Hey there, fellow chocolate lovers! Are you ready to indulge in the richest, creamiest, and most decadent ice cream experience ever? Look no further than this Double Chocolate Ice Cream recipe. Imagine a velvety smooth ice cream packed with the deep flavors of both cocoa powder and real chocolate, all made in the comfort of your own home. Trust me, this is a game-changer! Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream aficionado or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Double Chocolate Ice Cream is a must-try:
Versatile
Customize with your favorite mix-ins—chocolate chips, nuts, or even candy pieces. The possibilities are endless!
Budget-Friendly
While high-quality chocolate might seem pricey, making it at home saves you money in the long run. Plus, you get to enjoy it guilt-free!
Quick and Easy (Prep)
Yes, it takes time to churn, but prep is a breeze. Just mix, chill, and churn—no complicated steps here!
Customizable
Want a lighter texture? Use more milk. Prefer a stronger chocolate flavor? Add more cocoa powder or use dark chocolate. It’s all up to you!
Crowd-Pleasing
This ice cream is the ultimate treat for any gathering. Whether it’s a birthday party or just a Tuesday, everyone will love it.
Ingredients in Double Chocolate Ice Cream
Let’s break down the magic behind this ice cream:
Heavy Cream
The base for that rich, creamy texture. Don’t skimp on quality here!
Whole Milk
Adds moisture and helps balance the richness of the cream.
Granulated Sugar
Sweetens without overpowering the other flavors. You can also use brown sugar for a slightly different taste.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened or Dutch-processed—both work beautifully. This gives the ice cream its deep chocolate flavor.
Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate
Adds an intense chocolate taste and a smooth texture.
Egg Yolks
Provide a custard base for the creamiest texture. Tempering is key!
Vanilla Extract
A hint of warmth and depth. Don’t skip it!
Salt
A pinch enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
(Full measurements in the recipe card below!)
Instructions
Prepare the Custard Base
- Combine Cream and Cocoa: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup of the heavy cream and cocoa powder over medium heat until the cocoa dissolves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 seconds, whisking constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup of cream. Set aside.
- Make the Milk Mixture: In the same saucepan, combine whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Temper the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the egg-milk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a custard and coats the back of a spoon (about 170-175°F).
- Combine with Chocolate: Pour the custard through a strainer into the chocolate-cream mixture. Stir in melted semisweet chocolate until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
Chill and Churn
- Chill the Custard: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, preferably overnight.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 373
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours
Churn Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
How to Serve Double Chocolate Ice Cream
Pair it with:
- Fresh berries or a berry compote for a sweet contrast
- Whipped cream or chocolate shavings for added richness
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for a salty-sweet combination
- A sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness
Additional Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Chill the mixture thoroughly before churning for a smoother texture.
- Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder or add espresso powder.
FAQs
Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan and blend in a food processor once frozen solid. Repeat this process a few times until smooth.
What if I don’t have semisweet chocolate?
You can substitute with bittersweet or dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?
Chill the mixture thoroughly before churning and use an ice cream maker for the smoothest texture.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely! Add your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or candy pieces during the last few minutes of churning.
How long does it take to churn?
About 20-30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.
Can I use low-fat cream?
It’s possible, but the texture might be lighter and less rich.
How do I store leftover ice cream?
Keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use non-dairy milk and vegan chocolate for the ice cream.
Why is my ice cream too icy?
This could be due to insufficient chilling or using low-quality ingredients. Try chilling longer or using a higher ratio of cream to milk.
Can I multiply this recipe?
Yes! Simply double or triple the ingredients for more ice cream.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a decadent Double Chocolate Ice Cream recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. It’s a journey worth taking, with each scoop a testament to the magic of rich, velvety chocolate. So, go ahead, grab your ice cream maker, and let’s get churning!
Print
Double Chocolate Ice Cream: The Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Double Chocolate Ice Cream is bursting with rich cocoa flavor and extra chocolate intensity. The smooth, creamy base is enhanced by a deep chocolate custard and studded with chocolate chunks for an indulgent treat perfect for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large egg yolks (for a custard-style base; optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Prepare the Base:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and cocoa dissolve and the mixture is hot (do not boil).
-
Temper the Egg Yolks:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
- Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
- Return the tempered yolks to the saucepan, stirring continuously.
- Cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
-
Cool & Flavor:
- Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.
- Stir in the chopped dark chocolate.
- Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely cold.
-
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20-25 minutes).
- If desired, add extra chocolate chips during the last few minutes of churning.
-
Freeze & Serve:
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
- Scoop and enjoy your rich double chocolate treat!
Notes
- Using egg yolks creates a richer, custard-style ice cream; you can omit them for a simpler, Philadelphia-style ice cream.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, try using high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
- Stir in additional chocolate chips or swirls of chocolate sauce during the final stages of churning if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg