Homemade Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a beloved classic that has stood the test of time, combining rich, creamy ice cream with the irresistible crunch of chocolate chips. Its simple yet indulgent flavor has made it a staple in ice cream shops and home kitchens alike. The combination of smooth vanilla ice cream with the bite of chocolate chips offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, which is why it remains one of the most popular flavors worldwide.

This versatile recipe can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences. For those who are dairy-free, a coconut or almond milk base can be used without sacrificing flavor or creaminess. Additionally, you can make it even more exciting by incorporating mix-ins like nuts, fudge swirls, or even fruit, allowing you to put your own twist on this timeless treat. Whether you’re making it at home or enjoying it from your favorite ice cream shop, Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is always a crowd-pleaser.

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

• Heavy Cream
  • Purpose: Heavy cream provides the rich, smooth texture that makes ice cream creamy and indulgent. It has a high fat content, which helps create a velvety mouthfeel and contributes to the smoothness of the ice cream.
  • Amount: Typically used in a ratio with milk to balance creaminess and softness.
• Whole Milk
  • Purpose: Whole milk adds a lighter texture than cream but still contributes to the overall creaminess of the ice cream. It helps create a balanced consistency when combined with the heavier cream and adds a mild dairy flavor.
  • Amount: The milk ratio can vary based on preference, but it’s usually equal to or slightly less than the cream in most recipes.
• Sugar
  • Purpose: Sugar sweetens the ice cream and helps achieve a smooth, non-crystalized texture by lowering the freezing point of the mixture. The sugar also contributes to the flavor by enhancing the vanilla and chocolate chip notes.
  • Amount: Granulated sugar is the most common, though alternatives like honey or agave syrup can be used for a different sweetness profile.
• Egg Yolks (for Custard-Style Ice Cream)
  • Purpose: Egg yolks are the key ingredient in making a custard base. They help thicken the ice cream base and create a rich, creamy texture. The proteins in the yolks bind the ingredients together and provide a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Amount: Typically, 4-6 yolks are used for a standard batch, depending on the desired thickness and richness.
• Vanilla Extract
  • Purpose: Vanilla extract adds a deep, warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the cream. It’s a classic flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate chips in the ice cream.
  • Amount: Usually 1-2 teaspoons, depending on personal preference.
• Chocolate Chips
  • Purpose: Chocolate chips are the signature ingredient in chocolate chip ice cream. Their sweetness and richness provide the perfect contrast to the creamy base. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips, or even chop up a chocolate bar for larger chunks.
  • Amount: About 1 to 1 ½ cups, but this can be adjusted based on how chocolate-heavy you want your ice cream.
• Optional Mix-ins (e.g., Nuts, Fudge, or Swirls)
  • Purpose: Optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans can add crunch and enhance the flavor profile. Fudge swirls or caramel ribbons can provide extra richness and depth. These mix-ins are a great way to personalize the ice cream and create unique flavor combinations.
  • Amount: Depending on preference, you can add about ½ to 1 cup of nuts, swirls, or other mix-ins.

Instructions

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a classic, indulgent dessert that combines creamy ice cream with crunchy chocolate chips. Made with simple ingredients like heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and eggs (for a custard base), this ice cream can be easily customized with different chocolate varieties or additional mix-ins like nuts and swirls. Whether you use an ice cream maker or follow a no-churn method, this homemade treat delivers a rich, smooth texture and a satisfying balance of sweetness and crunch. Perfect for any occasion, it's a timeless dessert that everyone will love.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 8 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Calories 475 kcal

Equipment

• Saucepan For heating the cream, milk, and preparing the custard base.
• Whisk To whisk the egg yolks and sugar, and to mix the ingredients.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the egg mixture, cream, and milk.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer or Sieve – To strain the custard and remove any cooked egg bits.
• Ice Cream Maker To churn the ice cream and achieve the desired consistency. Make sure the bowl is pre-frozen if required.
• Spatula: For scraping the custard into the bowl and mixing in chocolate chips.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Container with Lid – For storing the ice cream while it freezes and hardens.
• Thermometer (Optional) – For checking the temperature of the custard if you're using the custard-based method.

