Are you craving that iconic Friendly's Royal Razz flavor? That irresistible blend of creamy vanilla ice cream, vibrant raspberry swirl, and crunchy chocolate cookie pieces? Well, you're in luck! This recipe brings the beloved Friendly's Royal Razz experience right into your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring no fancy equipment or skills, making it perfect for a quick dessert or a fun family activity. Get ready for a homemade treat that's as delicious as it is nostalgic!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 1 quart of ice cream. Adjust quantities as needed for larger batches.
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For the Vanilla Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 large egg yolks
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For the Raspberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
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For the Chocolate Cookie Crumble:
- ½ cup chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
Instructions:
Making the Vanilla Ice Cream Base:
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Combine and Heat: In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is just simmering. Do not boil.
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Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly drizzle about 1 cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not boil.
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Chill: Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Making the Raspberry Swirl:
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Simmer Raspberries: In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
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Strain and Cool: Strain the raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Let cool completely.
Assembling the Ice Cream:
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Churn the Ice Cream: Churn the chilled custard base in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Towards the end of the churning process, drizzle in the cooled raspberry swirl.
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Add Cookie Crumble: Gently fold in the crushed chocolate cookies during the last minute of churning.
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Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to harden.
Tips for the Best Royal Razz:
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract.
- If using frozen raspberries, make sure they are completely thawed before making the swirl.
- Don't overcook the custard base; it should thicken without boiling.
- For a more intense raspberry flavor, add a teaspoon of raspberry extract to the swirl.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can try a no-churn method, but the texture might be slightly icier.
Variations:
- Chocolate Lovers: Add more chocolate cookie pieces or even some mini chocolate chips.
- Berry Bliss: Substitute raspberries with other berries like strawberries or blueberries.
- Boozy Royal Razz: Add a shot of raspberry liqueur to the raspberry swirl for an adult treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient details.
Enjoy your homemade Friendly's Royal Razz! It's the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family with your homemade cooking skills. This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Happy scooping!