Description
This creamy frozen chocolate ice cream recipe offers a rich, velvety texture with the perfect balance of chocolatey sweetness. Made from simple ingredients like heavy cream, whole milk, cocoa powder, and real dark chocolate, it is churned in an ice cream maker to create a smooth and luscious frozen dessert that’s ideal for satisfying chocolate cravings at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevent lumps.
- Heat Milk Mixture: Stir in the whole milk and place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture becomes hot and the cocoa powder and sugar are fully dissolved, being careful not to let it boil to preserve smoothness.
- Melt Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the finely chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Cream and Vanilla: Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a rich and flavorful ice cream base.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure it is thoroughly chilled for optimal churning results.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20–25 minutes. This process aerates the ice cream, giving it a creamy texture.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up to a scoopable consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the creamy frozen chocolate ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the rich, homemade treat.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, use dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content.
- Make sure to chill the ice cream base thoroughly before churning to improve texture.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can place the mixture in the freezer and stir vigorously every 30 minutes until firm to reduce ice crystals.
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
