Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream

Published: July 15, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor – The combination of bittersweet chocolate and cocoa creates an intense chocolate experience.
Creamy Texture – The use of heavy cream and egg yolks makes this ice cream exceptionally rich and smooth.
Easy to Follow – With straightforward steps, you can create gourmet ice cream at home without fuss.
Versatile Dessert – Serve it on its own or pair it with cakes, pies, or fresh fruits for a delightful treat.
Perfect for Sharing – This recipe yields 12 servings, making it great for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream successfully, having the right tools can help streamline the process. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Ice cream maker
Medium saucepan
Small saucepan
Metal mixing bowl
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Ice Cream Maker – Ensures that your mixture churns properly, giving it a light and airy texture.
Medium Saucepan – Perfect for heating milk mixtures without burning them.
Whisk – Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly while incorporating air into the egg mixture.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 C heavy whipping cream
– 10 oz Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips
– 3/4 C granulated sugar
– 4 lrg egg yolks
– 1 lrg egg
– 1/3 C unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 1/2 C whole milk
– 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

How to Make Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream

Step 1: Simmer the Cream

Bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer in a small saucepan.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Place the Ghirardelli chocolate chips in a metal bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap to retain heat. Afterward, stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cocoa powder. Mix until well blended and smooth.

Step 4: Heat Milk

In a medium saucepan, bring the whole milk to a simmer.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking. Once mixed, return everything back to the saucepan over low heat.

Step 6: Thicken Custard Base

Cook gently while stirring until it thickens slightly. You will notice foam at first, which will subside as you stir.

Step 7: Combine with Ganache

Pour this custard base through a strainer into the chocolate ganache. Stir until fully combined. Add in the vanilla extract.

Step 8: Chill the Mixture

Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Step 9: Churn Ice Cream

Run your chilled mixture through your ice cream maker according to its instructions; this usually takes about 35 minutes.

Step 10: Freeze Before Serving

Transfer your ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for 2 to 4 hours before serving for optimal texture.

How to Serve Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream

Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Sundae

Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle warm hot fudge over the ice cream for a gooey, delicious topping.
Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Cookies: Use soft chocolate chip cookies to create a rich ice cream sandwich that’s perfect for sharing.
Brownies: For an even more decadent treat, sandwich the ice cream between fudgy brownies.

Milkshake Delight

Blend It Up: Blend the ice cream with milk to create a thick and creamy milkshake.
Toppings: Top with whipped cream and a cherry for that classic touch.

Affogato Style

Espresso Pour Over: Pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of ice cream for an energizing dessert.
Chocolate Shavings: Garnish with dark chocolate shavings for added richness.

Cone Treats

Wafer Cones: Scoop the ice cream into waffle cones for a fun and portable option.
Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top for a festive touch.

How to Perfect Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream

Creating the perfect Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your ice cream turns out creamy and delicious.

Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate like Ghirardelli for the best flavor.
Slow Heating: Heat your ingredients slowly to avoid curdling the eggs in your custard base.
Chill Time: Allow your mixture to cool completely before adding it to the ice cream maker; this helps achieve a smoother texture.
Ice Cream Maker Care: Ensure your ice cream maker bowl is fully frozen before use for optimal churning.
Storage Tips: Store your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream

Pairing side dishes with Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

Fresh Berries: Serve strawberries or raspberries on the side for a tart contrast.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic favorite that complements the chocolate flavor perfectly.
Fruit Tart: A light fruit tart can balance the richness of the ice cream beautifully.
Pecan Pie Slices: The nutty flavors of pecan pie work well with chocolate desserts.
Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons add texture and sweetness alongside the creamy ice cream.
Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes offer a rich, creamy complement without overwhelming flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream at home can be a delight, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using low-quality chocolate: Always opt for high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Budget brands may not melt well and can result in a grainy texture.
Skipping the straining step: Straining the mixture is crucial for a smooth texture. It removes any cooked egg bits that could spoil the creaminess of your ice cream.
Not cooling sufficiently: Allowing the mixture to cool in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours ensures better churning. Rushing this step can lead to icy ice cream instead of creamy goodness.
Over-churning in the ice cream maker: Keep an eye on the consistency while churning. Over-churning can lead to a dense texture rather than a light and fluffy ice cream.
Improper storage containers: Use airtight containers for freezing your ice cream. This helps prevent freezer burn and maintains its rich flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing.

Freezing Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream

Transfer to a freezer-safe, airtight container.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until softened.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15 seconds, stirring between each burst until desired softness is reached.
Stovetop: Gently heat in a saucepan over low heat while stirring constantly until soft. Be careful not to overheat or melt completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream different from regular chocolate ice cream?

Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream has a deep chocolate flavor due to the use of bittersweet chocolate and cocoa powder, giving it a luxurious texture and taste that stands out from regular versions.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this recipe?

While you can substitute some heavy cream with milk, using only milk will result in a less creamy texture. Heavy whipping cream is essential for that rich mouthfeel.

How do I customize my Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream?

You can customize by adding mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls of caramel or fudge after churning. Try different flavors by infusing with espresso or orange zest during preparation!

How long does it take to churn Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream?

Typically, it takes about 25-35 minutes in an ice cream maker, but times may vary depending on your machine. Monitor closely until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Rich Ganache Chocolate Ice Cream is not just an indulgent dessert; it’s also incredibly versatile! Whether enjoyed alone or paired with toppings like berries or sprinkles, this recipe is bound to impress. Don’t hesitate to try out different flavor combinations and make it uniquely yours!

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