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This creamy mint chocolate chunk ice cream is the ultimate treat for summer evenings and special celebrations. Packed with fresh mint and rich chocolate, every scoop takes me right back to childhood cookouts with homemade desserts that everyone looked forward to.
This recipe was born one scorching July when my whole family voted for something cooling and minty. After a few test batches this version became our summertime classic.
Ingredients
- Heavy cream: creates the rich luscious base choose a high fat variety for extra creaminess
- Whole milk: adds lightness balanced with the cream for perfect scoopability
- Fresh mint leaves: infuse the ice cream with bright herbal flavor Choose leaves that are vibrant and unblemished for best results
- Sugar: sweetens and balances the earthy mint opt for fine granulated to dissolve easily
- Kosher salt: gives depth and enhances the chocolate and mint flavors use a clean briny salt
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: melt into glossy ribbons that solidify into crunchy chunks Pick a brand with 60 percent cacao for best flavor
- Coconut oil: keeps the chocolate soft at freezer temps so it cracks pleasantly instead of turning rock hard Choose unrefined for subtle coconut notes or refined if you want only chocolate flavor
Step by Step Instructions
- Infuse the Cream:
- Gently warm the cream milk and mint in a saucepan over medium heat until it steams Do not boil Remove immediately from the heat and allow the mint to steep for at least 20 minutes This step infuses the base with all the flavor from the fresh mint
- Strain and Sweeten:
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or pitcher and pour the hot mixture through Discard the wilted mint leaves Pour the strained liquid back into the saucepan Stir in the sugar and salt over medium heat Stir constantly until sugar completely dissolves about 2 to 3 minutes
- Chill the Base:
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating Make sure it chills until very cold at least 4 hours or up to overnight Cold base is essential for creamy ice cream that churns perfectly
- Churn the Ice Cream:
- Whisk the ice cream mixture to recombine then pour into your ice cream maker Follow the instructions from your machine to churn into a thick slushy consistency This can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your appliance
- Prepare the Chocolate Chunks:
- While the ice cream churns melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl Heat for 1 minute then stir Repeat in short bursts until the chocolate is totally smooth Let it cool at room temperature so it drizzles but does not harden
- Layer the Chocolate Chunks:
- When churning is complete scoop a third of the soft ice cream into a freezer safe container Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top Repeat two more times Add the last of the chocolate on top
- Freeze Until Set:
- Cover the container tightly Freeze for at least 2 hours or until the ice cream scoops easily and holds its shape
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You Must Know
- This ice cream is naturally gluten free
- You can double the chocolate for extra decadence
- Chilling the base thoroughly prevents icy texture
My favorite part is the fresh mint leaves They turn the ice cream that gorgeous pale green and fill the house with the most incredible scent My younger sister once begged me to let her sneak leftover chocolate chunks straight from the freezer and it still makes me smile
Storage Tips
Once churned and layered with chocolate cover tightly to keep out freezer odors Press a layer of parchment or wax paper directly on the surface for even better storage This ice cream will stay smooth for up to 2 weeks though it always disappears long before then in my house
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find fresh mint substitute with one teaspoon of pure peppermint extract after straining the cream but nothing compares to real mint leaves For a dairy free option use full fat coconut milk in place of cream and milk
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Serving Suggestions
Serve big scoops in crunchy waffle cones or pair with a fudgy brownie for a classic sundae For an extra fancy touch top with whipped cream or scatter extra chocolate chunks over each bowl My favorite way is sandwiched between soft chocolate cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a rich mint flavor?
Infuse warm cream and milk with fresh mint leaves, allowing them to steep before straining for optimal freshness.
- → Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint leaves?
Fresh mint is recommended for a natural, vibrant flavor, but a small amount of peppermint extract may be used if leaves are unavailable. Adjust to taste.
- → What's the best way to create chocolate chunks?
Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil, then drizzle in layers with the churned ice cream, letting the chocolate firm up for chunky swirls.
- → How long should the base chill before churning?
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.
- → What container works best for freezing?
Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and avoid ice crystals forming on the surface.