Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch ice cream combined coffee and toffee in a unique way. It was popular among coffee fans and those who liked sweets. Sadly, it’s no longer available. This has left many wondering why it was discontinued.
This flavor was different. It had a strong coffee taste and crunchy Heath bar pieces. The combination of bitter coffee and sweet toffee was well-liked. It was both comforting and thrilling.
What happened?
From Coffee Heath Bar Crunch to Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch
Ben & Jerry’s decision to discontinue Coffee Heath Bar Crunch was significant. They replaced the Heath brand toffee with a non-GMO alternative.
This changed the flavor, and it was renamed Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch. The new version had a different taste. Many fans noticed the change.
The original version was a favorite for years. It had a rich flavor from the Heath bar toffee. The new version tried to replicate this but fell short for some. The toffee in Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch had a different taste and texture.
This change sparked different reactions. Some liked the new version. Most missed the original.
Why You Should Stick To Using Heath Bars
Heath bars add a special touch to ice cream. The combination works well. The bitter coffee ice cream and the sweet toffee create a nice balance. Heath bars have a buttery sweetness. They also have a bit of salt. This makes them go well with coffee flavors. The crunch of the toffee contrasts with the smooth ice cream.
Using Heath bars in ice cream shows creativity. It’s about mixing different textures and flavors. This can make ice cream more interesting and enjoyable.
💡 Want something cold but no ice cream?
Try making Cold Brew Coffee.
Ingredients Needed To Recreate Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream
To recreate the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients that come together to form that rich, indulgent flavor you know and love.
- Milk and Heavy Cream: These are the foundation of your ice cream, providing a creamy texture. For the best results, use full-fat milk and a high-fat content heavy cream to enrich the ice cream’s body and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar: Both sugars offer sweetness, with brown sugar adding a hint of molasses for depth. They also assist in lowering the freezing point of the mixture, contributing to a softer texture.
- Eggs: Egg yolks are crucial for their thickening properties; they emulsify the mixture, resulting in a custard base that is both rich and creamy.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract complements the coffee flavor and adds a subtle background note.
- Coffee and Optional Espresso Powder: These ingredients infuse the ice cream with its characteristic coffee flavor. Instant coffee granules dissolved in the mixture provide the primary taste, while espresso powder can intensify the coffee aroma and taste if you choose to include it. For the best taste we recommend using coffee, specifically made for cold brews.
Here’s a simple table summarizing the core ingredients to recreate Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream:
| Ingredient | Purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Creaminess, base of ice cream | Full-fat recommended |
| Heavy Cream | Richness, smooth texture | High-fat content preferred |
| Granulated Sugar | Sweetness, lower freezing point | – |
| Brown Sugar | Sweetness with depth | Adds a hint of molasses flavor |
| Eggs | Emulsification, thickening | Primarily use yolks |
| Vanilla Extract | Complementary flavoring | – |
| Coffee Granules | Primary coffee flavor | – |
| Espresso Powder | Enhanced coffee flavor (optional) | Use for deeper coffee notes |
Step-by-Step Guide:
Make Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream At Home
Preparation of Custard Base
Ingredients:
- Egg yolks
- Milk
- Sugar
- Salt
To begin crafting the luscious custard base for your Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream, you’ll want to gather your rich egg yolks. Using a sturdy whisk or an electric mixer, beat your egg yolks until they are smooth and have taken on a slightly paler color.
Next, in a medium saucepan, combine milk, a pinch of salt, and the right amount of sugar. Warm this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Heat until you see it steaming, which indicates it’s sufficiently warmed but not yet boiling. Be mindful to keep the heat moderate; we’re coaxing the flavors together, not rushing them.
Once your milk mixture is steaming, it’s time to temper your egg yolks. Slowly introduce a small amount of the hot milk into the yolks, whisking constantly. This is a crucial step to ensure your eggs integrate smoothly without cooking prematurely and turning into scramble.
After the yolks are tempered, pour them back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture. Continue cooking while stirring, keeping a close eye on the consistency. You’re aiming for a custard that’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—a stage often referred to as “nappe.”
Once you’ve reached the desired thickness, remove your saucepan from the heat. This golden custard base is now the foundation of your Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream adventure. Allow it to cool before moving on to the next thrilling step: incorporating the coffee and the coveted Heath bar pieces.
