Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream 🍫🍦

Rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth, this homemade chocolate ice cream is perfect for chocolate lovers! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a decadent frozen treat that’s far better than store-bought.

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📋 Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

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📝 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it is warm and the sugar is fully dissolved (do not boil).
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

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Step 2: Chill the Mixture

1. Pour the mixture into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled (overnight is best for deeper flavor).

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Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes).
2. The ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency at this stage.

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Step 4: Freeze & Set

1. Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
2. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

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🍽 Serving & Garnishing Ideas

• Serve scoops with chocolate shavings, nuts, or a drizzle of hot fudge.
• Pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, or crumbled cookies.
• Make an indulgent ice cream sandwich with homemade brownies or cookies.

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⭐ Variations & Fun Twists

🍫 Extra Chocolatey: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks during the last 5 minutes of churning.
🌰 Nutty Flavor: Add chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or peanut butter swirls.
☕ Mocha Ice Cream: Mix 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder into the base for a rich mocha flavor.
🌱 Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk and almond milk instead of heavy cream and whole milk.

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🎉 Final Thoughts

This homemade chocolate ice cream is creamy, rich, and deeply chocolaty—a perfect dessert for any occasion! Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a sundae, this ice cream will be a family favorite.

Would you like a no-churn version or a different flavor suggestion? 😊