Minty Marvel: After Eight Chocolate Homemade Ice Cream

Enjoy the cool blend of mint and chocolate in our homemade After Eight Chocolate Ice Cream. Learn to make this refreshing treat for any occasion.

The familiar taste of After Eight Mints, known for their thin, rectangular shape and made of a smooth dark chocolate exterior with a peppermint-flavoured fondant filling.

Truth be known, I can easily demolish an entire box of these delicious minty treats. Probably not good, that much sugar in one hit, but they are quite moreish!

In this article, we’ll discuss the history of these well-known after-dinner mints and the nostalgia that they evoke. We’ll consider their flavour profile and why these mints are enjoyed the world over. We’ll also detail how this iconic confectionery transforms easily into delicious homemade ice cream and of course, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how you can recreate this classic sweet treat in a homemade ice cream format.

If you’d rather, you can scroll down directly to the recipe and menu, or read along to find out more.

Jump to After Eight Chocolate Homemade Ice Cream Recipe
Jump to Mint Fondant Drizzle Recipe

Sweet Memories: After Eight Chocolate’s Timeless Appeal.

After Eight Mints was created by Rowntree’s of York in the UK and was first introduced to the market in 1962. The mints were originally intended to be used as after-dinner mints, but have become a firm favourite for any time of the day. The combination of chocolate and mint is loved by generations.

After Eight mints are typically individually wrapped in a distinctive green envelope-style packaging. The packaging is often associated with elegance and is designed to resemble a formal dinner jacket.

After Eight Mints became popular as a classy way to conclude a meal, often served with coffee or as a sweet treat after dinner. The name “After Eight” refers to the idea that these mints are perfect for consumption after 8 p.m. Let’s be honest, mint-infused chocolate is good to eat at any time of the day, not just after 8!

Over the years, After Eight has introduced variations, including different flavours and packaging for special occasions. The classic dark chocolate and mint combination remains the all-time favourite.

A Festive Indulgence for Christmas Celebrations

After Eight Mints are often associated with Christmas and have become a popular choice for festive occasions. The rich chocolate and minty freshness of After Eight mints align well with the flavours and traditions commonly enjoyed during the holiday season.

Many people include After Eight Mints in their Christmas celebrations, either as a treat on their own or as part of festive desserts and gatherings. The elegant packaging and the distinct combination of chocolate and mint make After Eight Mints a popular gift, a classic choice for adding a touch of indulgence to Christmas festivities.

Minty Freshness with a Hint of Health

Mint isn’t just a flavour; it brings a burst of freshness. Paired with the antioxidants from dark chocolate, this ice cream is not only delicious but also a guilt-free pleasure.

Here’s a brief list of potential health benefits associated with both dark chocolate and mint:

Dark Chocolate:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is packed with powerful antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
• Heart Health: Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of dark chocolate may contribute to heart health by improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
• Mood Enhancement: Dark chocolate contains serotonin precursors, which may contribute to mood improvement and provide a sense of well-being.
• Nutrient Density: Dark chocolate is a source of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and copper.
• Brain Function: Flavonoids in dark chocolate may improve cognitive function and promote better brain health.
• Skin Protection: Antioxidants in dark chocolate may contribute to skin health by protecting against sun damage and promoting hydration.

Mint:

1. Digestive Aid: Mint is known for its ability to soothe indigestion and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Respiratory Health: Menthol in mint has a cooling effect and can help relieve congestion, making it beneficial for respiratory health.
3. Improved Focus: The aroma of mint has been linked to increased alertness and improved cognitive function.
4. Stress Relief: Mint has natural calming properties that can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
5. Anti-Inflammatory: Mint has anti-inflammatory properties that may help with conditions like allergies and asthma.
6. Oral Health: Mint is often used to freshen breath and has antimicrobial properties that can contribute to oral health.

Remember, while these potential health benefits exist, moderation is always key.

It’s important to enjoy dark chocolate and mint as part of a balanced diet to maximise the positive effects on health and perhaps best not to scoff an entire box of After Eight Mints too often.

