Chocolate Pretzel McFlurry Recipe

This homemade Chocolate Pretzel McFlurry Recipe hits the ultimate sweet-and-salty sweet spot by swirling thick caramel sauce and crushed chocolate-covered pretzels into a creamy vanilla soft-serve base. The satisfying crunch of the pretzels combined with the buttery richness of the caramel creates a texture-packed dessert that rivals any ice cream shop creation.

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Chocolate Pretzel McFlurry Ingredients

The Creamy Base:

• 2 heaping cups Vanilla Ice Cream: Premium vanilla bean ice cream works best. Avoid “light” or “churned” varieties as they melt too fast.
• 2 tbsp Whole Milk: The lubricant needed to turn hard ice cream into a spoonable treat without making it a milkshake.

The Sweet & Salty Mix-Ins:

• 10 Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These provide the crucial textural contrast. The chocolate coating prevents the pretzel inside from getting soggy instantly.
• 3 tbsp Thick Caramel Sauce: Use a jarred sauce (like Ghirardelli or Sanders) rather than a thin syrup for ribbons of flavor.

How To Make Chocolate Pretzel McFlurry

1. Temper the Ice Cream: Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes. It should be soft enough to scoop effortlessly but not pooling around the edges. This step is non-negotiable for achieving that thick, blizzard-like consistency.
2. Blend the Base: Add the softened ice cream and the whole milk to a blender. Blend on low speed until smooth and creamy. If it gets stuck, use the tamper or stop and stir. Do not over-blend, or you will lose the density.
3. Prep the Crunch: Place the chocolate-covered pretzels in a ziplock bag and smash them lightly with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass. Crucial: You want jagged chunks, not pretzel dust. Reserve a few larger pieces for the garnish.
4. Pulse to Combine: Add the crushed pretzels and 2 tablespoons of the caramel sauce to the blender. Pulse 3 to 4 times in short bursts. You are just folding the ingredients in, not pureeing them. You want to see distinct swirls of caramel and chunks of pretzel.
5. Serve: Pour the mixture into a chilled glass or bowl. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of caramel over the top and stick in the reserved pretzel pieces. Eat immediately.

Recipe Tips

• The “Pulse” Technique: Unlike a smoothie, a McFlurry relies on the pulse button. Continuous blending generates heat and friction, which will melt your ice cream into soup and pulverize your mix-ins. Short bursts preserve the cold texture.
• Caramel Temperature: Ensure your caramel sauce is room temperature or slightly chilled. If you use hot fudge or warm caramel, it will melt the ice cream on contact.
• Pretzel Choice: Milk chocolate covered pretzels are traditional, but dark chocolate pretzels add a nice bitterness that cuts the sweetness of the caramel.
• Salt Boost: If your pretzels aren’t very salty, a tiny pinch of sea salt flakes added to the blender makes the chocolate flavor pop.

What To Serve With Chocolate Pretzel McFlurry

• Potato Chips: If you love salty-sweet, serve with a side of plain kettle chips.
• Chocolate Sauce: Double down with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a “turtle” vibe.
• Waffle Cone: Skip the spoon and serve this inside a large waffle cone.
• Brownie: Serve alongside a warm brownie for an intense dessert platter.

How To Store Chocolate Pretzel McFlurry

• Freeze: If you can’t finish it, freeze the leftovers in a mug. When you want to eat it again, microwave it for 10 seconds to soften it back to a spoonable texture. Note that the pretzels may lose some crunch after freezing.

Chocolate Pretzel McFlurry Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Sugar: 45g
• Protein: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

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