Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream Recipe

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This Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream whimsical flavor, with its marshmallow ice cream base, gooey marshmallow swirls, and irresistible chunks of both chocolate chip cookie dough and chocolate chocolate chip cookie dough, is pure comfort food bliss. It’s like capturing the fluffiest clouds and transforming them into a dessert that feels as uplifting as it tastes.

How to make Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream

Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream is a whimsical, limited-batch ice cream that made the leap from exclusive scoop shops to grocery store freezers for the first time in early 2024.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow cream)

For the Marshmallow Swirl:

• 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff (for layering into the ice cream once churned)

For the Cookie Dough Chunks:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated to make it safe to eat raw)
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough Chunks

1. For the Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the heat-treated flour and mix until well combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Roll the dough into small chunks (about pea-sized) and freeze them on a parchment-lined tray.
2. For the Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Follow the same process as above, but mix the cocoa powder into the heat-treated flour before adding it to the dough. Fold in the mini chocolate chips, roll into chunks, and freeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Gently fold in the marshmallow fluff until it combines with the base. The mixture will be fluffy and slightly sticky—this is what makes the base so deliciously marshmallowy!

Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Pour the marshmallow ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 20–25 minutes, depending on your machine. The ice cream should be soft-serve consistency when finished.

Step 4: Assemble the Ice Cream

1. Layer the ice cream in a freezer-safe container: start with a layer of churned ice cream, drizzle marshmallow fluff for the swirl, and generously sprinkle both types of cookie dough chunks. Repeat this process until the container is full.
2. Use a spoon or butter knife to gently swirl the marshmallow and cookie dough layers together for a marble effect.

Step 5: Freeze

1. Place the container in the freezer for at least 4–6 hours (or overnight) to firm up. This patience will be rewarded, I promise!

Tips for the Best Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream

• Heat-treat your flour: Raw flour can contain bacteria, so it’s important to make it safe to eat. Spread it on a baking tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or microwave it in 30-second intervals until it reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Use mini chocolate chips: These distribute more evenly in the cookie dough chunks without overwhelming the ice cream.
• Don’t overblend the swirl: Be gentle when creating the swirls to keep the marshmallow fluff distinct from the ice cream base.
• Get creative with mix-ins: If you want a unique twist, add your toppings! Crushed graham crackers or chunks of brownies would complement the marshmallow flavor beautifully.
• Store properly: Cover the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap before sealing the lid to avoid ice crystals forming on top.

What to serve with

Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream is a luscious and satisfying dessert on its own, but why stop there? This creamy, marshmallowy treat with swirls of marshmallow fluff and chunks of cookie dough can be elevated to an entirely new level when paired with complementary sides and desserts.

1. Homemade Waffles or Pancakes

The soft, fluffy texture of homemade waffles or pancakes perfectly complements the creamy, gooey base of Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream.

How to Serve: Warm up a freshly made waffle or pancake, place a generous scoop of the Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream on top, and drizzle with chocolate syrup or salted caramel sauce. Finish with a handful of mini marshmallows for the ultimate sky-high dessert!

Pro Tip: Use Belgian waffles for extra texture and added crispiness.

2. Chocolate Brownies

If you’re a fan of contrasting textures, pair Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream with rich, fudgy brownies. The chewy, chocolatey brownie enhances the chocolate chip cookie dough chunks in the ice cream.

How to Serve: Serve a warm brownie fresh out of the oven and top it with a scoop of the Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream. Let the ice cream melt slightly into the brownie for that irresistible hot-cold contrast.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top to echo the marshmallow flavor—like a deconstructed s’more!

3. S’mores-Inspired Dessert Bar

Celebrate the marshmallow-forward goodness of Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream by creating a s’mores dessert bar for family and friends.

How to Set Up:

• Lay out graham crackers, chocolate bars, roasted marshmallows, and Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream.
• Let everyone build their own “ice cream s’more” by sandwiching a scoop of ice cream and toppings between two graham crackers.

Pro Tip: Use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the marshmallow fluff for an authentic roasted flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating your version of Ben & Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream at home lets you experiment with ingredients, but it’s also helpful to know what to do if you’re missing something—or if you need alternatives to suit dietary preferences and restrictions.

1. Substitutes for the Ice Cream Base

The classic ice cream base calls for heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar, but what if you need a dairy-free option or don’t have these on hand?

