Introduction :
Indulge in the decadent flavors of homemade Dark Chocolate Ice Cream with this delightful recipe. Creamy, rich, and intensely chocolatey, this frozen treat is a favorite among dessert lovers. Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with other desserts, or as a topping for warm brownies, this homemade ice cream is sure to impress. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this luxurious dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and the sugar and cocoa powder have dissolved.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate to the warm mixture and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour a small amount of the warm chocolate mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Gradually whisk the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining chocolate mixture.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.
- Once chilled, transfer the custard to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Expert Tips for Serving and Storage:
- For best results, chill the custard thoroughly before churning to ensure a creamy texture.
- Serve scoops of dark chocolate ice cream in bowls or cones, topped with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat.
- Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Nutritional and Health Benefits:
- Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
- Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, which have been associated with improved heart health and cognitive function.
- Whole milk provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
- This recipe can be easily modified to accommodate dietary preferences, such as using dairy-free milk alternatives or reducing the sugar content.
Variations to Explore:
- Experiment with different percentages of dark chocolate to adjust the intensity of the chocolate flavor.
- Add mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls of caramel or peanut butter for added texture and flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the heavy cream and whole milk.
Conclusion:
Indulge your sweet tooth with this luxurious dark chocolate ice cream recipe. Creamy, rich, and decadent, it’s the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy homemade ice cream that rivals your favorite dessert shop. Serve it up on its own or alongside your favorite desserts for an extra-special treat that’s sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
- How long does the ice cream need to freeze after churning?
- Can I use low-fat milk or half-and-half instead of whole milk and heavy cream?
- Can I add flavorings like mint extract or espresso powder to customize the recipe?
Resources :
- Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe – Food Network
- Decadent Dark Chocolate Ice Cream – Martha Stewart
- Creamy Dark Chocolate Ice Cream – Allrecipes
- Homemade Dark Chocolate Ice Cream – Taste of Home
- Easy Dark Chocolate Ice Cream – Epicurious
More you’ll love:
PrintDark Chocolate Ice Cream
This recipe guides you through creating a luxurious Dark Chocolate Ice Cream, rich in flavor and creamy in texture. Made with high-quality dark chocolate and simple ingredients, this homemade dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy it on its own, as a topping, or paired with your favorite desserts for an indulgent experience. Follow the step-by-step instructions to whip up this irresistible ice cream in your own kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 quart 1x
- Category: Ice Cream
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and the sugar and cocoa powder have dissolved.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate to the warm mixture and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour a small amount of the warm chocolate mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Gradually whisk the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining chocolate mixture.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.
- Once chilled, transfer the custard to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Notes
- Be sure to temper the egg yolks slowly to prevent them from curdling when added to the warm chocolate mixture.
- Straining the custard before chilling helps ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the finished ice cream.
- Churning the ice cream aerates it, creating a light and fluffy texture. Be careful not to over-churn, as this can result in a grainy consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250 calories
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
