Name: Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, 60% to 70% cacao, chopped; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold

If you’re yearning for a luscious, homemade dessert that combines simplicity and indulgence, this Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe will become your ultimate go-to. It’s a magical no churn treat that captures the essence of pure chocolatey bliss, with a creamy, rich texture courtesy of just a handful of familiar ingredients. Whether it’s the height of summer or you simply want to surprise your loved ones, this quick and easy Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe brings a big scoop of happiness to your table—no ice cream maker required!

Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to be amazed by how a few staple ingredients can work together to create a showstopping Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe. Each one plays a pivotal role in building the flavor, texture, and deep color of the finished ice cream, making every bite unforgettable.

Bittersweet chocolate (4 ounces, 60% to 70% cacao): This brings intense, complex chocolate flavor and a velvety finish to your ice cream base.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces, not evaporated milk): The secret to that ultra-creamy, scoopable texture and the ideal sweetness—don’t substitute!
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Provides a bold boost of chocolate and deepens the color beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the chocolate, adding warmth and a subtle fragrance that elevates every spoonful.
Heavy whipping cream (2 cups, very cold): The cornerstone of fluffiness, whipped cream makes your ice cream impossibly smooth and airy.

How to Make Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Begin by placing the chopped bittersweet chocolate into a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave at 50 percent power, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s perfectly melted and silky. This slow and gentle approach ensures the chocolate turns out smooth instead of seized or grainy, setting the stage for the deep flavor of this Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe.

Step 2: Mix in the Condensed Milk, Cocoa, and Vanilla

To your warm, melted chocolate, add the sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until the mixture is glossy, thick, and completely unified. This forms the heart of your ice cream, balancing sweetness and chocolate intensity just right.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer, pour the very cold heavy whipping cream. Using the whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. The chilled cream is vital for achieving the cloud-like texture that makes homemade ice cream so irresistible.

Step 4: Fold the Mixtures Together

Now is where the magic happens. Gently spoon the chocolate-condensed milk mixture into the fluffy whipped cream. Cut and fold delicately with a spatula, turning the bowl as needed to avoid deflating all that wonderful air you’ve created. Keep folding until no white streaks remain—this light touch is what ensures the Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe is both rich and airy.

Step 5: Freeze

Spoon your gorgeous, mousse-like mixture into a freezer-safe container. Silicone ice cream tubs work beautifully, but a metal loaf pan will do just as well. Cover with a lid, or tightly with plastic wrap and foil if necessary. Slide into the freezer and let it chill overnight or at least 6 hours. Your patience will be rewarded with perfectly scoopable, homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe every time!

How to Serve Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches are where you make each serving shine! Top your scoops with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, sprinkles, fresh berries, or toasted nuts. For an ultra-indulgent touch, add whipped cream and a cherry on top—the classics never disappoint.

Side Dishes

While this ice cream dazzles on its own, serving it alongside crisp waffle cones, warm brownies, or fudgy cookies takes it to another level. Even a simple bowl of sliced bananas or strawberries makes for a delightful, fresh pairing with the Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your dessert into an experience by layering scoops in parfait glasses with brownie chunks and caramel sauce, building ice cream sandwiches with homemade cookies, or even forming mini ice cream cakes for parties. Sometimes, just filling a chocolate-dipped cone and rolling it in crushed nuts delivers that wow-factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe in an airtight container, sealed tightly to prevent ice crystals forming. Stored properly, it remains dreamy and delicious for up to 2 or 3 months—a perfect make-ahead dessert!

Freezing

For best texture, freeze your ice cream as soon as it’s mixed and avoid leaving it at room temperature. Covering tightly and using a container with a fitted lid helps maintain its creamy consistency and protects from freezer odors or ice buildup.

Reheating

Ice cream doesn’t need reheating, but if it’s too hard straight from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This softens it just enough to create those gorgeous, creamy scoops everyone craves.

FAQs

Can I make this Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A handheld electric mixer works just as well for whipping your cream—just make sure it reaches stiff peaks for the best texture.

Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

You can experiment with coconut cream in place of the heavy whipping cream and use a dairy-free condensed milk substitute. The end result will be slightly different but still utterly delicious.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet?

Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate will make for a sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor. If you love a milder ice cream, this can be a lovely variation on the traditional Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe.

How do I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Once your whipped cream and chocolate base are combined, gently fold in your favorite extras—think mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even cookie pieces. Try to be gentle so you don’t deflate the mixture.

How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?

Storing the ice cream in an airtight, well-sealed container is the biggest help. Also, avoid frequent thawing and refreezing, as temperature changes encourage crystals to develop.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a homemade ice cream before, this Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe is the ultimate way to start. The process couldn’t be easier, and the rewards are utterly delectable. So grab those simple ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself and your family to a scoop of pure chocolate happiness—you’ll never look at store-bought the same way again!