If you adore the refreshing burst of mint paired with rich chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe. It’s a delightful treat that combines fresh mint leaves and luscious mint chocolate within a creamy, smooth ice cream base. Perfect for warm days or any time you crave a cool, invigorating dessert, this recipe brings restaurant-quality ice cream right into your kitchen. Plus, making it yourself means you control all the ingredients, ensuring every scoop is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create its signature taste and luscious texture. Each ingredient is essential — from the fresh mint that gives this ice cream its bright green hue and cooling flavor, to the rich egg yolks that provide a silky, creamy consistency.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess while balancing the richness of the cream for a smooth base.
- Heavy cream: Gives the ice cream its velvety texture and luscious mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture perfectly without overpowering the natural mint flavor.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them pop even more.
- Egg yolks: Create a rich custard base, ensuring a smooth and creamy ice cream.
- Fresh mint leaves: The star ingredient that infuses the ice cream with bright, herbaceous notes and a subtle green tint.
- Mint chocolate (chopped): Provides bursts of chocolatey crunch that contrast beautifully with the creamy mint base.
How to Make Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Create the Mint-Infused Custard
Begin by whisking together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, sea salt, and egg yolks in a small pot. It’s important to whisk continuously to blend all the ingredients smoothly. Then, add your fresh mint leaves. This combination forms the foundation for that unmistakable minty freshness that makes this ice cream standout.
Step 2: Gently Heat and Steep the Mint
Heat the pot over medium, whisking frequently to avoid any curdling. Warm it just until you see a gentle simmer, which activates the flavors and thickens the custard slightly. Remove it from the heat and let those mint leaves steep for about an hour, infusing every drop with vibrant flavor.
Step 3: Strain and Chill the Mixture
Once the mint has steeped, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the mint leaves, ensuring your ice cream has a smooth texture without any bits of leaf. Refrigerate the strained custard until it’s thoroughly cold, which will help when churning or freezing later.
Step 4: Choose Your Method to Freeze
If you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled custard in and churn for around 30 minutes until creamy and thick. Add the chopped mint chocolate during the last minute of churning to evenly distribute those delightful chocolate pieces. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, simply pour the custard into a large baking dish and refrigerate. Every 30 minutes, scrape and stir the frozen edges to incorporate them back into the mixture. Repeat this for at least two hours until the ice cream is fully frozen but still creamy, then fold in the chopped mint chocolate before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream with fresh garnishes like a sprig of mint or a few dark chocolate shavings. These simple touches add an elegant look and highlight the fresh ingredients at play. A drizzle of chocolate syrup also pairs beautifully to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
This ice cream shines alongside classic dessert accompaniments such as warm brownies, chocolate lava cake, or even a simple shortbread cookie. The cool mint balances the richness of baked goods, creating a perfect harmony on your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve scoops nestled in waffle cones or in chocolate-dipped bowls. You could even sandwich the ice cream between two chocolate cookies for a homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwich that everyone will adore. Personalize your presentation by adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for festive occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe keeps best in an airtight container in the freezer. Press a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming and maintain that creamy texture every time you scoop.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the ice cream in advance, freeze it following the same churning or stirring method and store it well-sealed. Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within one to two weeks for optimal freshness and flavor retention, so plan accordingly.
Reheating
Ice cream isn’t meant to be reheated, but if it becomes too hard in the freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This brief resting time softens it to the perfect scoopable consistency without compromising its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint leaves?
Fresh mint leaves are essential for the vibrant, natural flavor and color in this homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream. Dried mint lacks the brightness and can impart a stale herbal note, so fresh is definitely recommended for the best results.
What kind of mint chocolate should I use?
Opt for high-quality mint chocolate or even mint-flavored chocolate chips. The key is to choose chocolate that complements the fresh mint flavor without being overly sweet. Chopping the chocolate ensures you get lovely little bursts of flavor throughout.
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! This recipe includes a no-churn method that involves regular stirring during the freezing process. While it requires a bit more patience, it yields a creamy, delicious ice cream that rivals churned versions.
How long does it take to steep the mint leaves?
The mint leaves should steep for about one hour in the warm custard base. This timeframe is perfect for extracting a fresh, bright mint flavor without turning bitter or overpowering the ice cream.
Is it possible to make this ice cream vegan?
This particular recipe relies on dairy and egg yolks for its creamy custard base. To make a vegan version, you would need to substitute plant-based milks and a suitable egg replacer, but that would require adjustments to achieve the same texture and flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe has become a beloved classic for me, and I can’t wait for you to try it. It’s indulgent, fresh, and just the right balance of mint and chocolate, perfect for sharing with family or savoring solo. Give it a whirl in your kitchen — I promise it’s worth every spoonful of effort!
Print
Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a refreshing and creamy treat featuring fresh mint leaves infused into a rich custard base, blended with chopped mint chocolate for a delightful crunch. Perfect for warm days or dessert cravings, this recipe offers both traditional ice cream maker and no-churn methods to suit your kitchen setup.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 3 egg yolks
Mint and Chocolate
- 3 cups fresh mint leaves (about 2 ½ ounces)
- 4 ounces mint chocolate, chopped (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard base: In a small pot, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, sea salt, and egg yolks until smooth. Add the fresh mint leaves to the mixture to begin infusing flavor.
- Heat and steep the mint: Place the pot over medium heat and heat gently while whisking often. Bring the mixture just to a gentle simmer, making sure it does not boil or curdle. Remove from heat and allow the mint leaves to steep in the warm custard for 1 hour. This step infuses the mint flavor deeply into the cream.
- Strain and chill: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the mint leaves. Refrigerate the cream until it is thoroughly chilled, which is essential for the best texture.
- Create the ice cream – Ice Cream Maker Method: Pour the chilled mint-flavored cream into your ice cream maker. Churn the mixture for approximately 30 minutes, or until it becomes creamy and thick.
- Add the mint chocolate: During the last minute of churning, add the chopped mint chocolate pieces and allow them to incorporate evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Create the ice cream – No-Churn Method: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled cream into a large baking dish and place it in the refrigerator.
- Freeze with stirring: Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the frozen edges into the center to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process for at least 2 hours until the mixture is creamy and completely frozen.
- Mix in the mint chocolate: Just before serving, stir the chopped mint chocolate into the no-churn ice cream to distribute the chocolate pieces evenly.
Notes
- Using fresh mint leaves for infusion ensures a vibrant, natural mint flavor.
- Temper the eggs carefully and heat gently to avoid scrambling the yolks in the custard base.
- You can substitute mint chocolate chips if mint chocolate bars are unavailable.
- The no-churn method is a convenient alternative but requires regular stirring for the best texture.
- Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
