Mediterranean Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream
Prep Time: 25 min (plus chill & freeze time) | Makes: ~1.5 quarts
Intro:
This isn’t your typical Moose Tracks Ice Cream — this version marries the rich indulgence of creamy vanilla ice cream with Mediterranean-inspired touches like honey-sweetened swirls, olive oil-dark chocolate fudge, and toasted pistachios instead of peanuts. Traditional fudge and mini chocolate cups still bring the “tracks,” but with an elevated, gourmet twist. It’s rich, nutty, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients:
For the Base:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup honey (or use ½ cup sugar + ¼ cup honey for balance)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
For the Chocolate Fudge Swirl:
½ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Pinch of sea salt
Mix-ins:
⅓ cup mini chocolate cups (or chopped dark chocolate-covered almonds)
¼ cup chopped, toasted pistachios (or almonds/hazelnuts)
Optional: dash of orange zest or cardamom for flavor boost
Instructions:
Make the base:
In a bowl, whisk together cream, milk, honey, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the fudge swirl:
Gently melt chocolate, olive oil, and honey together in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Stir in sea salt. Let cool to room temperature (it should be pourable but thick).
Churn the ice cream mixture in your ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20–25 minutes).
Layer it:
In a freezer-safe container, layer ⅓ of the churned ice cream, drizzle fudge swirl, and sprinkle some pistachios and chocolate cups. Repeat until all components are used up.
Freeze for at least 4–6 hours or until scoopable.
Scoop and serve with an extra drizzle of honey or olive oil if desired.
✅ Tips:
No ice cream maker? Freeze the base in a shallow pan, stirring every 30 mins until creamy (~3–4 hours).
Use Greek honey for a deeper floral note.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the base for Mediterranean warmth.
Drizzle pomegranate molasses for a tart twist.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream as substitutes, and dairy-free chocolate.
Q: What if I don’t have mini chocolate cups?
A: Use chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or make your own with nut butter and chocolate.
Q: How long does it keep in the freezer?
A: Best within 2 weeks for creaminess, but safe up to 1 month.
Q: What makes it “Mediterranean”?
A: Olive oil fudge, pistachios, honey-sweetened base, and flavor notes like cardamom, citrus zest, or dates.
Nutrition Info (Approx. per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: ~290
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Calcium: 8% DV