Rich, creamy and ultra chocolatey, this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this ice cream will impress your family and friends. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy the taste of gourmet ice cream without leaving your kitchen.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Dairy Base
- Cocoa Ingredients
- Flavorings
- Sweeteners
- Egg Mixture
- How to Make Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
- Step 1: Combine Milk, Cream, and Cocoa Powder
- Step 2: Dissolve Sugar
- Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture
- Step 4: Set Up Ice Bath
- Step 5: Cook Custard Base
- Step 6: Chill Custard
- Step 7: Churn Ice Cream
- How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
- With Fresh Fruits
- Topped with Sauces
- With Crunchy Elements
- In Desserts
- How to Perfect Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
- Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
- Reheating Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream recipe without an ice cream maker?
- Can I use other types of chocolate in this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream recipe?
- What is the best way to serve Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream?
- How long does Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream last?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: Indulge in a rich chocolate experience that satisfies every chocolate lover’s craving.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect on its own or as a topping for cakes and pies; the possibilities are endless!
- Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own ice cream with fresh ingredients.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in mixing and pouring for a fun family activity.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best homemade chocolate ice cream, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Heatproof Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Ice Cream Maker: This gadget ensures your mixture churns properly, resulting in smooth, creamy ice cream.
- Saucepan: A good saucepan allows even heating, which is crucial for creating the custard base.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly and preventing lumps in your chocolate mixture.
Ingredients
Rich, creamy and ultra chocolatey, this is the BEST Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream ever. Just like your local creamery without leaving the house.
Dairy Base
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
Cocoa Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I always use Hershey’s)
- 2 ounces finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweeteners
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Egg Mixture
- 5 large egg yolks
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Combine Milk, Cream, and Cocoa Powder
In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, and cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat and then turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped chocolate and vanilla until completely melted.
Step 2: Dissolve Sugar
Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar to the milk mixture. Bring it back to a simmer while whisking occasionally to ensure that all sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture
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 more milk mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Set Up Ice Bath
Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water. Place another medium bowl within this ice bath and set a fine mesh strainer over it.
Step 5: Cook Custard Base
Transfer your cream mixture back to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Strain this custard into your prepared bowl in the ice bath to cool it down quickly.
Step 6: Chill Custard
Refrigerate the custard until cold or overnight if you prefer to make it ahead of time.
Step 7: Churn Ice Cream
Pour chilled custard into your electric ice cream maker. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to freeze until it reaches soft-serve consistency. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm for several hours before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
Serving your Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance the enjoyment of this rich dessert.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a fresh burst of flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Banana Slices: Sweet banana slices paired with chocolate ice cream create a delicious contrast in taste and texture.
Topped with Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce takes indulgence up a notch.
- Caramel Sauce: The sweetness of caramel pairs beautifully with chocolate, adding depth to each bite.
With Crunchy Elements
- Chopped Nuts: Toasted almonds or walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Crushed Cookies: Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies over the top for added texture and extra chocolatey goodness.
In Desserts
- Ice Cream Sundae: Layer your ice cream with whipped cream, nuts, and cherries to create a classic sundae.
- Milkshake: Blend the ice cream with milk for a thick, creamy milkshake treat.
How to Perfect Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
Achieving the perfect consistency and flavor in your homemade chocolate ice cream requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Chill Your Mixture Well: Make sure your custard is completely chilled before churning; this helps it freeze properly.
- Don’t Over-churn: Keep an eye on the ice cream as it churns; stop when it reaches a soft-serve consistency to avoid ice crystals forming.
- Consider Add-ins Wisely: If you want to add extras like candy or fruit, do so when the ice cream is almost frozen for even distribution.
- Store Properly: Use an airtight container to keep air out and prevent freezer burn after you’ve made your ice cream.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your homemade chocolate ice cream can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies add a comforting crunch that pairs perfectly with smooth ice cream.
- Brownies: Rich brownies offer an extra layer of chocolate goodness that complements your ice cream nicely.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
- Pecan Pie: This nutty pie brings a delightful contrast in flavors and textures alongside your ice cream.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites can provide a creamy counterpart to the rich chocolate ice cream.
- Waffles: Warm, crispy waffles served alongside melted chocolate ice cream create a delicious breakfast-for-dessert option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream is a delightful treat, but certain missteps can affect your results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overheating the mixture: Heating the milk and cream too much can lead to a burnt flavor. Always keep the heat low and monitor closely.
- Skipping the straining step: Not straining the custard can leave you with an unappealing texture. Use a fine mesh strainer to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Not chilling the custard: If you skip refrigerating the custard before churning, it won’t set properly. Make sure to cool it completely for best results.
- Using low-quality chocolate: The flavor of your Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream relies heavily on quality ingredients. Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for a richer taste.
- Over-churning the ice cream: Churning it for too long can lead to icy textures. Stop once it reaches soft-serve consistency to ensure creaminess.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days if there are leftovers.
Freezing Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
- Transfer ice cream into an airtight freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to a low temperature and place ice cream in a heatproof dish until slightly softened.
- Microwave: Use short bursts of 10-15 seconds on low power, checking between intervals.
- Stovetop: Place ice cream in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until softened.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream recipe without an ice cream maker?
You can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours until it’s creamy.
Can I use other types of chocolate in this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream recipe?
Yes! You can experiment with dark or white chocolate, but adjust cocoa powder accordingly for balance.
What is the best way to serve Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream?
Serve it in bowls or cones, topped with nuts or sprinkles for an extra treat!
How long does Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream last?
When frozen properly, it lasts about 2 months without losing quality.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe offers rich flavors and creamy texture that rivals any store-bought version. It’s perfect as is but also allows for endless customization—think toppings or mix-ins like nuts or fruit. Don’t hesitate to try making your own; you’ll love every scoop!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe. Rich, creamy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, this ice cream is perfect for any occasion—from summer barbecues to cozy nights in. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a gourmet treat right in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own ice cream and impress family and friends with its decadent flavor and smooth texture. Whether served on its own or as a delightful topping for cakes and pies, this chocolate ice cream will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cream, and cocoa powder. Simmer over medium-low heat, then remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla until melted.
- Dissolve 3/4 cup sugar into the milk mixture on low heat.
- In a bowl, whisk remaining sugar with egg yolks until light; gradually add warm milk mixture while whisking.
- Cook custard over medium heat until thick enough to coat a spoon; strain into an ice bath to cool.
- Chill custard completely before pouring it into an ice cream maker and churning according to manufacturer instructions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 155mg