Recreating After Eight Nostalgia in a Homemade Ice Cream

Transforming After Eight into ice cream isn’t just about taste; it’s a journey back to special moments. Remember the joy of savouring these chocolates during celebrations? Now, you can relive those moments with a scoop of homemade After Eight Chocolate Ice Cream any time of the day or night.

After Eight Chocolate Mint Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

Let’s share with you our recipe and method for making this deliciously familiar homemade ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 400ml double cream
• 200ml whole milk
• 150g sugar
• 150g After Eight chocolates, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Green food colouring (optional)

Method:

1. Heat the milk and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.
2. Add double cream, chopped After Eight chocolates, and peppermint extract to the milk mixture.
3. Blend until smooth. Add green food colouring for a minty hue if desired.
4. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn as per instructions. (If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker to learn more).
5. Transfer to a container, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until set.

The All Important Peppermint Fondant Filling!

What makes After Eight Dinner Mints is their filling, a smooth minty fondant. It’s a feature that sets these after-dinner mints apart and may well be a huge part of their success.

Our After Eight Chocolate Ice Cream would not be complete without it. So here’s a simple recipe for peppermint fondant that you can add before freezing your ice cream or drizzle over your ice cream when serving.

Mint Fondant Drizzle Recipe

Ingredients:

• 200g icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Green food colouring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, sift the icing sugar to ensure a smooth fondant.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of water and stir well to form a thick paste.
3. Gradually add more water if needed, but be cautious not to make it too runny.
4. Stir in the peppermint extract, adjusting to your desired level of mintiness.
5. If you want a minty green colour, add a few drops of green food colouring and mix until evenly distributed.
6. Once you achieve a smooth and thick consistency, your mint fondant is ready.

Drizzling:

1. Allow your mint fondant to cool for a few minutes after preparation.
2. Once your ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or cones.
3. Drizzle the mint fondant generously over the ice cream for a delicious and familiar minty touch.
4. You can also let the fondant set slightly on the ice cream for a thicker texture.

Enjoy your homemade mint fondant drizzled over your After Eight Mint Ice Cream!

Additional Flavour Add-Ons and Pairings:

Here are some additional ingredients that pair well with After Eight Chocolate Homemade Ice Cream, along with creative serving suggestions:

Pairing Ingredients:

• Mint Popping Candy: Enhance the ice cream experience with a burst of minty freshness and delightful popping sensations.
• Crushed Peppermint Bark: Add texture and a festive touch with crushed peppermint bark, combining mint and chocolate layers.
• Chocolate Fudge Swirls: Swirls of rich chocolate fudge can complement the After Eight flavour, adding extra indulgence.
• Toasted Almonds: For a nutty crunch, consider adding toasted almonds, providing a contrast in textures.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish each serving with fresh mint leaves to intensify the minty aroma and add a touch of visual appeal.

Creative Serving Ideas:

• After Eight Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of After Eight Chocolate Homemade Ice Cream between two chocolate cookies for a delicious ice cream sandwich. Roll the edges in crushed After Eight mints for an extra layer of minty flavour.
• Minty Chocolate Parfait: Layer After Eight Chocolate Homemade Ice Cream with chocolate sauce and mint-flavoured whipped cream for an elegant parfait.
• After Eight Sundae: Create a lavish sundae by topping a scoop of ice cream with mint chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of mint-popping candy.
• Mint Chocolate Affogato: Expresso yourself with a scoop of After Eight ice cream in a cup and pour a shot of hot espresso over it for a brew-tiful mint chocolate affogato.
• Topping for other Sweet Treats: Use a scoop or two of your After Eight Ice cream to top some Brownies, or other desserts, to add that extra chocolate minty goodness.
• After Eight Milkshake: Blend the ice cream with milk to create a refreshing After Eight milkshake. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

These creative pairings and serving ideas can elevate your After Eight Chocolate Homemade Ice Cream experience, providing a variety of textures and flavours for an even more fun and memorable treat.

We hope that you have enjoyed our article, highlighting our delicious After Eight Chocolate Mint Homemade Ice Cream.

If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we would love to hear from you if you give this recipe a go and let us know what you think.