Mix-ins & toppings for ice cream

Mix-ins and toppings for ice cream turn a good ice cream into a real treat: crunchy brittle, fine chocolate shavings or delicate meringues add texture and variety. Whether you fold them straight into the ice cream or use them to garnish sundaes and cups, this category has everything you need to give your homemade ice cream the finishing touch.

Crunchy and chocolatey mix-ins

Mix-ins are added at the end of churning or while filling the container. Popular choices include:

• Brittle made from almond, hazelnut or pecan, plus speculoos brittle
• Caramel pieces, wafer flakes and rice crisps for crunch
• Cocoa nibs for a slightly bitter, chocolatey note
• Chocolate shavings and bake-stable chocolate drops
• Marshmallows and meringues for flavours with a nostalgic touch

More crunchy ingredients are available under Brittle & crunchy toppings, and cocoa nibs and cocoa powder under Cocoa powder & cocoa nibs.

Stracciatella, coatings and toppings

For a true stracciatella, melt couverture chocolate and drizzle it in a thin stream into the almost finished ice cream. The chocolate sets instantly and breaks into fine shards as you stir. Couverture is also ideal for coating ice lollies or scoops of ice cream; suitable moulds can be found under Ice cream moulds.

When serving, toppings such as caramel sauce, brittle or meringue pieces complete every sundae. Monin syrups add extra flavour to milkshakes, affogato and ice cream cups. A wider choice of sauces and dessert toppings is available under Toppings.

Frequently asked questions about ice cream mix-ins

When should I add mix-ins?

Ideally in the last few minutes of churning or when filling the container, so the pieces stay whole.

Does brittle stay crunchy in ice cream?

Over time it can absorb moisture. For maximum crunch, sprinkle it over just before serving.

Which chocolate is best for stracciatella?

Couverture melts well and disperses finely, while chocolate drops and shavings suit larger pieces.

See also: Nut pastes & creams for ice cream · Fruit purées for ice cream & sorbet · Ingredient for homemade ice cream