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Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe

Creamy vanilla ice cream folded with crunchy golden honeycomb toffee, Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is a classic New Zealand dessert loved for its perfect balance of smooth and crisp textures. Easy to make at home, this timeless treat delivers rich caramel flavor in every scoop.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Honeycomb (Hokey Pokey):
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp golden syrup or light corn syrup / honey
  • tsp baking soda
For the Ice Cream Base:
  • 2 cups heavy cream chilled
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Ice cream maker (optional)
  • Airtight freezer-safe container

Method
 

  1. How to Make Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honeycomb Toffee
  1. Begin by lining a baking tray with parchment paper and setting it aside.
    Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
  2. Add the sugar and golden syrup to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. After dissolving, cease stirring and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Let the syrup boil until it turns a deep golden color. This usually takes about 3–5 minutes. Watch carefully, as caramel can burn quickly.
    Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
  4. Take the saucepan off of the burner and add the baking soda right away. Whisk or stir quickly. The mixture will foam up rapidly and expand in volume—this is what creates the honeycomb texture.
  5. Pour the foaming mixture onto the baking tray that has been prepared right away. Do not spread or flatten it. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
  6. Once cooled and hardened, break the honeycomb into small bite-sized chunks. Set aside until ready to use.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Ice Cream Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
    Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
  2. Until the sugar is completely dissolved, whisk the mixture. This may take a few minutes, but ensures a smooth ice cream texture.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour, or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling improves the final texture of the ice cream.
    Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream
  1. Using an Ice Cream Maker:
  2. As directed by the manufacturer, pour the chilled ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn. The ice cream should reach a soft-serve consistency.
  3. Without an Ice Cream Maker:
  4. The heavy cream should be whipped separately until soft peaks form. Combine the milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a separate bowl. The whipped cream should be gently folded into the milk mixture until it is completely incorporated.
    Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
Step 4: Add the Honeycomb
  1. Once the ice cream reaches a soft, creamy texture, gently fold in the honeycomb pieces.
    Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
  2. Work quickly to prevent melting and avoid overmixing, which can break down the honeycomb.
    Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
  1. Place the ice cream in a freezer-safe container that is airtight. Cover tightly and smooth the top.
    Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
  2. Freeze until solid enough to scoop, about 4 to 6 hours.

Notes

  • Add the honeycomb to the ice cream just before freezing to keep it crunchy.
  • Store extra honeycomb in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming sticky.
  • Golden syrup gives the most authentic flavor, but light corn syrup or honey works well, too.
  • Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for the best texture.
  • For longer storage, press parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing the container.