No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

The Dreamiest No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe for Beginners

Creamy no-churn chocolate ice cream enhances ordinary dessert moments into pure indulgence.

Rich chocolate flavors dance across taste buds with surprising smoothness and elegant simplicity.

Sweet dreams come alive through this effortless recipe that requires minimal kitchen skills.

Forget complicated techniques and complex equipment that typically intimidate home cooks.

Remarkable textures emerge from just a few basic ingredients blended with clever precision.

Professional pastry chefs would appreciate how easily this dessert comes together without traditional churning methods.

Smooth, luxurious chocolate promises a delightful treat that feels simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream that’s Smooth and Bold

  • Creamy Chocolate Bliss: This no-churn chocolate ice cream delivers rich, velvety smoothness without the need for an ice cream machine, making it a dream for dessert lovers who want simplicity and incredible taste.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With just a few basic ingredients and simple mixing steps, anyone can create a decadent frozen treat that rivals store-bought versions, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Customize Your Dessert: The recipe offers endless possibilities for personalization by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or swirling in caramel, allowing you to create a unique dessert that matches your cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This chocolate ice cream serves as an ultimate crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings, family dinners, or solo indulgence, delivering a classic dessert that brings pure joy and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Ingredient Lineup for No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

Base Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy base that creates a smooth, creamy texture for the ice cream.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft, scoopable consistency.
Chocolate Flavor Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Sauce, Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor with rich, intense chocolate notes; dark or milk chocolate work well.
  • Vanilla: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavor with warm, subtle undertones.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweetness and chocolate flavors; optional but recommended.

Steps to Make No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to beat the cream until stiff peaks form in a large mixing bowl. The cream should stand up in thick, sturdy peaks when you lift the mixer.

Step 2: Create the Ice Cream Base

Add the following ingredients to the whipped cream:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Cocoa powder
  • Vanilla
  • Salt (optional)

Gently mix on low speed or fold with a spatula until all ingredients are perfectly combined.

Step 3: Prepare for Freezing

Transfer the creamy mixture into a loaf pan or 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Freeze and Serve

Place the pan in the freezer and let it sit until the ice cream becomes firm, typically 4-6 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Soften Before Enjoying

Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping. This helps create a smooth, creamy texture that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Pro Tip: For extra indulgence, drizzle additional chocolate sauce on top or sprinkle with chocolate shavings before serving.

Tips for Better No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

  • Whip with Precision: Use cold heavy cream and chill your mixing bowl beforehand to help peaks form faster and more easily.
  • Chocolate Depth: Select high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate sauce for a richer, more intense flavor profile.
  • Fold Gently: Mix ingredients carefully to maintain the air incorporated during whipping, ensuring a light and creamy texture.
  • Freeze Strategically: Cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
  • Serving Hack: Store in an airtight container and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping for the smoothest, most luxurious consistency.

Keep Your Ice Cream Fresh with These Tips

  • Refrigeration: Transfer leftover ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal carefully to prevent freezer burn and preserve the creamy texture. Store in the coldest part of your freezer for up to 2 weeks.
  • Reheating: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping. This allows the dessert to soften slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring a smooth, rich consistency.
  • Prevention: Cover the surface with plastic wrap before placing the lid on the container. This extra layer helps prevent ice crystals from forming and maintains the ice cream's original velvety quality.

What Goes Well with No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

  • Brew Chocolate Mocha Companion: Pair this rich no-churn chocolate ice cream with a warm, freshly brewed espresso or cafe mocha. The intense coffee flavors beautifully complement the creamy chocolate, creating a luxurious dessert experience that dances on your taste buds.
  • Sprinkle Nutty Crunch Topper: Enhance the ice cream with a handful of toasted almonds, chopped pecans, or crushed hazelnuts. These crunchy additions provide a delightful textural contrast and add a nutty depth that elevates the chocolate's smooth richness.
  • Drizzle Caramel Luxury: Enhance the dessert with a generous swirl of salted caramel sauce. The sweet-salty combination creates a decadent flavor profile that turns this simple no-churn ice cream into a gourmet treat that feels like a special indulgence.
  • Serve with Berry Brightness: Accompany the chocolate ice cream with a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tart, fresh fruit cuts through the chocolate's richness and provides a refreshing balance to the creamy dessert.

Flavor Variations for No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Fold chopped roasted almonds or pecans into the mixture before freezing for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Mint Chocolate Bliss: Stir in peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed mint chocolate candies throughout the ice cream for a refreshing cool sensation.
  • Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce between layers of the chocolate ice cream before freezing, creating beautiful marbled ribbons of sweet and salty goodness.
  • Mexican Chocolate Spice: Mix in ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick that complements the rich chocolate base.
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No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with this creamy, indulgent no-churn chocolate ice cream that brings Italian dessert magic home. Rich chocolate flavor and silky smooth texture will transport you to sweet bliss without complicated techniques or an ice cream machine.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 14-ounce (300 milliliters) can sweetened condensed milk

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ¼ cup chocolate fudge sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

Seasoning:

  • 1 pinch salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whip heavy cream (354 milliliters or 12 fluid ounces) in a spacious mixing vessel using an electric hand mixer at medium velocity until it develops sturdy, upright peaks with a glossy texture.
  2. Gently introduce sweetened condensed milk, rich chocolate sauce, unsweetened cocoa powder, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt into the whipped cream.
  3. Blend the ingredients using low-speed mixing or delicately fold with a silicone spatula until the mixture achieves a uniform, velvety consistency without overmixing.
  4. Transfer the luxurious chocolate cream mixture into a standard 9-inch (23-centimeter) loaf pan or a 2-quart (1.9-liter) ceramic baking dish, ensuring an even surface.
  5. Place the container in the freezer and allow the mixture to solidify completely, typically requiring 4-6 hours or preferably overnight for optimal texture and flavor development.
  6. When ready to serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it rest at ambient temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes, which will soften the dessert and enhance its creamy mouthfeel.

Notes

  • Skip whisking egg yolks or heating custard with this simple no-churn method that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
  • Achieve ultra-creamy texture without an ice cream machine by whipping heavy cream to create light, airy base.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two weeks, ensuring consistent deliciousness throughout storage period.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate sauce for deeper, richer chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Room temperature resting is crucial for scoopable consistency, preventing icy or rock-hard texture when serving.
  • Customize by adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls of caramel during final mixing stage for personalized treat.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 455 kcal
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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