This chocolate ice cream recipe is super simple and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With just a few ingredients like cocoa, cream, and sugar, you’ll be enjoying a scoop in no time!
I can’t resist sneaking a taste right from the bowl! 🍫 It’s a fun treat to make with kids, and believe me, no one can say no to homemade ice cream on a hot day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This is essential for a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, coconut cream works well, too. Just keep in mind it will give a slightly different flavor!
Whole Milk: Whole milk enhances creaminess. You can swap it for almond milk or oat milk, but the ice cream will be less creamy. I love using good old-fashioned dairy for traditional texture!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is perfect here. If you want to cut down on white sugar, feel free to use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but keep in mind the sweetness might change.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This gives the chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa adds a richer taste, while raw cacao provides a slightly fruity note. Choose what you love!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Dark chocolate or even milk chocolate are great options. If you have allergies, consider using dairy-free chocolate to keep it friendly for everyone.
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate for This Recipe?
Melted chocolate is key to ensuring a smooth ice cream base. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the mixture on medium but don’t boil it! You want it hot enough to melt the chocolate without seizing.
- Use a whisk to stir constantly, helping the mixture stay smooth.
- Once the chocolate is added, mix until fully melted—this will take just a minute or two.
- If you notice the chocolate isn’t melting well, turn down the heat and keep stirring!
Following these tips will help you have a perfectly creamy chocolate ice cream every time! Enjoy your ice cream making!
Best Easy Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 20-25 minutes for churning in the ice cream maker. You’ll want to allow about 4 hours for the ice cream to freeze until firm. So, in total, you’re looking at a little over 4 hours, with most of it hands-off while it chills!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by taking a medium saucepan and combining the whole milk, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Place it over medium heat. Don’t forget to whisk it constantly as this will help dissolve the sugar and cocoa powder until everything becomes smooth and combined!
2. Adding the Chocolate:
Once the mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from heat. Now it’s time to add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Stir well until the chocolate is fully melted. You should have a lovely chocolate mixture at this point!
3. Adding Cream and Flavor:
Allow the mixture to cool for about 30 minutes. After it cools, stir in the heavy cream, the pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is fully combined. This will give you a rich and creamy base for your ice cream!
4. Churning Time:
Pour the chocolate mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. It’s ready when it reaches the soft-serve consistency!
5. Freezing the Ice Cream:
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Pop it into the freezer and let it freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm. This step is super important for that perfect scoop!
6. Serving Your Treat:
Once your ice cream is ready, scoop and serve it in bowls or cones. Enjoy your rich and creamy homemade chocolate ice cream! Perfect for sharing with family and friends (or keeping all to yourself!).
FAQ for Best Easy Chocolate Ice Cream
Can I Use a Different Type of Sweetener?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that using a liquid sweetener may slightly change the texture, so you might need to adjust the cream-to-milk ratio if it becomes too fluid.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover chocolate ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best consumed within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness, but it can last longer if kept properly sealed. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping!
What if I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! You can still make this ice cream without an ice cream maker. After mixing the ingredients and cooling them down, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Ice Cream?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chunks, or cookie pieces during the last few minutes of churning. Just ensure not to overload the mixture, as it can affect the texture!
