Learn how to make homemade chocolate ice cream with this easy 3-ingredient recipe—no machine, no eggs, no special equipment! Ready in 5 minutes, this no-churn ice cream is rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth.
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Place cold heavy cream in a large bowl, using a hand mixer, whip to stiff peaks.
Add cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk and beat on low speed until incorporated.
Transfer into a container/dish, freeze for least 6 hours. *read recipe notes.
Video
Notes
Cocoa Powder Type – For best results, use unsweetened cocoa powder. You can use either natural cocoa powder for a lighter chocolate flavor or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper, richer taste. Both work well, but Dutch-processed will give a smoother, slightly less acidic flavor.
Whipping the Cream – Make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping to achieve the best texture. If the cream isn’t whipped properly to stiff peaks, the ice cream may turn out too soft or icy.
Mixing Tip – When adding the sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder, mix on low speed to prevent deflating the whipped cream. Overmixing can lead to a denser, less airy ice cream.
Storage & Freezing – Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. The ice cream can be sotred for up to 2–3 months.For the best texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Customization – Feel free to add mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter for extra texture and flavor.
Watch the Video! – For a better understanding of the recipe and step-by-step visuals, I highly recommend watching the video tutorial included in the post.
Check the FAQs – If you have any questions about substitutions, texture, or troubleshooting, be sure to read the FAQs located below the recipe card for additional tips and insights.
Nutrition information is automatically generated and thus we can not guarantee it is 100% accurate.
Keyword ice cream
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ice cream without condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key to the creamy texture, but if you prefer a substitute, you can try coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version or homemade sweetened condensed milk.
Why is my ice cream too hard to scoop?
Since this ice cream doesn’t have stabilizers, it can freeze quite firm. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for a creamier texture.
Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Yes! You can use natural cocoa powder for a lighter chocolate flavor or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper, richer taste. Both work well, but Dutch-processed will give a smoother texture.
Can I make this ice cream in an ice cream machine?
Yes! Although this recipe is designed as a no-machine ice cream, you can use an ice cream maker. Simply mix all ingredients, chill the mixture for at least 2 hours, then churn according to your machine’s instructions. The result will be even creamier!
Delicious beyond expectations!! Quick, simple recipe yields fabulous results <3 only difficulty is waiting for it to freeze for 5 hours. Flavor reminiscent of Howard Johnson's chocolate ice cream which my Mom would hide from us kids (impossible) and threaten us with dire consequences if we took a spoon to it.
Adding a tablespoon of homemade vanilla (mines made w/ bourbon) will keep the ice cream from turning rock solid in the fridge, and the vanilla makes it a much richer flavor 🙂
Could you please tell me how long will it take a hand mixer to whip heavy cream to soft, firm and stiff peak?
about 7 to 8 minutes
Does this ice cream get hard after freezing or will it stay somewhat soft?
its stays a lil soft for me
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Delicious beyond expectations!! Quick, simple recipe yields fabulous results <3 only difficulty is waiting for it to freeze for 5 hours. Flavor reminiscent of Howard Johnson's chocolate ice cream which my Mom would hide from us kids (impossible) and threaten us with dire consequences if we took a spoon to it.
loved this almost had the consistency of a frosty
What’s the carb count?
Hehehehe
Easy and tasty… my family loved it
Can you use cacao powder to substitute for cocoa powder, and if so. How much?
Can you use a canister for this recipe
It says it “ yields 16”. 16 what? I wanted to find nutrition facts for this recipe🤎
I want to know the same thing. How big is a yield”?”
I think it’s servings
How many servings does it make?
What ingredients are you using to make a heavy cream?
This looks awesome
Adding a tablespoon of homemade vanilla (mines made w/ bourbon) will keep the ice cream from turning rock solid in the fridge, and the vanilla makes it a much richer flavor 🙂
10/10, perfect ice crea recipe for those who don’t have ice cream machine.