Fudgy Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe – Rich Homemade Summer Dessert
We love making this fudgy chocolate ice cream recipe because it’s the perfect treat after a long day, and it’s actually easier to make than you think.
Kitchen Note
One thing that can go wrong with this recipe is overmixing the batter, which can lead to ice cream that’s too dense. To avoid this, mix the ingredients just until they’re combined, then stop mixing.

Why this Fudgy Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe works
- The combination of heavy cream and cocoa powder gives this ice cream a rich, intense flavor.
- The addition of sugar and vanilla extract balances out the bitterness of the cocoa.
- This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight dessert.
- It’s perfect for hot summer days when you need a cool treat.
- This dessert is great for special occasions or as a quick dessert for a dinner party.
What you’ll need
The heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar are the stars of this recipe, and using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the final product.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Tips for getting this right
- Make sure to temper the eggs properly to avoid scrambling them when you add the hot cream mixture.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to ice cream that’s too dense.
- Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge before churning for the best results.
- You can also make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Swaps and substitutions
You can make a gluten-free version of this recipe by using gluten-free cocoa powder. For a vegan version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk and use a vegan-friendly sweetener. You can also add different mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips, to change up the flavor.

Storing and reheating
This ice cream will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply scoop and serve. You can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Common questions
Yes, you can make this recipe without an ice cream maker. Simply pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and freeze for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes until the desired consistency is reached.
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and about 2 hours to freeze.
Yes, you can store this ice cream in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply scoop and serve.
Fudgy Chocolate Ice Cream
🧂 Ingredients
👩🍳 Instructions
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1Combine heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
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2Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
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3Remove saucepan from heat and let cool slightly.
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4Stir in melted butter and chocolate chips until smooth.
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5Pour mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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6Once chilled, pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
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7Transfer churned ice cream to an airtight container and cover with the Chocolate Fudge Sauce (see below).
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8Freeze for at least 2 hours to set.
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9Chocolate Fudge Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
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10Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
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11Remove saucepan from heat and let cool slightly.
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12Stir in melted chocolate until smooth.
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13Let sauce cool to room temperature before using.
We hope you enjoy making and eating this fudgy chocolate ice cream recipe! Let us know in the comments how it turns out and if you have any questions or if you’d like any variations on the recipe.