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Heavy cream
• 1 cup Whole milk
• ¾ cup Granulated sugar
• 4 large Egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups Chocolate chips

Optional for variations:

• ½ cup Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
• Chocolate syrup or fudge swirl – for added flavor or texture (optional)

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Custard Base:

  In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. Heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally.

  In a separate bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks and ¾ cup of sugar until smooth and pale. Gradually pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs, whisking constantly. Once tempered, slowly add the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
• Cook the Custard:

  Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon or reaches 170°F (77°C). Remove from heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any egg bits.
• Chill the Custard:

  Let the custard cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill completely.
• Churn the Ice Cream:

  Pour the chilled custard into your pre-frozen ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and churn until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually about 20-30 minutes.
• Add Chocolate Chips and Freeze:

  In the last few minutes of churning, add 1 to 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips. Once incorporated, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 2-4 hours, or until firm. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Chill the Base Properly: Ensure the custard base is thoroughly chilled before churning. This is key to achieving a smooth, creamy texture in your ice cream. If using an ice cream maker, make sure the bowl is completely frozen, as per the manufacturer's instructions, for the best results.
• Storage: Homemade ice cream may harden more than store-bought versions. To make scooping easier, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. For optimal texture, store your ice cream in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar based on your preference. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, nuts, or swirls to create your own variations of this classic dessert.

Keyword Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

Tips for Making Perfect Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips:
   • For the best flavor, opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chop up a chocolate bar for larger, more decadent chunks. Dark chocolate chips work wonderfully for a richer, less sweet contrast to the creamy base, while milk chocolate gives a smoother, sweeter taste.
2. Chill the Base Well:
   • Ensure that your ice cream base is completely chilled before churning. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and results in a smoother texture. Chilling the base for at least 4 hours, or overnight, is highly recommended.
3. Don’t Skip the Tempering Step (for Custard Style):
   • When making the custard base with egg yolks, always temper the eggs by slowly adding hot cream to the yolks while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and helps create a silky, smooth texture.
4. Avoid Over-Churning:
   • Churn the ice cream just until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Over-churning can lead to ice crystals forming, affecting the texture of the final product.
5. Add Chocolate Chips at the Right Time:
   • Add the chocolate chips towards the end of the churning process, when the ice cream is nearly done. This ensures the chips are evenly distributed without becoming too soft or melting into the mixture.
6. Use Full-Fat Dairy for Creaminess:
   • For the richest, creamiest ice cream, use full-fat heavy cream and whole milk. The higher fat content helps achieve a smoother texture and richer flavor.
7. Customize with Additional Mix-ins:
   • Feel free to add extra mix-ins like crushed cookies, caramel swirls, or even chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) for added texture and flavor complexity.
8. Pre-Chill the Ice Cream Maker’s Bowl:
   • If you’re using an ice cream maker, ensure the bowl is thoroughly frozen before starting the churning process. Most ice cream makers require the bowl to be frozen for at least 24 hours to churn the ice cream properly.
9. Freeze in Small Batches for Faster Freezing:
   • If you’re making a large batch, consider splitting it into smaller containers. Smaller portions freeze more quickly and evenly, resulting in smoother, creamier ice cream.
10. Store Properly for Best Texture:

• To prevent ice crystals from forming, store your ice cream in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This helps maintain a smooth texture even in the freezer.

11. Serve at the Right Temperature:

• For the best scooping experience, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop while retaining its creamy consistency.

Katelyn Williams

Hi, I’m Katelyn Williams, the expert behind Ninjacreamiicecream.com. With a deep passion for creating delectable ice cream recipes, I’m here to share my love for all things ice cream. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of ice cream making. From classic flavors to innovative creations, my goal is to inspire you to make delicious and creamy treats at home effortlessly. Join me for the best recipes, tips, and techniques to elevate your ice cream game and indulge in delightful frozen desserts!