Last Updated on July 2, 2024
This very Best Simple Chocolate Ice Cream recipe is creamy, chocolatey and so easy to make.
As a Wondermom Wannabe, I love the idea of making homemade desserts for my family to enjoy after an (ideally) healthy, home-cooked meal. In reality, dinner itself is a major challenge and if I can only put my effort into one area, mom guilt dictates that it should be dinner.
So, if homemade dessert happens in my house, I can promise you that it is almost effortless. I’m also a diva though so just because something’s easy, doesn’t mean I want it to taste like I put no effort into it.
When I say this is the best homemade chocolate ice cream, I mean it! It’s just as creamy and delicious as gourmet chocolate ice cream, but it only takes minutes to prep.
Plus, since I TRY to refrain from buying a bunch of small appliances I have nowhere to store, you don’t need an ice cream maker for this simple chocolate ice cream recipe.
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What is the science behind no churn ice cream?
If you want to avoid the summer slide of learning loss for your kids, one way is to make learning fun. So, while you and your kids have fun making ice cream together, you can give them a science lesson.
You might be wondering how you’ll end up with ice cream that will increase in volume, yet remain light, without having to churn it, either by hand or by using an ice cream machine. This change in the texture of the mixture from liquid into ice cream is because of the air being incorporated into the mixture while it’s churning.
One of the ingredients in no-churn ice cream is whipped cream. When you whip the cream, air is incorporated, which increases the volume and makes it lighter, just like when ice cream is churned.
Another ingredient in no-churn ice cream is sweetened condensed milk. This ingredient helps the mixture become ice cream two different ways.
The high sugar content in sweetened condensed milk lowers the freezing point which helps the ice cream have a light texture instead of being rock hard. Also, since the milk has been condensed, cooked down to reduce the water content, that prevents ice crystals from forming, keeping the ice cream smooth.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chocolate ice cream will help you make special family memories:
- Quick to mix: Mixing all of the ingredients together takes less than half the time it takes to churn ice cream.
- Fun to make: You and your kids will have fun mixing the whipping cream and watching the magic of it getting thick.
- Don’t need an ice cream maker: Just use the mixer you already have in your kitchen; you don’t have to buy a specialty appliance.
If you want another popular ice cream flavor to make with your kids, try this no-churn Oreo ice cream.
🥘 Ingredients
You only need 4 ingredients to make this recipe and they’re all easy to find at the grocery store.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This helps the ice cream have a light texture and prevents ice crystals from forming.
- Heavy cream: You’ll whip this to turn it into whipped cream.
- Vanilla: It gives the ice cream a warm vanilla flavor that pairs well with the chocolate syrup.
- Chocolate syrup: This will give the ice cream that delicious chocolate flavor.
See recipe card for complete list of ingredients and quantities
🔀 Substitutions
Here are some ideas for a dairy free option:
Sweetened condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk would be a good dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.
Heavy cream: For a dairy-free alternative, use chilled coconut cream. Make sure to use the thick part and not the watery part.
🌈 Variations / Options / Add-Ins
You can add some things to this ice cream recipe to make it more your own:
- Use different extracts: If you want a different flavor, instead of vanilla extract use almond extract, coffee extract or a splash of liquor. Of course, not all of these options are kid-friendly.
- Mix ins: The mix-ins are optional, but you don’t have to just stick with the ones suggested in the recipe card, you and your kids can have fun experimenting with different ones.
Try this homemade cookie monster ice cream for another ice cream the kids will enjoy making with you.
🥄 Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
Here is what you need to make this creamy ice cream.
- Stand mixer: This makes it easier to whip the heavy cream.
- Large bowl: Several ingredients are mixed together in a large bowl.
- Freezer safe container: You’ll put the ice cream in here to freeze.
🔪 How to Make This Simple Chocolate Ice Cream
You’ve probably guessed by the name that this SIMPLE Chocolate Ice Cream is easy to make. You just need 4 ingredients to put it together: sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, chocolate syrup and your favorite mix-in ingredient (I use crushed candy bars).
