Skip to main content

Easy Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Image
Donna Urso

Dreaming of a decadent scoop of homemade chocolate ice cream that is fuss-free? This recipe is your answer! Made with a flavorful blend of cocoa powder, dark brown sugar, and heavy cream, this homemade ice cream delivers rich chocolate flavor with the help of your trusty ice cream maker.

The best part? You don't need a complicated custard base. This is an egg-free recipe that doesn't require any cooking!

The Best Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream in an Ice Cream Maker

This post includes affiliate links
Three scoops of chocolate ice cream in a white bowl

It's easy as 1-2-3! You'll mix the base ingredients. Chill them and then churn in your (#AD) ice cream maker. So, ditch the store-bought tubs and whip up a batch of this delightful homemade chocolate ice cream. It's sure to become a new favorite!

Making ice cream at home is a fun activity to do with kids and grandkids. My granddaughters love gathering around the ice cream machine watching it churn the ice cream.  I  love knowing that The ice cream we make together has simple, delicious ingredients!

This recipe leverages heavy cream for ice cream enthusiasts who crave a superbly smooth, classic texture without the need for eggs or turning on a hot stove.  Your ice cream machine (#AD)ice cream machine will churn the base into a smooth, creamy delight.

This is the ice cream maker  (#AD) I use.

A picture of a Cuisinart Ice Cream Machine

You Will Need:

Heavy cream: Heavy cream adds body, creaminess, and a smooth mouth feel to your ice cream.

Almond milk: Just a little of a lighter milk product is added.  You can use whole milk, half & half, oat milk, or anything you prefer.

Brown sugar: Using brown sugar in addition to granulated sugar adds depth of flavor.

Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder is less acidic. Use a good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.

Vanilla extract: Always!

Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the chocolate.

Vodka: Vodka is optional but will help to control ice crystal formation.







Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chocolate ice cream without an ice cream maker?

 Yes! There are "no-churn" recipes that use whipped cream and condensed milk to achieve a creamy texture without churning. These recipes may not be as scooping-firm as churned ice cream. I prefer churned ice cream.

How long will homemade ice cream keep? 

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. I like to use deli containers like these. I like to use deli containers like these. The texture may become icy over time so it's best to use your ice cream quickly.

My ice cream is too icy! What went wrong?

 This can happen if the ice cream wasn't churned long enough or if it wasn't stored in an airtight container. I recommend a little vodka be added to help with iciness. You can try letting the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature before scooping, or you can re-churn it to try and break up some of the ice crystals.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed cocoa?

Regular cocoa powder is more acidic than Dutch-processed cocoa. This can result in a slightly tangy flavor and a looser texture in your ice cream. If you do substitute, you may want to add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.

Why do you use both granulated and brown sugar?

 Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with the texture of the ice cream. Brown sugar adds a deeper, richer flavor profile to the chocolate.

Can I use all granulated sugar or all brown sugar?

Yes, you can experiment! Using all granulated sugar will result in a sweeter, cleaner chocolate flavor. Using all brown sugar will create a more complex, caramel-chocolate flavor. I encourage you to experiment and make this recipe your own.

For another easy, ice cream maker recipe here's how I make vanilla ice cream in my ice cream machine.


The Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

homemade ice cream, Cuisinart ice cream maker
dessert, summer desserts
American
Yield: 10
Author: Donna Urso
Easy Chocolate Ice Cream

Easy Chocolate Ice Cream

Make this easy, chocolatey, no-egg ice cream in your ice cream maker.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 20 MinInactive time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 25 M

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a pitcher, whisk together the cocoa, sugars and salt. Using a whisk, beat to combine until the cocoa, sugars and salt are well combined.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, vanilla., and vodka, if using. Whisk vigorously to dissolve the sugars. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours, or overnight. Stir occasionally.
  3. Pour the mixture into the frozen freezer bowl of you ice cream maker and let mix until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours.
  5. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Enjoy the ice cream immediately for soft serve. Freeze for an hour or two if you prefer firm ice cream.

