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    TaraTeaspoon » Recipes » Desserts

    Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

    Published: Jun 10, 2021 · Updated: Aug 14, 2022 by Tara Teaspoon · This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure

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    Once you make homemade chocolate ice cream for the first time, you’ll never reach for it at the grocery store again! Make a rich chocolate custard to freeze at home that will forever be your ultimate chocolate treat.

    chocolate ice cream scoops in cones
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients in the Chocolate Ice Cream
    • How to Make Chocolate Ice Cream
    • The Best Ice Cream Makers and Compressors 
    • How Long Does Homemade Ice Cream Last? 
    • Tips for the Best Chocolate Ice Cream
    • More Easy Ice Cream Recipes: 
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Let's be honest, it's a fun summer treat to have a homemade frozen dessert, and this chocolate custard ice cream has got to be one of my favorites.

    I invested in an ice cream compressor and it doesn't get enough use in my opinion! (P.S. you don't need a fancy compressor, you can use any ice cream maker!)

    As a summer rule I make sure my fridge is stocked with heavy cream, half and half, and milk just in case the urge for ice cream hits!

    One bite of this homemade chocolate ice cream is like releasing a wave of rich flavor you won't be able to get enough of.

    chocolate ice cream cones and blue scooper

    Ingredients in the Chocolate Ice Cream

    This frozen delight is made with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry: 

    • Granulated sugar
    • Salt
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder 
    • Cornstarch
    • Heavy cream
    • Whole milk
    • Eggs
    • Semi-sweet chocolate 
    • Vanilla extract 

    Pure and simple foods for the best chocolate ice cream. I don’t recommend substituting any of the ingredients listed above for lower fat alternatives. You need all that fat to make a smooth and creamy ice cream! 

    all ingredients for chocolate ice cream
    homemade chocolate ice cream in a white paper cup

    How to Make Chocolate Ice Cream

    Having made ice cream so many times before in my test kitchen, I knew I wanted to add cocoa to deepen the chocolate flavor. Cream and milk can inhibit flavors because of the rich fats–so punch those flavors up a bit.

    I also changed the method of cooking. Custards can be tricky, and I think my method is foolproof! 

    I mix together any dry ingredients first to prevent clumping. The granules of sugar break up any lumps in the cocoa and cornstarch.

    Then whisk in the yolks, milk, and cream at the beginning of my cooking. Then they are fully mixed in before things start heating up.

    Try using my favorite style of whisk! A spiral whisk gets into every corner of the pan.

    adding ingredients to pan for chocolate ice cream

    Add the chopped chocolate and then whisk and stir constantly over the heat. The mixture will begin to thicken then start to bubble. Remove from heat after cooking.

    I suggest straining this hot mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of egg. This step just makes for an ultra-smooth texture.

    adding chocolate to ice cream mixture on stove

    The nice thing is you don't have to churn it right away. In fact, it's best if you let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight. 

    I left mine in the fridge for 3 days before I had time to churn it! The mixture needs time to — what we foodies call — cure or age. Read more about this below.

    When everything is set and ready, just pour the mixture into an ice cream compressor, or the chilled bowl of an ice cream churn, and mix according to the machine instructions. 

    close up of chocolate ice cream scoop in cone

    Why Does the Ice Cream Base Have to Age? 

    The scientific reasons for aging your ice cream base are diverse. Serious Eats covers the topic well here.

    Reason #1: Aging your ice cream base ensures it is completely, if not extra, cold. Your ice cream will churn and freeze faster if the base is cold, creating a more stable, smooth ice cream. 

    Reason #2: Aging your ice cream base allows the fat in the custard to solidify and crystalize, creating an ice cream that churns up lighter and fluffier because that strong structure can hold air better.

    Can I Skip the Aging Step? 

    If you don't have time to age or cure your base, you can skip it. Just make sure to cool it to lower than 40ºF over an ice bath before hitting the ice cream maker!

    two chocolate ice cream cones in a cup

    The Best Ice Cream Makers and Compressors 

    I really love my Breville compressor. This Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker is also an affordable option if you're going for a compressor workhorse. A compressor is an electric ice cream maker that doesn't require pre-freezing a bowl.

    For an ice cream maker version that uses a frozen bowl, try this Cuisinart electric churn. Simply freeze the bowl insert ahead of time and it stays cold just long enough to spin that easy homemade chocolate ice cream.

    If you're a traditionalist and want to use ice and rock salt to make your frozen dessert, I recommend this Hamilton Beach appliance. Oh, and be sure to use rock salt! Any other salt does not melt the ice properly.

    How Long Does Homemade Ice Cream Last? 

    I would totally understand if there isn't any ice cream left the day you make it (it's that delicious). 

    If you are really good at exercising self-control and you don't eat it all right out of the compressor, just transfer it to these Frozen Dessert Containers. I find them easier to scoop out of than plastic or metal containers. Plus they're just so cute. Or, simply keep your ice cream in an airtight container.

    Homemade ice cream will last about one month in the freezer. Because it’s made with simple, real ingredients, this chocolate custard ice cream can develop freezer burn more easily. So make sure to store it in an airtight container, even pressing plastic wrap right on the surface to keep air out! 

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    Tips for the Best Chocolate Ice Cream

    • This recipe uses whole milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks. Don’t substitute any of these ingredients for lower fat alternatives, otherwise, your ice cream won’t turn out ultra-rich and creamy. It may be icier in texture.
    • Use a good quality semi-sweet chocolate bar for this recipe. I prefer using an actual chocolate bar rather than chocolate chips because chocolate chips contain stabilizers that make them difficult to melt. You can also use high-quality chocolate pellets.
    • I highly recommend letting the ice cream base cure or age in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before churning it. Trust me, it makes a big difference in how the ice cream tastes, and the texture! 

