📝 Introduction:
If you’re looking to recreate a decadent dessert from scratch, this homemade chocolate ice cream is a dream come true. It features a velvety base of rich chocolate custard, is studded with crunchy roasted nuts, and is topped with a luscious, gooey fudge drizzle. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty goodness.
đź§‚ Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- Âľ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 100g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Mix-ins:
- ½ cup chopped roasted almonds or pecans
- ÂĽ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the Fudge Drizzle:
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 100g semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp corn syrup or honey (for gloss)
🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Custard Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over medium heat. Whisk until fully combined and warm, but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
- Temper the yolks by slowly pouring about ½ cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly.
- Slowly pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
- Cook over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (170–175°F / 77–80°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to ensure a smooth base.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 2: Churn the Ice Cream
- Once the mixture is completely chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–30 minutes).
- In the last 5 minutes of churning, add the chopped nuts and chocolate chips (if using).
- Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container, cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 2–4 hours for a firmer texture.
Step 3: Make the Fudge Drizzle
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cream, chocolate, butter, and corn syrup.
- Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before drizzling.
🍨 To Serve:
Scoop the creamy chocolate ice cream into bowls or cones. Drizzle generously with warm fudge sauce and sprinkle with extra chopped nuts if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
👨‍🍳 Tips & Variations:
- No ice cream maker? Freeze the custard base in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours to break up ice crystals.
- Try hazelnuts, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for different flavors.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the base for depth.