If you are craving a cool, refreshing treat that perfectly balances the bright, herbal flavor of mint with the rich, decadent crunch of chocolate, look no further than this Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe. It’s a luscious, creamy dessert that feels like summer in every bite, made from scratch with fresh ingredients that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re an ice cream aficionado or a curious first-timer, this recipe invites you to savor the delightful harmony of cool mint and sweet chocolate in a way that only homemade can deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe is delightfully simple, and the quality of each ingredient directly influences the final flavor and texture. Every item plays a crucial role, from the creamy whole milk and heavy cream that create the perfect silky base to the fresh mint leaves that infuse that unmistakable aroma and taste.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Provides a smooth, creamy foundation essential for a rich ice cream texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds decadent creaminess, ensuring your ice cream feels indulgent and velvety.
- Granulated sugar (â…” cup): Sweetens the ice cream just right without overpowering the natural mint flavor.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor, balancing sweetness and intensifying the mint.
- Egg yolks (3): Help thicken and enrich the ice cream, giving it that classic custard base.
- Fresh mint leaves (3 cups, about 2 ½ ounces): The star of the dish, imparting a vibrant, refreshing flavor that shines brightly.
- Mint chocolate, chopped (4 ounces, about 1 cup): Offers a delightful crunch and bursts of sweet, minty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Base and Add Mint
Begin by combining whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, sea salt, and egg yolks in a small pot. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth, then stir in the fresh mint leaves. This mixture will become the heart of your ice cream, with the egg yolks giving it body and the mint leaves infusing that fresh, green flavor.
Step 2: Gently Heat and Steep
Place the pot over medium heat and whisk frequently as the mixture warms. Once it reaches a gentle simmer, immediately remove it from the heat and let the mint leaves steep for a full hour. This step is where that classic minty brightness begins to develop, soaking into the creamy base without becoming overpowering.
Step 3: Strain and Chill the Cream
After steeping, strain the creamy mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, removing all the mint leaves for a perfectly smooth finish. Refrigerate the strained cream until it’s thoroughly cold. This chilling phase is key to achieving a luscious ice cream texture later on.
Step 4: Churn the Cream
Pour the chilled cream into your ice cream maker and churn for about 30 minutes. As the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, you’re one step closer to that delightful frozen treat everyone loves.
Step 5: Add Mint Chocolate Chips
Once the base is creamy, toss in the chopped mint chocolate and churn for an additional minute. This ensures every spoonful will have crunchy, mint-infused chocolate bits, adding a fabulous texture contrast to the smooth ice cream.
Step 6: Freeze and Stir to Perfect Texture
Transfer the churned ice cream into a large baking dish and pop it into the freezer. Every 30 minutes, scrape and stir the edges with a fork, breaking up any ice crystals and mixing them back into the creamy center. Repeat this stirring process for at least 2 hours to achieve a perfectly creamy and frozen consistency.
Step 7: Final Touches Before Serving
Once your ice cream is set and beautifully smooth, stir in any remaining chopped mint chocolate just before serving. This last addition guarantees extra bursts of minty chocolate goodness in every bite.
How to Serve Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your ice cream with bright green fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of rich chocolate syrup for an eye-catching and delicious presentation. A sprinkle of mini mint chocolate chips makes a charming crunchy topping that invites your guests to dig in immediately.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts such as rich chocolate brownies or moist chocolate lava cakes, creating a wonderful contrast between hot and cold. Fresh berries are another fantastic option, adding a juicy, colorful punch that complements the mint’s brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe in waffle cones or bowls adorned with crushed peppermint candies. Alternatively, layer scoops with chocolate sauce and chopped nuts in parfait glasses for a stunning, layered dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing the container.
Freezing
This Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe freezes well and maintains its flavor and texture for up to two weeks. Just be sure to keep it well-covered and at a consistent freezing temperature to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
Ice cream is meant to be enjoyed frozen, so reheating is not recommended. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
FAQs
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint leaves?
While fresh mint leaves provide the most vibrant and natural flavor, in a pinch, dried mint can be used. Adjust the quantity to about one-third of the fresh amount and steep carefully, but note the flavor will be less intense and fresh.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
An ice cream maker definitely helps achieve that creamy, churned texture. However, you can substitute by stirring the mixture every 30 minutes as it freezes to minimize ice crystals, following steps 6 and 7 carefully.
Can I substitute the mint chocolate with regular chocolate chips?
Of course! Regular chocolate chips offer a tasty alternative if mint chocolate is hard to find, but keep in mind, you will lose the signature mint-chocolate combo that makes this recipe special.
How long does the ice cream need to steep with the mint leaves?
The mint leaves should steep in the warm cream mixture for a full hour off the heat. This allows the mint flavor to infuse thoroughly without becoming bitter.
Is this recipe suitable for making dairy-free ice cream?
This particular recipe relies on dairy for creaminess and texture, but you can experiment with coconut milk and cream as substitutes, keeping in mind the flavor and consistency will differ from the classic result.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe is such a rewarding experience, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and resulting in a treat that’s truly one of a kind. Whether you’re sharing it with family or indulging on your own, this simple yet spectacular dessert promises to be a new favorite that showcases just how delightful homemade ice cream can be. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe combines fresh mint-infused cream with rich mint chocolate chips to create a creamy, refreshing dessert perfect for mint lovers. Easy to make from scratch without artificial flavors, this ice cream is churned for smooth texture and finished by hand-stirring to lock in creamy consistency and incorporate chocolate chips throughout.
Ingredients
Dairy and Eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 egg yolks
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Herbs and Mix-ins
- 3 cups fresh mint leaves (about 2 ½ ounces)
- 4 ounces mint chocolate, chopped (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare milk mixture: In a small pot, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, sea salt, and egg yolks until combined. Add fresh mint leaves to infuse flavor.
- Heat and steep mint: Place the pot over medium heat and whisk frequently until the mixture gently simmers. Remove from the heat and allow the mint leaves to steep for 1 hour to release their flavor fully.
- Strain and chill cream: Strain the infused cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the mint leaves. Refrigerate the strained cream until it is thoroughly chilled.
- Churn the ice cream base: Pour the chilled cream into an ice cream maker and churn for about 30 minutes until the mixture is creamy and thick.
- Incorporate chocolate chips: Add the chopped mint chocolate to the churned ice cream and continue churning for an additional minute to evenly distribute the chocolate.
- Freeze with intermittent stirring: Transfer the ice cream to a large baking dish and place it in the refrigerator. Every 30 minutes, scrape and stir the edges with a fork to break up ice crystals and mix well. Repeat this process for at least 2 hours to ensure a creamy, frozen texture.
- Serve: For a final touch, stir in any remaining chopped mint chocolate before serving chilled.
Notes
- Using fresh mint leaves provides a vibrant mint flavor without artificial extracts.
- Steeping the mint in warm cream allows for maximum flavor extraction.
- Straining removes leafy bits for a smooth texture.
- Intermittent stirring during freezing prevents large ice crystals and maintains creaminess if you don’t have an ice cream maker.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for rich mouthfeel.
- Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference.