    More Easy Ice Cream Recipes: 

    I mix delicious things into chocolate and vanilla ice cream to make 24 Different Ice Cream Flavors. 

    You can also make Mini Ice Cream Pops with ice cream and sprinkles.

    If you love classic ice cream flavors, be sure to make this Homemade Eggless Vanilla Ice Cream next! 

    Is coffee flavored ice cream your favorite? Try this Coffee Ice Cream recipe to satisfy those cravings.

    📖 Recipe

    chocolate ice cream scoops in cones with container

    Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

    Tara Teaspoon
    You'll never want to go out for ice cream again once you've made this recipe! A creamy smooth dessert that melts in your mouth. Recipe makes 4 cups ice cream base.
    4.67 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Work Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 7 hours hrs
    Course Dessert
    Servings 8 to 10 servings (2 pints total)

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
    • Pinch salt
    • 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 4 egg yolks
    • 4 oz semi sweet chocolate, (coarsely chopped)
    • 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • In a heavy saucepan combine the sugar, salt, cocoa and cornstarch, whisk to combine. Add the cream and milk and stir over medium-high heat. Whisk in the egg yolks.
      adding ingredients to pan for chocolate ice cream
    • Add the chocolate and cook, whisking constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the custard begins to thicken. When you see a bubble rise on the surface take the pan off the heat.
      adding chocolate to ice cream mixture on stove
    • Stir in the vanilla. For a very smooth texture, strain custard through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Set the bowl over an ice-bath, or cover the surface with plastic wrap and let it cool to room temperature.
    • Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
    • When ready to churn, remove from the fridge and churn according to your machine instructions. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid, at least 3 hours before serving.

    Notes

    1. Aging your ice cream base insures it is completely, if not extra, cold. Your ice cream will churn better if the base is cold, creating a more stable, smooth ice cream.
    2. Aging your ice cream base allows the fat in the custard to solidify and crystalize, creating an ice cream that churns up lighter and fluffier because that strong structure can hold air better.
    • Nutrition facts based on 8, ½-cup servings.  
    • This recipe makes 4 cups ice cream base.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 42mgPotassium: 204mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 1061IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 1mg
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    Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!

    More about Tara

    Recipe by Tara. Photography Con Poulos for LHJ 2012 and Tara Teaspoon

    Comments

      4.67 from 6 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    1. Megan says

      June 07, 2017 at 11:23 am

      You're right! This ice cream is to die for!! This will ruin my diet ???? ????

      Reply
      • Tara says

        June 07, 2017 at 11:26 am

        Haha! Indulge Megan! I'm glad you like it.

        Reply
    2. Renee - Kudos Kitchen says

      June 13, 2017 at 12:36 pm

      Love your tips about aging the ice cream base. Wonderful idea that I have never done, but will do now.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        June 18, 2017 at 5:52 pm

        Ohh good! I'm so glad. It's a very good trick for making luscious ice cream.

        Reply
    3. Kristen M Chidsey says

      June 13, 2017 at 12:43 pm

      I have NEVER aged my ice cream base--I am beyond excited to try this method out.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        June 18, 2017 at 6:03 pm

        Let me know if you notice the difference!

        Reply
    4. Mary Bench says

      July 16, 2018 at 6:10 pm

      What a great idea! I'm anxious to try this!

      Reply
    5. Brittany Smart says

      July 19, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      So perfect for Ice Cream month!

      Reply
    6. Michael S. says

      April 14, 2019 at 10:28 am

      I cooked this ice cream a few days ago and you know what... This is one of the best chocolate ice cream recipes I've ever tried! My kids loved it! I added some ginger this time and it turned out perfect. I'm going to add strawberries next time 🙂

      Reply
    7. Rachel says

      June 10, 2019 at 10:17 am

      This looks fantastic! Making ice cream is on our summer bucket list. My husband has a corn allergy...can't use corn starch...thoughts on suitable substitutions? We've got lots of things in the cupboard but they all have different textures...arrowroot, tapioca, etc. 😉

      Reply
      • Tara says

        June 10, 2019 at 12:04 pm

        Hi. I haven't tested this recipe with a cornstarch substitute, but I would recommend trying tapioca. It needs to be finely ground into a powder for best results. Don't use arrowroot as that makes dairy based recipes a little gluey. All the best! Hope it's delicious!

        Reply
      • Taylor says

        December 31, 2021 at 11:53 pm

        Could I substitute the dairy for full fat coconut milk?

        Reply
        • Tara Teaspoon says

          January 10, 2022 at 10:26 am

          While I haven't tested making the ice cream with full fat coconut milk, it will work to make ice cream, it will just result in a very different texture. Coconut milk will create a creamy, but almost flaky consistency. Let me know how it goes!

          Reply
    8. Charmander says

      September 30, 2019 at 3:44 am

      How can the Nutrition Facts possibly be correct? 124 grams of fat and 1640 calories per serving?

      Reply
      • Tara says

        September 30, 2019 at 10:57 am

        Hi Claudia, I hadn't set the Nutrition facts for a single serving, just for the entire recipe. Thanks for your note. It is now based on 1/2-cup servings!!

        Reply

    Hi, I'm Tara Teaspoon!

    I’ve been sharing my original ideas for years. What began as a passion, turned into a publishing career as Food Editor at Martha Stewart Living and Ladies’ Home Journal magazines.

    Now I write cookbooks, and share delicious recipes and expert cooking tips with you here! Thanks for stopping by Tara Teaspoon!

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