Recommended Products

Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Ice Cream Machine

Quart Storage Containers

Set of Three Baking Scoops

Nutrition Facts

Calories

270.96

Fat (grams)

20.47 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

12.84 g

Carbs (grams)

22.56 g

Fiber (grams)

2.45 g

Net carbs

20.12 g

Sugar (grams)

18.86 g

Protein (grams)

2.88 g

Sodium (milligrams)

46.27 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

60.51 mg

Nutrional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

https://www.justonedonna.com/2024/05/easy-homemade-chocolate-ice-cream.html
©Just One Donna

Comments

Post a Comment

Talk to me. I welcome your comments. (These comments are strictly moderated. Spammers take note.)

More Popular Posts

Grandma's Soft and Chewy Date-Filled Cookies

Donna Urso
One of the things I can count on as the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons arrive each year is a feeling of nostalgia. The traditional foods we serve at our family's holiday tables can sure bring out all the feels. Now that it is officially cookie season, we should kick it off with an old-fashioned homemade date-filled cookie recipe. This is a soft, tender cookie with dates that is a special, nostalgic, family recipe.   An Old-Fashioned Date Cookies Recipe This old-fashioned, date-filled cookie was my dad's favorite cookie from his childhood. My dad was born in 1932 so this recipe has been around for quite a while. 
16 comments
Read more

How to Make a Perfect Bacon and Eggs Breakfast

Donna Urso
In my opinion, the best breakfast consists of two perfectly fried eggs, crispy bacon, and toast made with hearty bread. This bacon and eggs recipe delivers. Bacon and eggs or eggs and bacon? No matter, it is definitely the breakfast you want on those lazy mornings when you have time to relax around the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee or two. The Best Bacon and Eggs Breakfast (This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  When you make a purchase using these links you help support this blog.) How to Cook Bacon and Eggs My technique was learned from my mom, by watching her make our family's breakfast over and over again, year after year.  This is a basted egg recipe which means the eggs are cooked in bacon grease. Cooking eggs in bacon fat is easy and takes just a little practice to perfect. All you really need for a great bacon and eggs breakfast is a good nonstick skillet and a good toaster . If you want to make your own bre...
2 comments
Read more

Traditional New England Whoopie Pies

Donna Urso
Are you searching for the ultimate, classic New England whoopie pie recipe? Look no further! Whoopie pies are a beloved treat, a nostalgic dessert that evokes childhood memories and continues to delight today. My mom would make them for us every once in a while. Oh, what a treat to come home from school to a platter of chocolate whoopie pies! This recipe, inspired by traditional Maine-style whoopie pies, comes from my family recipe box. It delivers soft, chocolatey cakes with a rich, creamy cooked filling – no marshmallow fluff needed! The Best Whoopie Pies Recipe without Marshmallow Fluff This post includes affiliate links. Whoopie pies are essentially handheld cake sandwiches: soft, round, cake-like cookies embracing a luscious, creamy filling.  While their origin is debated, New Englanders proudly claim them as their own. This recipe focuses on the traditional Maine-style filling, a cooked flour and milk mixture that creates a uniquely satisfying t...
9 comments
Read more

The Best Asian Dipping Sauce You'll Ever Taste

Donna Urso
If you're looking for a versatile, easy-to-make Asian dipping sauce perfect for sushi and dumplings, then you've come to the right place. This recipe for the best Asian dipping sauce is perfect for any time you want a  kick of delicious Asian flavor. An Asian Dipping Sauce for Sushi and Dumplings Try this if you are looking for a dipping sauce that is a little more flavorful than you typically get with your takeout order. You'll love it with dumplings, too!
2 comments
Read more

The Ultimate Cinnamon Swirl Bread: A Bread Machine Recipe

Donna Urso
Today's recipe will fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma and lots of smiles. It's homemade cinnamon swirl bread made with your bread machine Easy Cinnamon Swirl Bread in Your Bread Machine  This post includes affiliate links. This recipe brings together the ease of your trusty bread machine with the deliciousness of a warm, sweet, and perfectly swirled cinnamon bread. Get ready for a slice of pure comfort!
Post a Comment
Read more