Mixing Heath Bar Pieces
When making Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream, the spotlight is shared between the creamy coffee ice cream and the delightful crunch of Heath bar pieces. Here’s how to get those candy bar chunks ready for the mix.
First, select Heath bars; their toffee center and milk chocolate coating are the signature crunch element in this ice cream. You’ll need about a cup of chopped Heath bar for an authentic texture.
- Ingredients:
- Heath bars (enough to make 1 cup of chunks)
- Equipment:
- A sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Measuring cup
Unwrap the candy bars and place them on your cutting board. Now, using your sharp knife, carefully chop the candy into ¼- to ½-inch pieces. Aim for a mix of sizes to give each bite a varied and satisfying crunch.
- Chopping Tips:
- Make sure the knife is very sharp for clean cuts.
- Apply even pressure to avoid shattering the candy bars.
- Be mindful of your fingers while chopping.
After chopping, measure out about 1 cup of the candy pieces. Any extra can be stored for later use. Place the Heath bar chunks in a bowl, then cover and set them in the freezer. Chilling the candy pieces helps to maintain their crunch when mixed into the ice cream.
Admixing the frozen Heath bar chunks into the ice cream should be done towards the end of your ice cream maker’s churn cycle. This ensures that they are evenly distributed and maintain their texture without dissolving into the base.
Remember, the size and crunch of the candy bits you’ve prepared will be crucial for the final mouthfeel and flavor, so take your time with this step. Enjoy the simple pleasure of transforming candy bars into the key flavorful crunch in your homemade Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream.
Churning the Ice Cream
Churning is a crucial step in making your own Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream. It involves blending your ice cream base until it achieves the light, fluffy texture Ben & Jerry’s is known for. Get ready to transform your mix into that creamy delight.
Using an Ice Cream Maker
To use an ice cream maker, begin by pouring your well-chilled ice cream mix into the machine’s bowl. Ensure the bowl has been frozen for at least 24 hours before use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning; it usually takes about 20-30 minutes. The mix will gradually thicken and take on a soft-serve consistency.
Manual Churning Method
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, a manual churning method is your go-to. Pour the mix into a deep, freeze-safe bowl and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the ice cream vigorously with a fork or hand mixer to break up ice crystals, repeating this process until the ice cream stiffens.
Ensuring the Perfect Texture
For that perfect Ben & Jerry’s texture, the ice cream should be churned until it is rich and creamy but still soft enough to fold in the Heath bar chunks. After folding in the candy pieces, continue to freeze the ice cream until it’s firm but not rock hard.
Tips for Storage and Serving
For best results, store your ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Before serving, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften for easier scooping. Serve your homemade Ben & Jerry’s clone in chilled bowls to help it stay frozen while you indulge.
Nutritional Information
A homemade Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream will vary in nutritional information based on your ingredients. However, you can expect a high calorie and fat content similar to the original. Use lighter ingredients if you’re watching your intake.
| Nutrient | Approximate Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 4g |
Making a Ben & Jerry’s Clone
Creating a clone of Ben & Jerry’s Heath Bar Crunch means nailing the balance between the coffee-flavored base and the toffee bits. Ensure you use quality coffee and toffee bars similar to Heath bars, freezing them before adding to the mix to preserve their texture.
💡 Want to try something different?
Try making Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles.
FAQ – Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream
What happened to Heath bars?
Heath bars, a type of candy made from toffee and milk chocolate, have undergone changes over the years, particularly in how they are sourced and produced. Ben & Jerry’s, committed to ethical sourcing, shifted to using fairtrade certified and non-GMO ingredients, which impacted the use of original Heath bars in their recipes.
What happened to Heath Bar Crunch ice cream?
Ben & Jerry’s Heath Bar Crunch ice cream was renamed to Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch to reflect a change in the candy pieces used in the recipe. This was due to the company’s commitment to using fairtrade chocolate and toffee bars in their products.
Does Ben & Jerry’s make a coffee ice cream?
Yes, Ben & Jerry’s does produce a coffee-flavored ice cream, which often features as a base for some of their popular mix-in flavors, including the rebranded Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch, formerly known as Coffee Heath Bar Crunch.
If you liked our blog post on the topic “How to Make Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream”, don’t forget to leave us a comment down and share your thoughts on this topic.
