Chunky Monkey Ice Cream – Barefeet in the Kitchen

Rich banana ice cream, decadent chocolate chunks, and crunchy walnuts create a tantalizing dessert you won’t soon forget. This delightful recipe for Chunky Monkey Ice Cream is the perfect indulgence.

What is Chunky Monkey Ice Cream?

Once, I was like you, looking at this name, and wondering to myself, “What is Chunky Monkey Ice Cream?” But, now that I have many sweet summers and delicious scoops under my belt, I can share the secrets of this delicious treat.

This variety was developed by Ben and Jerry’s, featuring pieces of walnuts and fudge (chunky) in banana flavored ice cream (monkey). And, it has been charming taste buds for over 30 years.

But, now you can make homemade chunky monkey ice cream in the comfort of your own kitchen, to the delight of your family and friends.

Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Recipe

You will need the following ingredients to make this chunky monkey ice cream recipe:

• heavy cream
• milk
• sugar
• kosher salt
• vanilla extract
• very ripe bananas
• walnuts
• chocolate chips
• coconut oil or vegetable oil

Chunky Monkey Ice Cream

Start by whisking together the cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Place the bananas in a smaller bowl use a fork to mash them well. Add them to the ice cream mixture and stir or whisk to combine.

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions.

While the ice cream is churning, place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe, glass bowl. Microwave for 90-120 seconds until softened. Stir to melt.

Then, let the chocolate rest at room temperature while the ice cream finishes churning. Do NOT add to ice cream while still warm.

Scoop the finished ice cream into an airtight container, drizzling chocolate and sprinkling walnuts over each scoop as it is added to the container. Swirl lightly with a knife or the end of a spoon and drizzle any remaining chocolate over the top of the ice cream. Place in the freezer until ready to serve.

Chunky Ice Cream

It’s hard to believe that once, ice cream was only ever made to be smooth and creamy. Personally, I adore flavors of chunky ice cream that add texture and depth, like this dreamy chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream recipe.

I may also have hidden a pint or two of cookies and cream ice cream from my kids in my day. And, the berry flavor in this blueberry chocolate chunk recipe is one of my favorites.

You can’t really go wrong with the classic chocolate chip cookie dough. But, if you’re into cookies, I highly recommend trying monster cookie ice cream, too!

And, if you have reached the recipe card only to find that your bananas are not quite ripe enough, just know that hope is not lost. In the absence of bananas, you can find yourself with these brownies with walnuts. And, that’s still a win!

With over 70 ice cream recipes here to choose from, there’s sure to be an ice cream for everyone! If you’re new to making ice cream, the best and easiest vanilla ice cream is a great place to start.

These are my favorite inexpensive containers for storing ice cream. They’re perfect for gifting (who doesn’t love homemade ice cream?) storage, re-using, etc. I write the flavors on the lids with a sharpie and it washes off with dish soap.

I have more ice cream scoops than I can keep track of at this point and I definitely play favorites. This ice cream scoop does the best job ever of cutting through firm ice cream and still delivers a pretty scoop. It gets bonus points for being one of the least expensive scoops I own as well.

Don’t miss our Ice Cream Maker Review for all the information you need to find the BEST Ice Cream Maker for your needs! Spoiler alert – our top-rated machine under $50 just might surprise you. It sure surprised me!