Coffee and Dessert-A Perfect Pairing

Donna Urso
Coffee and dessert go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly, night and day, or Thelma and Louise. I've teamed up with three blogging friends who love coffee and dessert as much as I do to bring you three of their favorite fall desserts to pair with three specialty coffee drinks I've made in the Ninja Coffee Bar System. I was very excited to receive this Ninja Coffee Bar System (Model CF092) to review.  I am by no means a coffee snob but I do like a good cup of coffee.  I also like a coffee maker that is easy to use and can be depended on to produce a consistent cup of coffee day in and day-out.  In the past few years, I have used a Keurig single-serving system, a French press, and a Cuisinart drip coffee maker. The Keurig is sitting on a shelf in my basement, the French press is on a high shelf in the kitchen and the Cuisinart sits in my beverage center waiting for me to return to it while I take the Ninja Coffee Bar System for a test drive.   I have...
55 comments
Read more

Five Keys to Growing A Healthy Ficus Tree

Donna Urso
Have you ever wondered how a single Ficus benjamina tree could become a beloved part of your home for decades, thriving and growing alongside your family?  If you haven’t yet, you might consider the addition of this living, air-purifying companion in your home that not only beautifies your space but also stands the test of time.  You may know this tree as either a Ficus benjamina or a weeping fig.   I have loved growing a ficus tree in my home for 36 years. It’s remarkable that I've had this tree for so long.   How to Grow A Ficus Tree Inside for Decades This post includes affiliate links. I may receive compensation when you use these links. When thinking about how I managed to keep this indoor ficus tree happy, healthy, and growing strong all these years it boiled down to five key Ficus benjamina plant care tips. Follow these tips and you can have a happy, healthy ficus tree in your home for many years, too.
22 comments
Read more

Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Donna Urso
Are you looking for an easy dinner roll recipe? The easiest way to make fresh dinner rolls is with your bread machine. Relax while you use the dough setting of your bread machine to get the time-intensive steps out of the way. You'll be delighted with the results of this easy bread machine dinner roll recipe. The best bread machine dinner rolls are the ones you make yourself. How to Make Bread Machine Dinner Rolls This post contains Amazon affiliate links. When you use your bread machine to make dinner rolls most of the work is done by the machine.  You'll be delighted with how easy it is to make fresh rolls. While most of the work is being done by the bread machine you can be doing something else.
4 comments
Read more

Amaretti Cookies for Your Christmas Cookie Platter

Donna Urso
Are you looking for Christmas cookie suggestions? During the holiday season, while you're pondering classic Christmas cookie favorites like sugar cookies and gingerbread men, consider adding a touch of Italian flair to your Christmas cookie platter.  Try Amaretti, delicate Italian almond cookies, with a subtly sweet flavor and crumbly texture. They are sure to become a cherished family treat. These classic Italian cookies have become a favorite Christmas cookie at my house. How to Make Classic Italian Amaretti Cookies Homemade Amaretti cookies bring a touch of sophistication and elegance to any dessert spread, making them perfect holiday treats. Their crisp, slightly chewy texture offers a delightful contrast to the usual soft, gooey holiday desserts. With a subtle almond sweetness, these cookies appeal to adults and kids alike and bring a taste of Italy to your holiday table. What Are Amaretti Cookies? Amaretti cookies have a rich history i...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Doctor Up Store-Bought Potato Salad

Donna Urso
Here's a potato salad time-saver for you just in time for summer cookouts. You'll love how you can transform grocery store potato salad so easily no matter whether you are hosting a BBQ or bringing a side dish for a summer barbecue. There's no judgment here. We don't always have the time to make a potato salad from scratch. Sometimes it is just easier to stop by your local grocery store to pick up a container of store-made potato salad. It's good. It's predictable.  It will do.  All it needs is a little doctoring. How to Make Store-Bought Potato Salad Better When you need a quick potato salad, and have no time to make one from scratch, that ordinary store-bought potato salad you have in your refrigerator can go from blah to amazing in just a few minutes with just a few ingredients. Yes, you can improve store-bought potato salad. How to Doctor Up Potato Salad to have a little more flavor? You're going to a potluck picnic or you are having...
3 comments
Read more