Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Rich, creamy, and ultra chocolatey, this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe is a delightful treat that rivals your favorite creamery. Perfect for summer gatherings, cozy nights in, or any celebration, this ice cream is easy to make and offers a luxurious chocolate flavor. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a creamy dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: Indulge in the rich taste of chocolate that satisfies every sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this ice cream without any fuss.
• Customizable: Add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a quiet evening, this ice cream fits right in.
• No Ice Cream Maker Required (if desired): You can still enjoy homemade ice cream even if you don’t have an electric maker.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious homemade chocolate ice cream, you’ll need some essential tools that ensure success in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ice cream maker
• Large saucepan
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Heatproof spatula
• Ice bath setup

Importance of Each Tool

• Ice Cream Maker: This tool is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture of your homemade ice cream.
• Large Saucepan: A spacious pan allows you to easily combine ingredients without spilling.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: This ensures a smooth custard by removing any lumps or bits that may form during cooking.

Ingredients

Rich, creamy and ultra chocolatey, this is the BEST Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream ever. Just like your local creamery without leaving the house.

For the Ice Cream Base

• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I always use Hershey’s)
• 2 ounces finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large egg yolks

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, and cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Once simmering, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla extract until the chocolate has melted completely.

Step 2: Combine Sugar

Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar to the milk mixture. Return it to a simmer while whisking occasionally to dissolve all of the sugar.

Step 3: Whisk Egg Yolks

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar with egg yolks until slightly thickened and light in color. Gradually add 1/4 cup of the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Continue adding the milk mixture in increments until fully combined.

Step 4: Prepare an Ice Bath

Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water. Place a medium bowl inside this ice bath and set a fine mesh strainer over it.

Step 5: Cook Custard

Transfer the entire cream mixture back into a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula until it thickens enough to coat the back of your spoon. Strain this custard into the bowl set in your ice bath and allow it to cool down completely.

Step 6: Chill Custard

Refrigerate the cooled custard until it is cold or overnight if desired.

Step 7: Churn Ice Cream

Pour chilled custard into your electric ice cream maker’s freezer canister. Freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency. Transfer it into an airtight container and freeze until firm before serving.

How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Serving homemade chocolate ice cream is a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to elevate your dessert and impress your guests.

Scoop it Up in a Cone

• Waffle Cones: Crispy and sweet, waffle cones provide a perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy ice cream.
• Chocolate-Dipped Cones: Dip the edges of your cones in melted chocolate for an extra treat!

Sundae Style

• Classic Toppings: Top with whipped cream, nuts, and cherry for a traditional sundae experience.
• Hot Fudge Drizzle: Warm up some fudge sauce and pour it over the ice cream for a rich, gooey indulgence.

Pair with Brownies

• Warm Brownies: Serve a scoop of chocolate ice cream on top of warm brownies for a decadent dessert.
• Brownie Sundae: Add whipped cream and a cherry to create the ultimate brownie sundae.

Create Milkshakes

• Chocolate Milkshake: Blend the ice cream with milk for a thick and creamy milkshake.
• Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate syrup or even peanut butter for added flavor!

How to Perfect Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Perfecting your homemade chocolate ice cream requires some attention to detail. Follow these tips to achieve the best results.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Start with cold milk and cream; this helps the mixture cool down faster during preparation.
• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for richer flavor and smooth texture.
• Don’t Rush Cooling: Allow the custard to cool completely before churning; this enhances the final texture.
• Churn Properly: Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions closely for optimal consistency.
• Freeze Long Enough: After churning, let your ice cream freeze for several hours to achieve that perfect scoopable texture.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your homemade chocolate ice cream can enhance its flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing tartness that complements the sweetness of the ice cream.
2. Shortbread Cookies: The buttery flavor of shortbread cookies pairs beautifully with rich chocolate ice cream.
3. Banana Slices: Fresh banana slices provide a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that balance out the chocolate.
4. Pecan Pie Crust Crumbles: For added crunch, sprinkle crumbled pecan pie crust over your ice cream.
5. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats offer a tropical twist alongside your rich dessert.
6. Toasted Marshmallows: Toasted marshmallows bring a campfire vibe that adds depth to your dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream can be simple, but small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the custard before churning can lead to a grainy texture. Always chill the mixture for at least a few hours or overnight.
• Using low-quality cocoa powder: Poor cocoa can affect flavor. Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder like Hershey’s for the best taste.
• Over-churning the ice cream: Churning it too long can create an icy texture rather than a creamy one. Stop when it reaches the consistency of soft serve.
• Not straining the custard: Failing to strain the mixture may leave bits of cooked egg yolk. Always use a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth custard.
• Improper storage: Storing your ice cream in a non-airtight container can cause freezer burn. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before freezing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator before losing its quality.

Freezing Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

• Place your ice cream in an airtight container.
• It will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 weeks in the freezer, but is safe for longer.

Reheating Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the container inside for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts at low power (10-20 seconds) until slightly softened.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler method, stirring gently until softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream recipe dairy-free?

You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream. Adjust sugar levels as needed.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! You can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for varied flavors in your Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe.

How do I know when my ice cream is ready?

The ice cream is ready when it has reached a thick, soft-serve consistency after churning.

What should I do if my ice cream is too hard?

Let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping to soften it up for easier serving.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe is not only rich and creamy but also highly customizable. You can add mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or fruits to personalize your dessert further. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious homemade ice cream anytime!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: About 6 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe. Rich, creamy, and bursting with chocolate flavor, this ice cream rivals any store-bought version. Perfect for summer barbecues, cozy family nights, or special celebrations, its easy preparation and customizable nature make it a go-to treat for any occasion. Just a handful of simple ingredients transform into a luscious dessert that will impress your family and friends. Plus, no ice cream maker is required if you prefer a simpler method! Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade chocolate ice cream that you can savor anytime.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large egg yolks

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, whisk together milk, cream, and cocoa powder; simmer over medium-low heat.
2. Stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla until melted.
3. Add 3/4 cup sugar; return to simmer, whisking to dissolve.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk remaining sugar with egg yolks until thickened; gradually mix in warm milk mixture.
5. Cook custard over medium heat while stirring until thickened; strain into an ice bath to cool completely.
6. Chill custard in the refrigerator until cold.
7. Pour into an ice cream maker; churn according to instructions until soft-serve consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Churning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 120mg