What are the ingredients for making chocolate ice cream?

A classic homemade chocolate ice cream recipe includes heavy cream, whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and high-quality chocolate. Optional ingredients like vanilla extract, salt, or egg yolks enhance flavor and texture. Some versions also use sweetened condensed milk for a no-churn option.

How to make 3 ingredient ice cream?

You can make a quick 3-ingredient version of homemade chocolate ice cream using just heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sweetened condensed milk. Whip the cream, fold in the cocoa and condensed milk, then freeze it in a loaf pan for at least 6 hours.

What chocolate is best for ice cream?

Dark chocolate with 60–70% cacao works beautifully in a homemade chocolate ice cream recipe. It delivers rich, bold flavor without being overly sweet. Use chopped bars or high-quality chips, and pair with cocoa powder for depth.

What is the secret to making ice cream very creamy?

Creaminess comes from the right balance of fat, sugar, and air. Use full-fat dairy, chill your mixture thoroughly, and churn it properly. Adding a bit of cornstarch or even egg yolks can help stabilize the texture, making your homemade chocolate ice cream recipe velvety and luxurious.

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Description

This homemade chocolate ice cream is rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey—born from a summer craving and perfected over the years in a family kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
100g dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped
Optional: 1 tsp espresso powder
Optional: 2 tbsp cornstarch or 2 oz cream cheese for stabilization

Instructions

In a saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy cream with cocoa powder over medium heat, whisking until smooth.
Add chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Whisk in remaining cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and optional espresso powder.
Chill mixture thoroughly, preferably overnight.
Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions until thick and creamy.
Optional: During the last minute of churning, fold in chocolate chips, nuts, caramel, or fruit.
Transfer to a shallow airtight container. Press plastic wrap onto the surface.
Freeze at least 4 hours or until firm.
Let sit at room temperature 5–10 minutes before serving for easier scooping.

Notes

Use full-fat dairy for best texture. Customize with mix-ins like pretzels, fruit, or peanut butter. For extra richness, use a custard base with egg yolks.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Churned
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 55mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chocolate ice cream, homemade, summer dessert, creamy, easy ice cream