Chocolate lovers rejoice! This Dark Chocolate Ice Cream recipe is packed full of rich chocolaty flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ice cream is a great way to cool down on hot summer days. I love making it homemade like my Cherry Ice Cream, Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, and my son’s favorite – Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream.
Making your own ice cream at home is easier than you think! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be churning out homemade dark chocolate ice cream that’s richer and tastier than anything you could buy at the store. The best part is – you can make this recipe with or without an ice cream maker.
Why This Recipe Works
- The rich, deep flavor of semi-sweet chocolate and dark cocoa powder are combined to give this ice cream its signature taste.
- Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness without additional sugar while providing an ultra-creamy texture.
- A little salt balances out all those delicious flavors to make it the ultimate comfort food treat you can enjoy on these hot summer days.
Create Your Own Flavors
This delicious and versatile dark chocolate ice cream can be enjoyed on its own, or you can make your own flavors by adding different ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or peanut butter cups—your choices are endless!
There are many different ways to customize your ice cream to create the perfect flavor for your taste buds. No matter how you enjoy it, this dark chocolate ice cream will satisfy your cravings!
Ingredient Notes
- Chocolate – We use dark chocolate with around 55% cocoa solids because it melts quickly and is not too sweet.
- Condensed Milk – Use sweetened condensed milk. It adds sweetness and gives the ice cream a creamy consistency as it won’t freeze solid.
- Whipping Cream – I use heavy whipping cream, but you can use any whipping cream available in your region as double cream in the UK and Australia (single cream is not suitable).
- Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened dark cocoa powder provides a deep rich color, but any unsweetened cocoa powder will suffice if you don’t have it.
- Salt – We use kosher salt, but you can use any salt you have on hand.
Step By Step Instructions
Melt the chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until it is smooth and fluid. For detailed instructions, see my post on how to melt chocolate.
Add the condensed milk, cream, cocoa powder, and salt to a mixing bowl and set aside to cool.
Add the cooled melted chocolate.
Mix until combined.
Add the mixture to an ice cream maker or food processor.
If your mixture has lumps, strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
To make the ice cream using a food processor, beat the mixture using the chopping blade until thick and smooth.
To make it in an ice cream maker, churn the ice cream until it thickens.
Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for one to four hours before serving.
Erren’s Top Tips & Variations
- Use good quality chocolate for the best possible flavor.
- Be sure to allow the melted chocolate to cool. Warm chocolate will make the mixture harder to thicken and extend the chilling time.
- Sifting the cocoa powder will help to avoid lumps in your mixture. If clumps form, just strain them through a fine sieve.
- When using an ice cream maker, be sure to freeze the bowl before starting.
- For no churn ice cream, mix the chocolate into the condensed first and add the cold cream slowly to avoid seizing the chocolate, causing a grainy consistency.
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Let’s Make Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 6 oz good-quality dark chocolate chopped
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk one 14oz/400g can
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder sifted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whipping cream cold
Instructions
- Put the chocolate in a medium-sized heatproof bowl and melt it over a double boiler until smooth and fluid. Set aside to cool.
Ice Cream Maker
- Mix all of the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl until combined.
- Add the mixture to the frozen bowl of an ice cream maker (if it has lumps, you can strain it through a fine sieve) and churn until it thickens to soft serve consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for two to three hours before serving.
No Churn Method
- Mix the cooled chocolate with the condensed milk. Add the cocoa powder and salt and mix to combine. Slowly mix in the cream until combined.
- If the mixture has lumps, you can strain it through a fine sieve. Beat the mixture using a mixer or food processor fitted with the chopping blade until the mixture thickens to a whipped cream consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze three to four hours before serving.
Tova says
Everyone loved it. I made this twice. The first batch was grainy.. The 2nd batch was perfect because I strained the mix through a sieve prior to freezing. perfect and smooth. It would have helped if I had read the instructions fully as this was stated there. eExcellent.
Erren Hart says
I’m delighted to hear that everyone loved your chocolate ice cream! Making it twice and learning from the first batch’s grainy texture shows your dedication to perfecting the recipe. Straining the ice cream mix through a sieve before freezing was a brilliant idea and clearly made a significant difference, resulting in a smooth and perfect texture in the second batch.
It’s not uncommon for small details or important steps to be missed when trying out a new recipe. Reading the instructions thoroughly and following them carefully can make a significant impact on the final outcome. But it seems like you nailed it with the second batch, and that’s fantastic!
Creating smooth and creamy ice cream can sometimes require a bit of finesse, and your experience shows how attention to detail and a willingness to learn can lead to excellent results. Keep up the great work, and I’m sure your chocolate ice cream will continue to be a hit with everyone who gets to enjoy it. Happy ice cream making!
Erren Hart says
Thank you for leaving a comment about this recipe. Your feedback is appreciated, and I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for future recipes. Thanks again for trying it out and sharing your thoughts!
Franny says
This recipe is amazing! It’s so rich and chocolaty, with the perfect amount of sweetness. It’s definitely my new favorite ice cream recipe
Erren Hart says
I’m so glad to hear it! Thank you for trying out this recipe and for leaving such a positive review. We’re glad you enjoyed it and hope you’ll come back again soon!
Erren Hart says
Thank you for trying our recipe and for leaving such a positive review. We’re glad you enjoyed it!
Erren Hart says
Thank you for your kind words, Donna! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed our Dark Chocolate Ice Cream. It’s one of our favorite flavors, and we’re glad it lived up to your expectations. Thanks again for trying it, and we hope you’ll enjoy it again soon.
Erren Hart says
Wonderful, Kris! So happy to hear it!