This is the best homemade chocolate ice cream on the block! With homey old-fashioned flavor, it’s rich, decadent, and creamy plus it only requires 7 ingredients to churn.
Why this recipe works
This homemade chocolate ice cream recipe is decadent, silky, creamy, and one hundred percent scoopable. What more could you want from classic old-fashioned chocolate ice cream? It’s about as rich as they come. The pinch of salt added helps the chocolate flavor shine even more. I’ve been making this ice cream 2008 without fail, I think you’re going to love it just as much as us!
You will in fact need an ice cream maker for this recipe, but if you’re looking for a no-churn version, check out our chocolate ice cream recipe.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
HEAVY CREAM – Ice cream gets its creamy texture from its fat content. Therefore, if you substitute milk for the heavy whipping cream, the texture of the finished ice cream will be less smooth and rich. I would suggest sticking to heavy cream for this recipe, but you can experiment if you wish.
EGGS – The eggs bring a bit of body to ice cream helping it become creamy and rich. They work to emulsify the mixture. If you are nervous about using them in ice cream, I would suggest opting for pasteurized eggs.
CHOCOLATE – Choose a good quality bar of unsweetened chocolate for this recipe.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Melt the unsweetened chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, not boiling water.
EXPERT TIP – Don’t have a double boiler? You can use a heat-safe boil, such as a stainless steel bowl, instead. Be sure it fits over your saucepan. You do not want the water to touch the bottom of the bowl.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time, then continue whisking until completely blended, about 1 minute more.
- Add the cream, vanilla, and salt and whisk to blend.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the cream mixture and blend.
- Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 1-3 hours, depending on your refrigerator.
- Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s instructions. Makes 1 generous quart.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Making this recipe into a no-churn recipe requires quite a few substitutions. Hop over to our no churn chocolate ice cream recipe to see how to make it without an ice cream maker.
Homemade chocolate ice cream can be stored in the freezer, covered, for 2-3 weeks. Because it does not contain any preservatives, it does not last as long as store-bought ice cream.
Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts, marshmallows, brownie chunks, chocolate chips, candy pieces, you name it. Add any extra ingredients in during the last minute of churning.
Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve, allow the homemade chocolate ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften before scooping. Top with your favorite ice cream additions such as caramel, fruit, or hot fudge drizzle as well as sprinkles, nuts, chopped candy bars, mini chocolate chips, whipped cream, and beyond!
However, this ice cream is perfectly satisfying all on its own. Scoop it into a bowl or onto a cone and enjoy!
More Ice Cream Recipes
- Rocky Road Ice Cream
- White Chocolate Ice Cream
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Things You’ll Need
- Double boiler or heat safe bowl
- 8×4 loaf pan or similar
Before You Begin
- Choose a good quality bar of unsweetened chocolate for this recipe.
- You can add chopped or slivered almonds, marshmallows, brownie chunks, candy pieces, you name it. Add any extra ingredients in during the last minute of churning.
- If you are concerned about using eggs in ice cream, I would suggest opting for pasteurized eggs.
Instructions
- Melt the unsweetened chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, not boiling water. TIP – Don't have a double boiler? You can use a heat-safe boil, such as a stainless steel bowl, instead. Be sure it fits over your saucepan. You do not want the water to touch the bottom of the bowl.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time, then continue whisking until completely blended, about 1 minute more.
- Add the cream, vanilla, and salt and whisk to blend. Pour the chocolate mixture into the cream mixture and blend.
- Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 1-3 hours, depending on your refrigerator.
- Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s instructions. Makes 1 generous quart.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- When ready to serve, allow the homemade chocolate ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften before scooping.
- Homemade chocolate ice cream can be stored in the freezer, covered, for 2-3 weeks.
Nutrition
This post originally appeared here on Dec 15, 2008 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.
Amanda Davis
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
- Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread - December 2, 2024
- Homemade Turkey Gravy - November 25, 2024
- Watergate Salad - November 21, 2024
Jaime says
i love homemade chocolate ice cream – looks delicious
Aggie says
What a great find!! I bought an ice cream maker this summer…will have to try this, my son would be so happy if I did!
Talita says
how delicious! This chocolate ice cream got to be heavenly! Looks so creamy!
Hot Domestic Mess says
That looks great! Good find with the ice cream maker!! I’ve always wanted one, too! I’ll have to start searching thrift stores for treasures like that.
Sharon says
Mmm, ice cream! Thanks for sharing – chocolate ice cream is delicious. Wish I had an ice cream maker though.
Bunny says
My hubby would love this, he loves his ice cream. Amanda I’ve wanted to go look for recipes on so I can join the event, Just haven’t had alot of time but i will!
Andrea says
Lucky girl! What a find. I’ve wanted an ice cream maker forever. When I finally get my hands on one, I’ll definitely try this delicious looking recipe!