Craving chocolate ice cream but don’t want to run to the store? Good news — you can make rich, creamy chocolate ice cream at home with just a few simple ingredients. No ice cream maker? No problem! This recipe works with or without a machine and delivers results better than store-bought.
Whether you’re making it for kids, a summer party, or a late-night chocolate fix, this recipe is fail-proof, quick, and totally addictive.
🍫 Ingredients You’ll Need
Version 1 — Classic No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream (No Machine)
- 2 cups (1 can / 400ml) cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397g)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional, but enhances chocolate flavor)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whip the cream
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream using a mixer until stiff peaks form. - Mix the base
In another bowl, whisk together condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until smooth. - Combine gently
Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture slowly. Don’t overmix — keeping it airy makes the ice cream light and creamy. - Freeze
Pour into a loaf pan or airtight container, cover, and freeze for at least 6 hours (overnight for best texture). - Scoop & enjoy!
Let it sit for 3 minutes before scooping for that perfect, soft-serve texture.
🍦 Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Variations
| Add-In | Flavor Name |
|---|---|
| Chopped Oreos | Chocolate Cookies & Cream |
| Roasted Almonds | Chocolate Almond Crunch |
| Chocolate Chips | Double Chocolate Chip |
| Caramel Swirl | Salted Caramel Chocolate |
| Chili Powder | Mexican Hot Chocolate |
🍨 Prefer a Cooking Version? Try the Cooked Custard-Style Ice Cream
This version uses eggs and is super rich and silky, like premium gelato.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 egg yolks
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
- Heat milk, cream, sugar, and cocoa in a saucepan (don’t boil).
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks.
- Slowly pour warm mixture into egg yolks, stirring constantly.
- Pour back into the pot and cook on low until thick.
- Cool completely → freeze or use ice cream maker.
✅ Tips for the Best Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream
- Use good quality cocoa powder — it makes a huge difference!
- Don’t skip vanilla and salt — they enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Cover well while freezing to prevent ice crystals.
🍧 Serving Ideas
- Top with chocolate syrup, nuts, or whipped cream
- Sandwich between cookies or brownies for dessert sandwiches
- Serve in waffle cones for summer parties
Final Thoughts
Making chocolate ice cream at home is shockingly easy, budget-friendly, and tastes purely homemade. Whether you choose the no-churn version or the custard-style, one thing is guaranteed:
Your family will beg you to make it again!