Ice cream has always held a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers, but few flavors evoke as much nostalgia and pure indulgence as Butter Brickle Ice Cream. With its creamy, buttery base and irresistible toffee crunch, this flavor has been captivating taste buds for decades. Although not as commonly found as vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream, Butter Brickle has a devoted following that proves it’s one of the most underrated ice cream flavors of all time.
In this article, we’ll uncover the fascinating history of Butter Brickle, explore why it’s so unique, provide a step-by-step recipe to make it at home, share nutritional insights, and even reveal modern twists you can try today. Whether you’re a foodie, an ice cream aficionado, or someone searching for a taste of nostalgia, this guide will show you why Butter Brickle Ice Cream deserves the spotlight.
What is Butter Brickle Ice Cream?
Butter Brickle Ice Cream is a rich, buttery ice cream base infused with crunchy toffee bits. The name “Butter Brickle” comes from a candy bar originally produced in the 1920s, which inspired the ice cream flavor we know today.
The flavor profile is both creamy and crunchy, combining:
- A buttery vanilla ice cream base
- Caramelized toffee pieces (sometimes homemade, sometimes store-bought)
- A balance of sweetness, richness, and crunch
Unlike other ice cream flavors, Butter Brickle delivers a layered experience: smooth, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess paired with the satisfying snap of toffee.
The Fascinating History of Butter Brickle
The origins of Butter Brickle go back to the 1920s when the Fenn Bros. Ice Cream and Candy Company in Sioux City, Iowa, created the Butter Brickle candy bar.
- 1920s: The candy was first sold and became a national favorite.
- 1920s–1930s: Ice cream makers began incorporating crushed Butter Brickle candy pieces into vanilla ice cream, creating the iconic flavor.
- 1960s–1970s: The candy bar faded in popularity, but the ice cream flavor endured.
- Today: While the candy bar is no longer widely available, Butter Brickle Ice Cream is still produced by specialty brands like Blue Bunny and smaller creameries, keeping the tradition alive.
This history gives the flavor a nostalgic charm—it’s not just a dessert, it’s a taste of America’s culinary past.
Why Butter Brickle Ice Cream is Unique
Many ice cream flavors offer sweetness, but Butter Brickle stands out for its complexity:
- Rich, buttery base → Creamier and more indulgent than plain vanilla.
- Crunchy toffee pieces → Add texture, caramel notes, and balance to the sweetness.
- Nostalgic factor → Connects people to the golden age of classic ice cream parlors.
- Versatility → Can be enjoyed alone, in sundaes, or as part of creative desserts.
Unlike trend-driven flavors, Butter Brickle has stood the test of time—a rare combination of comfort food and gourmet appeal.
How to Make Butter Brickle Ice Cream at Home
You don’t need to wait for a specialty creamery to enjoy this indulgence—you can make Butter Brickle Ice Cream at home with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- Âľ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp butter extract (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 cup toffee bits (homemade or store-bought, like Heath or Skor)
Instructions
1. Make the custard base
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, cream, and half the sugar until warm.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar.
- Slowly temper the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens slightly (coating the back of a spoon).
2. Add flavor
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter extract.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
3. Churn the ice cream
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Add toffee
- Fold in toffee bits in the last few minutes of churning.
- Transfer to a container, cover, and freeze until firm (about 4 hours).
Nutritional Profile (Per ½ Cup Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 280–300
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 23g
While indulgent, Butter Brickle is comparable to other premium ice cream flavors. For lighter options, you can make a reduced-sugar version or use a dairy-free base.
Modern Variations of Butter Brickle Ice Cream
Butter Brickle isn’t stuck in the past—it can be reimagined in exciting new ways:
- Salted Butter Brickle: Add sea salt for a salted caramel twist.
- Vegan Butter Brickle: Use coconut cream or cashew milk with dairy-free toffee.
- Chocolate Butter Brickle: Mix in a chocolate swirl or cocoa base.
- Butter Brickle Sundae: Top with caramel sauce, whipped cream, and crushed nuts.
These modern takes make the classic flavor fresh and exciting for today’s dessert lovers.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Butter Brickle pairs beautifully with other desserts:
- On top of warm brownies or apple pie.
- As a filling for ice cream sandwiches.
- Blended into a milkshake.
- Served in a waffle cone with caramel drizzle.
Its sweet, buttery crunch makes it versatile enough for both simple treats and fancy plated desserts.
Where to Find Butter Brickle Ice Cream Today
While Butter Brickle isn’t available everywhere, you can still find it:
- Blue Bunny Ice Cream (widely distributed in the U.S.)
- Local creameries that specialize in vintage flavors.
- Homemade recipes (your best bet for authenticity).
Tip: If you don’t see it labeled as “Butter Brickle,” look for Toffee Crunch or English Toffee Ice Cream—often, they’re modern rebrands of the same flavor.
FAQs About Butter Brickle Ice Cream
Q: What does Butter Brickle taste like?
A: It tastes like buttery vanilla ice cream with caramelized toffee crunch—sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty.
Q: Is Butter Brickle the same as toffee?
A: Butter Brickle uses toffee bits, but the ice cream is unique because of the buttery base paired with the crunch.
Q: Why is Butter Brickle rare today?
A: The original candy bar was discontinued, so only specialty brands and homemade recipes keep the flavor alive.
Q: Who invented Butter Brickle Ice Cream?
A: It originated with the Fenn Bros. Company in the 1920s, later popularized by ice cream parlors across America.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Butter Brickle Ice Cream
Butter Brickle Ice Cream isn’t just another dessert—it’s a culinary legacy, a blend of rich creaminess, buttery sweetness, and nostalgic crunch that continues to delight generations. Whether you find it at a specialty shop or make it at home, this classic flavor is proof that sometimes, the best things never go out of style.
👉 If you’ve never tried it before, this is your sign: Butter Brickle Ice Cream deserves a spot on your dessert bucket list.
