Decadent Chocolate Bliss Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Indulge in the rich, creamy, and smooth texture of this homemade chocolate ice cream. With every bite, you’ll experience a perfect balance of deep, intense cocoa flavor and velvety sweetness. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or simply seeking a treat that delivers pure indulgence, this decadent chocolate ice cream will hit all the right notes. It’s the ideal dessert to cool off on a warm day, serve at a gathering, or enjoy as a personal treat. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients and is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • A pinch of salt

  • 4 large egg yolks

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add the whole milk and heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to warm, stirring constantly.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth and slightly pale.

  3. Slowly pour the warm cocoa mixture into the egg yolks while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Once the eggs are warmed, return the mixture to the saucepan.

  4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, until it thickens and reaches about 170°F (77°C). This should take about 5-7 minutes.

  5. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.

  6. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

  7. Once cooled, refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

  8. Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

  9. Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4-6 servings. The preparation time is approximately 25 minutes, and the freezing time will take an additional 4-5 hours, so plan to make the ice cream in advance. The total time, including chilling and freezing, is around 5-7 hours.

Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Version: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks to the ice cream mixture during the last few minutes of churning for added texture.

  • Mint Chocolate Bliss: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the base before churning to create a mint chocolate ice cream variant.

  • Nutty Delight: For a bit of crunch, consider adding crushed nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans during the churning process.

  • Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream: Replace the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks for the best texture and flavor. Make sure to allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly, as homemade ice cream can become quite firm when frozen.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the chilled ice cream mixture into a shallow baking dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up the ice crystals, continuing this process until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can make a no-egg version of this chocolate ice cream by substituting the eggs with cornstarch as a thickener. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small amount of milk, then add it to the mixture when heating. Be aware that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

For the best results, use unsweetened cocoa powder, as it provides a deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder works well for a smoother, milder taste, but natural cocoa powder can also be used for a more intense flavor.

Can I make this ice cream ahead of time?

Absolutely! This ice cream can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer and allow it to soften slightly before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply swap the heavy cream and milk with your preferred non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. Ensure that the texture and consistency are maintained by selecting full-fat versions for the best results.

Can I add flavorings to the base, like coffee or spices?

Yes! You can infuse the milk and cream mixture with different flavorings such as a shot of espresso for a mocha twist or spices like cinnamon and chili powder for a unique flavor profile. Simply add the spices to the milk mixture while heating it.

How do I achieve a creamier texture?

The key to a creamy texture is proper churning and freezing. Make sure to churn the mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions and freeze it until firm. Using full-fat dairy or coconut milk will also help improve the creaminess of the ice cream.

How long will this ice cream last in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream is best eaten within 1-2 weeks for optimal texture and flavor, but it will remain safe to eat for longer if stored correctly in an airtight container.

Can I use sweetened cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

Sweetened cocoa powder can be used, but it will make the ice cream much sweeter. If you do use sweetened cocoa, reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe to avoid making the ice cream overly sweet.

Is this recipe suitable for children?

Yes, this chocolate ice cream is suitable for children, but please ensure that it is stored safely and that the children are eating it in moderation due to the rich chocolate content.

Conclusion

This decadent chocolate bliss ice cream is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. It offers the perfect combination of richness, creaminess, and intense cocoa flavor, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you are indulging on your own or sharing it with friends and family, this homemade ice cream is sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable variations, you’ll find yourself making this recipe time and time again.

Print

Decadent Chocolate Bliss Ice Cream

A rich, creamy chocolate ice cream that’s perfect for chocolate lovers, offering a luxurious treat with every bite.

  • Author: sarra
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 5-6 hours (including chilling and freezing)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Churned
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large egg yolks

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the cream, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is hot and the sugar has dissolved.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
  3. Gradually temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring in a small amount of the hot cream mixture while whisking constantly.
  4. Once the egg yolks are tempered, slowly pour them back into the saucepan with the cream mixture, whisking continuously.
  5. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F to 175°F).
  6. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  9. Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  10. Serve and enjoy your decadent chocolate bliss ice cream!

Notes

  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use bittersweet chocolate chips or a combination of semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate.
  • Ensure the ice cream mixture is completely chilled before churning to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
  • If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a container, stirring every 30 minutes for the first few hours to break up ice crystals.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: chocolate ice cream, decadent, homemade ice cream, rich dessert, chocolate lovers

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