If you’re one of those people who needs to add vanilla extract to every dessert (no judgment, I have my own cooking “rules”) you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla without throwing off the taste, texture, or consistency of the chocolate ice cream.
Step 1: Make Whipping Cream
This is the most labor-intensive part of this recipe. And actually, if you have a Kitchen Aid mixer (one of the appliances I do own), it’s not even labor-intensive.
The heavy cream will need a couple of minutes of vigorous beating to turn into whipped cream.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate
Now it’s time to work the chocolate in. In a large bowl, add one cup of the whipped cream to the sweetened condensed milk. Then, measure a cup of chocolate syrup.
Slowly add the chocolate syrup to the sweetened condensed milk.
Mix well so the chocolate is completely incorporated into the milk.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Whipped Cream
Next, gently fold the rest of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
Continue folding gently until the ingredients are combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Pour Into Container
To finish, you just need to add it to a freezer-safe container. Pour in half of the mixture.
Then, sprinkle half of your favorite mix-in over the mixture in the container.
If you want, you can use a knife to swirl the mix-in pieces into the cream.
Next, add the rest of the chocolate mixture and top with the remaining mix-in.
Step 5: Freeze
Put the container in the freezer and let it set for at least 5 hours. If you make it after lunch, it’s usually ready by dinner.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Just scoop servings into individual bowls and enjoy. If you want, you can top with additional pieces of your mix-in ingredient, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and/or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
❓ Recipe FAQs
Yes, you should be able to use a hand mixer to make this recipe.
If you store the ice cream in an air tight container, it should stay good in the freezer for about one month.
Add the mix-ins at the very end, before you freeze the ice cream. If you’re adding in larger things like nuts, candy bars, etc., it’s a good idea to chop them up first so they’re not too hard to bite into when they’re frozen.
🙏 Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Simple Chocolate Ice Cream:
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📋 Recipe
The Very Best Simple Chocolate Ice Cream
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Equipment
- Stand Mixer
- Large bowl
- Freezer-safe container
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla optional
- 1 cup chocolate syrup
Mix-Ins
- 2 king size chocolate candy bars, broken into bits optional
- 6 crushed Oreos optional
- 6 ounces chocolate chips optional
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- With a mixer, beat heavy whipping cream until thick. Fold a cup of it into a bowl with the sweetened condensed milk, add chocolate syrup and optional vanilla and mix until smooth.14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups cold heavy cream, 1 cup chocolate syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Next, gently fold the rest of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Next, pour half of the ice cream into a freezer safe container. Add half of the mix-in of your choice (if any), and use a spoon or a knife to swirl the mix-in together with the ice cream (optional).2 king size chocolate candy bars, broken into bits, 6 crushed Oreos, 6 ounces chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chopped nuts
- Top with remaining ice cream, and then top that with the remaining mix-in.
- Freeze for 5-6 hours or overnight. When it is time to serve, remove from freezer and let sit on the counter to soften for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.
I made the chocolate ice cream and it was delicious.
Can you use Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely add Greek yogurt to this recipe. Greek yogurt will add a slight tang and extra creaminess, complementing the rich chocolate flavor. Replace part of the sweetened condensed milk or heavy cream with Greek yogurt. You can use 1/2 cup Greek yogurt and reduce the heavy cream to 1 1/2 cups; and use the other ingredients in the same amount as in the recipe. You would add the Greek yogurt into the bowl of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate syrup, vanilla before folding in the whipped cream.
I’ve tried the churn ice cream with sweetened condensed milk and my family loved it. I will definately try the no churn recipes. Thanks
Thanks. Would a hand mixer work as well?
Yes, you should be able to use a hand mixer to make this recipe.
Chocolate is always our top choice for an ice cream flavor. Will definitely try this one!
I hope you enjoy this creamy chocolate ice cream. Thanks for commenting.
I love that it’s simple to make yet you can overload it with chocolate! My two favorites in one recipe.