A. Heavy Cream

• Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream (the thick part of canned coconut milk). It provides a rich, creamy texture that works beautifully in ice cream. Note that it will add a slight coconut flavor.
• Half-and-Half: If heavy cream feels too rich, you can swap it for half-and-half. The ice cream will still be creamy but slightly less indulgent.
• Evaporated Milk: In a pinch, evaporated milk can step in. Keep in mind it has a moderately cooked flavor, which might alter the taste.

B. Whole Milk

• Almond Milk, Oat Milk, or Soy Milk: For dairy-free options, these plant-based milks work well. Use unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness of your ice cream. Oat milk is particularly creamy and has a neutral flavor.
• 2% Milk: If whole milk isn’t available, 2% can work as a substitute, although the ice cream may have a slightly lighter texture.

C. Granulated Sugar

• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener, use honey or maple syrup instead. Keep in mind these may slightly affect the flavor profile; maple adds richness, while honey brings floral notes.
• Coconut Sugar: This unrefined sugar can replace granulated sugar for a caramel undertone.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener (for Sugar-Free): These zero-calorie sweeteners should be used sparingly, as they are much sweeter than sugar. Be sure to use the suggested conversion measurements on the packaging.

2. Substitutes for Marshmallow Fluff

The signature marshmallow flavor in this recipe comes from marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow cream), but if you can’t find it or need an alternative:

• Homemade Marshmallow Fluff: Make your own by whipping together 2 large egg whites, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. This will give you the same sticky, gooey consistency with a fresh taste.
• Mini Marshmallows: Melt mini marshmallows in a double boiler with a splash of milk to create a marshmallow cream-like consistency.
• Vegan Marshmallow Spread: Use store-bought vegan marshmallow spreads, which are great for dairy-free or gelatin-free options (e.g., options by brands like Dandies).

3. Substitutes for Cookie Dough Chunks

Both classic chocolate chip cookie dough and chocolate chocolate chip cookie dough add the iconic chunks in the Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream. If you’re looking for alternatives, give these ideas a try:

A. Pre-Made Cookie Dough

If making cookie dough from scratch is too time-consuming, opt for store-bought cookie dough! Many brands offer raw, edible options.

Dietary Tip: For vegan or gluten-free variations, brands like Sweet Loren’s sell pre-made edible cookie dough that’s allergy-friendly.

B. Substitutes for Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Oreos or Crushed Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: If cookie dough isn’t your style, add chunks of crushed Oreo cookies or similar chocolate sandwich cookies for a crunchy twist.

Nut or Seed Butter Bites: Replace the cookie dough with small chunks of peanut butter or almond butter fudge for a creamy, rich mix-in.

C. Substitutes for Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

• Brownie Bites: Swap the chocolate cookie dough with small cubes of fudgy brownies or no-bake brownie batter bites.
• Chocolate Coconut Bites: Mix shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and condensed milk (or a plant-based alternative) to create no-bake chocolate balls.

4. Substitutes for Mix-Ins & Swirls

Mix-ins like marshmallow fluff and cookie dough aren’t the only customizable elements. You can substitute (or supplement) with other delicious options:

For a Healthier Swirl:

• Use yogurt (plain or vanilla-flavored) to create a creamy acidity that balances the ice cream’s sweetness.
• Add fruit preserves, like strawberry or raspberry, for a fruity twist.

For Alternative Cookie Dough:

• Replace the mix-ins with chunks of gluten-free cookies or vegan shortbread cookies.
• Add chunks of graham crackers or pretzel pieces for a fun, salty-sweet combo.

For Allergy-Friendly Swaps:

• Replace chocolate chips with carob chips for a caffeine-free, dairy-free version.
• Add toasted or raw nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts) if chocolate or cookie dough isn’t an option.

5. Substitutes for Texture (If Needed)

Texture is a big part of what makes Ben & Jerry’s ice creams so iconic. If you want alternative ways to achieve the creamy, chewy, and chunky texture in Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream, try these:

• Crunchy Options: Add crushed waffle cones, granola, or cereal (like rice cereal or cornflakes) to mimic the crunch of other ice cream styles.
• Chewy Options: Freeze pieces of mochi or use chunks of caramels for that chewy textural element.

Final Thoughts

Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream is a versatile dessert that can pair beautifully with a variety of sweet treats.

More Ice Cream Recipes:

• Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake Recipe