Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Recipes

Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Recipes

There’s something eternally comforting about peanut butter and jelly. Whether it’s packed in a school lunchbox or smeared between two slices of white bread on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this iconic duo brings us straight back to childhood. But what happens when you take that classic combination and spin it into a creamy, frozen dessert? You get peanut butter and jelly ice cream—a nostalgic treat with a twist. These three recipes each celebrate this pairing in their own delicious way, from a swirled classic to a crunchy mix-in style and even a dairy-free option. Each scoop is a throwback with a modern upgrade.

1. Classic Swirl Peanut Butter & Jelly Ice Cream

This version is all about indulgent simplicity: smooth peanut butter ice cream with a generous swirl of fruity jelly. The two flavors intertwine like a ribbon, creating a beautiful marbled effect and a perfect bite every time.

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

¾ cup creamy peanut butter

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp salt

½ cup strawberry or grape jelly (warmed slightly for swirling)

Instructions:

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream, milk, peanut butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until the sugar is dissolved and the peanut butter is fully blended.

Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors deepen.

Churn the mixture in your ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Spoon half the ice cream into a container, then drizzle some jelly across the surface. Repeat the layers and use a butter knife to swirl the jelly gently through the ice cream.

Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Why We Love It: This is the ice cream equivalent of biting into a perfectly balanced PB&J sandwich. The creamy base supports the burst of sweet jelly without overpowering it. For a little variety, try raspberry, blueberry, or even fig preserves.

2. Crunchy Peanut Butter & Jelly Chunk Ice Cream

For those who want texture and bold flavor, this version loads up your spoon with crunchy peanut pieces, pockets of jelly, and even bits of toasted bread for a clever nod to the sandwich.

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

¾ cup brown sugar

¾ cup crunchy peanut butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for a cozy touch)

½ cup jam or preserves (blueberry and raspberry work great)

½ cup toasted bread cubes (optional, for texture)

⅓ cup roasted, salted peanuts (roughly chopped)

Instructions:

Heat the milk and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling.

Remove from heat and whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla. Let cool, then stir in the cream.

Chill the base for 2 hours in the fridge, then churn until soft-serve texture.

Stir in chopped peanuts and bread cubes by hand.

Layer into a freezer container, alternating spoonfuls of ice cream and small dollops of jam. Swirl gently.

Freeze for 4+ hours.

Flavor Story: This recipe is basically a deconstructed, frozen PB&J sandwich. The bread pieces soften slightly, mimicking the chewy texture of a sandwich while keeping the crunch from peanuts intact. Kids love the surprise elements; adults appreciate the complexity.

3. Dairy-Free Peanut Butter & Jelly Coconut Ice Cream

Looking for a dairy-free option without sacrificing the richness? This creamy, plant-based take uses coconut milk and natural sweeteners for a dreamy dessert that’s as satisfying as its dairy counterpart.

Ingredients:

2 cans (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

¾ cup natural peanut butter

½ cup maple syrup or agave nectar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

½ cup fruit preserves or chia jam (for a healthier twist)

Instructions:

Blend the coconut milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a blender until smooth and fully combined.

Chill for 1–2 hours, then churn in your ice cream maker.

After churning, layer the base with spoonfuls of preserves or chia jam, swirling with a spoon.

Freeze for 4 hours or until firm.

Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Tip: Use almond or sunflower seed butter if peanut allergies are a concern. For the jam, go with chia seed versions made with crushed fruit and natural sweeteners.

Why You’ll Crave It: Even non-vegans will fall for the creamy texture and nutty depth of flavor. The coconut adds a tropical whisper, while the jelly swirl keeps the flavors grounded in childhood.

Customization Ideas Across All Recipes:

Jam Varieties: Beyond the traditional grape or strawberry, explore blackberry, peach, plum, or fig. Each one brings a different vibe.

Nut Butters: Almond, cashew, sunflower seed butter, or even hazelnut spread can put a new spin on the familiar base.

Toppings: Add crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even granola for extra crunch and fun.

Boozy Option: A spoonful of peanut butter whiskey swirled into the base before freezing creates an adults-only treat worth savoring.

Serving Suggestions:

PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches: Scoop between two oatmeal cookies for a gooey, dreamy frozen sandwich.

Waffle Cone Delight: Top with whipped cream, extra jelly drizzle, and chopped peanuts.

Sundae Bar: Let guests create their own mix with different jams, nut toppings, and sauces.

The Flavor Connection: Why PB&J Works So Well in Ice Cream

Peanut butter is thick, creamy, and slightly salty—perfectly offset by the bright, sweet zing of jelly. In ice cream form, the flavors become even more dynamic. The cold enhances the smoothness of the nut butter while taming the sugar rush of jam, creating a beautiful flavor balance. It’s comfort food, frozen and elevated.

Plus, it’s a dessert that bridges generations. Kids love the familiarity, adults love the nostalgia—and everyone enjoys the surprise of finding their childhood sandwich reinvented as a gourmet treat.

Peanut butter and jelly ice cream might sound whimsical, but it has staying power. Whether you prefer classic swirls, crave bold crunch, or stick to a dairy-free lifestyle, there’s a scoop for every palate. And perhaps best of all, these recipes are as fun to make as they are to eat. 

Helpful Reading 

 Low Histamine Bread Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Histamine-Bread-Recipes-Loaves-Sensitive-ebook/dp/B0F2SNZKDR/

The Dahlia Microfarm: Starting a Profitable Backyard Flower Business 

https://www.amazon.com/Dahlia-Microfarm-Starting-Profitable-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F4XYPR3Z/

Lavender for Weddings and Events: Grow and Create DOY Bouquets, Decor and More 

https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Weddings-Events-Bouquets-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0F4YSH9M3/