Homemade Nougat Ice Cream – Double Decker Inspired Ice Cream
If you’ve ever bitten into a chocolate bar loaded with peanuts, caramel, and soft nougat, you already understand the magic behind this Homemade Nougat Ice Cream – Double Decker Inspired Ice Cream. This frozen dessert captures everything you love about layered chocolate candy and transforms it into a creamy, scoopable, irresistible treat.
Rich vanilla cream, ribbons of chocolate, roasted peanuts, and chewy nougat pieces combine to create a texture-packed ice cream that tastes indulgent yet feels comforting and nostalgic. Even better? This is a no-churn nougat ice cream recipe, meaning you don’t need an ice cream maker to achieve that ultra-smooth, luxurious texture.
Whether you’re planning a summer gathering, a weekend dessert, or simply craving a chocolate peanut ice cream moment, this recipe delivers bold flavor and creamy satisfaction in every spoonful.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this incredible frozen dessert at home.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Nougat Ice Cream
This double decker inspired ice cream is:
- No-churn and beginner-friendly
- Packed with real nougat texture
- Loaded with roasted peanuts and chocolate
- Creamy, smooth, and scoopable
- Perfect for parties or make-ahead desserts
Unlike store-bought versions that can be overly sweet or artificial-tasting, this homemade version balances richness and texture beautifully. The cream base is silky and airy, while the mix-ins provide crunch and chew for contrast.
What Makes This Ice Cream “Double Decker Inspired”?
The inspiration comes from layered candy bars that combine:
- Soft nougat
- Crunchy peanuts
- Smooth chocolate
- Sweet caramel notes
This recipe recreates those iconic layers inside a creamy vanilla base. Instead of biting through layers, you get swirls and chunks in every spoonful. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped roasted peanuts
- ¾ cup soft nougat pieces (store-bought or homemade, diced small)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, enhances nougat flavor)
- Pinch of salt
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Heavy Whipping Cream:
Must be cold to whip properly. This creates the airy structure needed for no-churn ice cream.
Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Adds sweetness and prevents ice crystals, ensuring smooth texture.
Nougat Pieces:
Soft nougat works best. Avoid very hard nougat as it can freeze too firm.
Roasted Peanuts:
Lightly salted peanuts enhance the sweet-salty balance.
Chocolate:
Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for best flavor depth.
Instructions
- In a large chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- In a separate bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture using a spatula. Fold slowly to maintain the airy texture.
- Fold in chopped peanuts, nougat pieces, and chocolate chips, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour half of the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container.
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the layer. Use a knife to gently swirl.
- Add the remaining ice cream mixture and top with the remaining caramel. Swirl lightly again for a marbled effect.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for the perfect creamy texture.
Homemade Nougat Ice Cream – Double Decker Inspired Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Mix condensed milk, vanilla, honey, and salt until smooth.
- Fold whipped cream into condensed milk mixture gently.
- Fold in peanuts, nougat, and chocolate chips.
- Layer mixture in loaf pan, swirling caramel between layers.
- Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours until firm.
Notes
Tips for Perfect No-Churn Nougat Ice Cream
1. Keep Everything Cold
Cold cream whips faster and holds structure better.
2. Chop Nougat Small
Large pieces can become too firm when frozen. Small cubes ensure better texture.
3. Don’t Overmix
Overfolding will deflate the whipped cream and reduce creaminess.
4. Use a Metal Loaf Pan
Metal conducts cold faster, helping the ice cream freeze evenly.
Texture & Flavor Breakdown
This ice cream is all about contrast:
- Creamy base: Smooth and airy
- Nougat chunks: Soft chewiness
- Peanuts: Crunchy texture
- Chocolate: Rich depth
- Caramel swirl: Sweet buttery ribbons
Every bite delivers multiple layers of flavor and texture, making it far more exciting than standard vanilla ice cream.
Creative Variations
Dark Chocolate Nougat Ice Cream
Replace semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a deeper flavor profile.
Peanut Butter Swirl
Add warm peanut butter swirled through the base instead of caramel.
Crunch Boost
Add crushed wafer cookies for an extra “candy bar” effect.
Dairy-Free Version
Use coconut cream and dairy-free condensed milk alternatives for a plant-based option.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade nougat ice cream shines on its own, but you can elevate it further:
- Serve in waffle cones
- Add extra caramel drizzle
- Pair with warm brownies
- Sandwich between cookies
- Top with whipped cream and chopped nuts
It’s perfect for:
- Summer BBQs
- Birthday parties
- Holiday dessert tables
- Weekend treats
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight freezer-safe container. Press parchment paper directly on top to prevent ice crystals. Best enjoyed within 2 weeks for optimal texture and flavor.
Fun Ice Cream Facts
- No-churn ice cream gained popularity as home cooks sought easy frozen desserts without special equipment.
- Nougat originated centuries ago in Mediterranean regions and became a staple in confections worldwide.
- Adding condensed milk reduces ice crystal formation, making no-churn recipes surprisingly creamy.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
Many people think homemade ice cream requires special machines and complicated custards. This easy frozen dessert recipe proves otherwise. With simple folding and freezing, you get professional-level results without advanced techniques.
The balance of cream, sweetness, and texture makes this recipe incredibly forgiving. Even first-time ice cream makers can achieve smooth, scoopable perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without caramel?
Yes! Simply omit or replace with chocolate syrup.
Why is my ice cream too hard?
Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger container and extend freeze time slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Nougat Ice Cream – Double Decker Inspired Ice Cream is creamy, indulgent, and packed with texture. It captures the nostalgic joy of layered candy bars while delivering the smooth luxury of homemade ice cream.
With no special equipment required, simple ingredients, and bold flavor payoff, this chocolate peanut ice cream deserves a permanent place in your dessert rotation.
Make it once, and it may just become your signature frozen treat.
