistachios (roasted and unsalted)
• 1/4 cup dates (pitted and chopped)
• 1/4 cup erythritol or sweetener of choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine almond milk, heavy cream, erythritol, and vanilla extract.
2. Add the pistachios and dates and pulse until smooth, leaving some texture.
3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm, then serve.

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15. Peaches and Cream Ice Cream

This peaches and cream ice cream is a refreshing twist, perfect for summer. Sweet peaches blended into a creamy base bring out the best of both flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups fresh peaches (peeled and chopped)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine fresh peaches, milk, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm, then serve and enjoy!