There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of rich, creamy homemade vanilla ice cream topped with a silky chocolate drizzle. This classic dessert is elevated with simple, quality ingredients that create an irresistible flavor and texture.
Whether you’re looking to cool down in summer or simply craving a nostalgic treat, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and indulgence. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll enjoy gourmet-style ice cream that rivals any store-bought version.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- For the chocolate drizzle:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam but not boil. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- While the milk and cream are heating, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. This will create a smooth custard base.
- Once the milk mixture is hot, slowly pour about ½ cup of it into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This process is called tempering and prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Gradually pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream. Stir continuously over low heat until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool for 10 minutes. Then, pour it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to ensure a silky texture, free of lumps.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the custard into a shallow dish, freeze it, and stir every 30 minutes for about 3 hours until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- While the ice cream is churning or freezing, prepare the chocolate drizzle. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with butter and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Once the ice cream is done, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for another 2–4 hours until firm.
- To serve, scoop generous portions of vanilla ice cream into bowls or cones, and drizzle the warm chocolate sauce over the top. For extra indulgence, add toppings like chopped nuts, whipped cream, or sprinkles.
Enjoy your creamy homemade vanilla ice cream with chocolate drizzle—perfect for dessert lovers of all ages. This treat combines classic flavors with a touch of elegance, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.