Chocolate Custard Ice Cream | A Classic and Creamy Recipe
There's something truly special about a bowl of Classic Chocolate Custard Ice Cream that instantly brings back memories of childhood. This recipe combines a rich, velvety custard base made from fresh cream, egg yolks, sugar, chocolate chips, and spices with the deep, luscious flavor of high-quality raw cacao, resulting in an ice cream that’s not just a treat but a celebration of chocolate in its finest form. Unlike store-bought varieties that contain a multitude of ingredients, this ice cream offers a depth of flavor and a creamy texture that will leave you craving more. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a frozen treat that’s simply irresistible!
Chocolate custard ice cream has its roots in the broader history of ice cream, which dates back to ancient civilizations that enjoyed frozen desserts made from snow or ice mixed with fruit and honey. The modern form of ice cream began to emerge in Europe during the 16th century, particularly in Italy and France. It was during this time that the technique of churning cream, sugar, and flavorings became popular, leading to the creation of custard-based ice creams. The custard base, made from egg yolks, cream, and sugar, provided a rich and creamy texture that distinguished it from other frozen desserts.
The introduction of chocolate into the mix came later, with chocolate itself being brought to Europe from the Americas in the 17th century. As chocolate gained popularity, it was incorporated into various desserts, including ice cream. By the 19th century, chocolate custard ice cream had become a beloved flavor, celebrated for its smooth, velvety texture and rich chocolate flavor. Today, it remains a favorite among ice cream enthusiasts, often enjoyed on its own or as a delightful complement to other desserts.
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is a classic ice cream flavor that will have you feeling all kinds of nostalgia.
You can add some fun additions to the ice cream like chopped chocolate or even cookie crumbs!
Don’t have an ice cream making? No problem! Chill the mixture in a freezer-safe container and stir it every few hours until firm.

Chocolate Custard Ice Cream | A Classic and Creamy Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine half of the sugar (1/4 cup), whole milk, heavy cream, cacao powder, ground vanilla powder, chopped chocolate, and sea salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Temper the Eggs: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, slowly spoon about a cup of the warm chocolate mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This will gradually raise the temperature of the yolks.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining chocolate mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat for exactly 10 minutes, whisking occasionally. You want to achieve a gentle rolling boil with light steam rising; no need to worry about reaching a specific temperature!
- Cool and Chill: After 10 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
- Churn: The next day, churn the chilled mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze until firm.
Notes
Vanilla Bean Powder: This amazing ingredient is made by grinding dried vanilla pods into a fine powder, similar to spices. If you can't find vanilla bean powder in your area, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with the seeds from fresh vanilla beans or use vanilla extract for a delicious flavor boost. Both alternatives will bring that rich, aromatic vanilla essence to the ice cream!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
292Fat
23 gSat. Fat
14 gCarbs
20 gFiber
2 gNet carbs
18 gSugar
16 gProtein
4 gSodium
124 mgCholesterol
114 mgPlease note that the nutritional information on this website is calculated using online tools and may need to be more accurate. Use it as a rough guide only. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage caused by relying solely on this data. You are responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information you use is accurate and useful. For more information, click here.
Discover the ultimate homemade chocolate custard ice cream recipe that will satisfy your chocolate cravings! This rich and creamy treat combines a velvety custard base with high-quality cocoa for an indulgent dessert experience. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, learn how to make this irresistible ice cream from scratch and impress your friends and family!