Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Recipe By:

Juniper

Posted:

July 25, 2025

Updated:

July 25, 2025

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Rich, creamy, and ultra chocolatey, this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer BBQ, or simply craving a delicious dessert, this recipe delivers the kind of indulgence you’d expect from your favorite ice cream shop—all from the comfort of your home. The rich flavor and smooth texture will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create this decadent ice cream.
Creamy texture: The combination of heavy cream and whole milk ensures a rich and velvety ice cream that melts in your mouth.
Versatile flavor: Enjoy it on its own or use it as a base for sundaes, floats, or shakes.
Customizable: Add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to make it uniquely yours.
Perfect for gatherings: This recipe serves up to 12 people, making it ideal for parties or family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your homemade chocolate ice cream, gather the necessary tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Ice cream maker
Large saucepan
Medium bowl
Whisk
Fine mesh strainer
Heatproof spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Ice cream maker: This tool churns the mixture to create that soft-serve texture we all love.
Large saucepan: Perfect for cooking the custard evenly without burning.
Fine mesh strainer: Ensures a smooth custard by removing any lumps or cooked egg bits.

Ingredients

Rich, creamy and ultra chocolatey, this is the BEST Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream ever. Just like your local creamery without leaving the house.

For the Base

2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I always use Hershey’s)
2 ounces finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
5 large egg yolks

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, and cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Once simmering, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate and vanilla extract until fully melted.

Step 2: Dissolve Sugar

Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar to the milk mixture. Return to a simmer while whisking occasionally to ensure all sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Combine Egg Yolks

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar and egg yolks until slightly thickened and light in color. Gradually add 1/4 cup of the warm milk mixture while continuously whisking. Repeat until all milk is combined with the egg mixture.

Step 4: Create an Ice Bath

Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water. Place another medium bowl inside it and set aside a fine mesh strainer over this bowl.

Step 5: Cook Custard

Transfer your combined cream mixture back into 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 the bowl resting in your ice bath to cool down quickly.

Step 6: Chill

Refrigerate your custard until it’s cold—this can take about an hour or overnight if you prefer.

Step 7: Freeze in Ice Cream Maker

Pour your chilled custard into an electric ice cream maker. Freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Transfer it into an airtight container and freeze until firm.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate ice cream!

How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Serving your Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this rich treat.

With Toppings

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture that complements the creamy ice cream.
Chocolate Syrup: Drizzling chocolate syrup on top intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds a glossy finish.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy contrast to the smooth ice cream.
Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or raspberries for a fruity tartness that balances the sweetness.

In Dessert Bowls

Sundae Style: Layer your ice cream with fudge, nuts, and cherries for a classic sundae treat.
Affogato: Pour hot espresso over a scoop of chocolate ice cream for an indulgent coffee dessert.
Milkshake: Blend a scoop of ice cream with milk and enjoy a thick, chocolatey milkshake.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

Cookies: Use soft-baked cookies like chocolate chip or peanut butter to create delicious ice cream sandwiches.
Waffles: Place ice cream between two warm waffles for a unique twist on the classic sandwich.

How to Perfect Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

To ensure your Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe turns out wonderfully every time, keep these tips in mind.

Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: Choosing a premium cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor and richness.
Chill Your Mixture Thoroughly: Allowing your custard to chill completely before churning helps achieve the best texture.
Don’t Overfill Your Ice Cream Maker: Filling it too much can prevent proper churning and lead to uneven consistency.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to tweak sugar levels based on your preference for sweetness; taste as you go!
Store Properly: Use an airtight container and cover the surface with plastic wrap before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Let it Soften Before Serving: Allowing the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes makes scooping easier.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your rich homemade chocolate ice cream can create a delightful combination. Here are some great options.

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies add a sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with creamy ice cream.
Brownies: Fudgy brownies bring even more chocolate goodness to your dessert table.
Pecan Pie: The nutty flavors of pecan pie complement the richness of the chocolate ice cream beautifully.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and balance against the heavy chocolate flavor.
Banana Bread: Warm banana bread adds warmth and comforting flavors alongside chilled ice cream.
Apple Crisp: The spiced apples and crumbly topping create a delicious contrast with cool, creamy ice cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your dessert. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

Using low-quality cocoa powder: High-quality cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor. Always opt for brands like Hershey’s for rich taste.
Skipping the egg yolks: Egg yolks add creaminess and richness to your ice cream. Don’t omit them; they are essential for a smooth texture.
Not cooling the custard properly: Failing to chill the custard before churning can lead to icy ice cream. Make sure it’s completely cold for best results.
Overchurning the ice cream: Over-churning can make your ice cream too dense. Stop when it reaches a soft-serve consistency, then transfer it to freeze.
Ignoring storage conditions: Improper storage can lead to freezer burn. Use airtight containers and store it in the coldest part of your freezer.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover homemade chocolate ice cream in an airtight container.
It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

For long-term storage, freeze your homemade chocolate ice cream in a sealed container.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its quality.

Reheating Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and place the ice cream in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-30 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals until softened.
Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until slightly melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Ensure you use dairy-free chocolate as well.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference for sweetness and richness in your homemade chocolate ice cream recipe.

What can I add to my homemade chocolate ice cream?

Consider adding mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of caramel or peanut butter for extra flavor and texture!

Why is my homemade chocolate ice cream icy?

Icy texture usually occurs due to insufficient churning or not allowing the custard to cool completely before freezing. Following the instructions closely will help avoid this issue.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various mix-ins or flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and create your own delicious variations!