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Food-Processor Double Chocolate Ice Cream

Food-Processor Double Chocolate Ice Cream

By Elizabeth MindreauJuly 22, 2024

  • Makes
    Makes about 1 quart
  • Cook Time
    10½ hours
  • Active time plus cooling
    20 minutes active

We know from experience that sweets made only with chocolate or cocoa tend to be one-note in flavor, so for richness and complexity in this no-cook, no-churn ice cream, we use both. We also include a tablespoon of instant espresso powder. (If you prefer, swap 1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee for the espresso powder and boiling water.) The ice cream does not skew “mocha”—the coffee notes blend into the background but boost the bittersweet intensity. Either Dutch-processed or natural cocoa works, so use whichever you prefer or have in the pantry. Fun mix-ins for this ice cream include chopped toasted or roasted nuts (we like peanuts, walnuts and almonds), chocolate chunks (white, milk, semi-sweet or bittersweet), mini marshmallows, crumbled cookies or chopped brownies.

Tip

Don’t forget to chill the evaporated milk. If room-temperature or barely chilled, it will not whip properly. Also, don’t whip the evaporated milk until it holds stiff peaks. If overbeaten, it will cause the ice cream base to deflate during the initial freezing. Lastly, be sure the base is fully frozen before processing. If it is only partially frozen, it may separate as it freezes.

Ingredients
  • 1

    tablespoon instant espresso powder (see headnote)

  • 1

    tablespoon boiling water

  • 3

    ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped, or ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips

  • 1

    14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

  • 2

    tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • Kosher salt

  • 1

    12-ounce can evaporated milk, well chilled

Step 1

Place a large bowl in the refrigerator and chill for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the espresso powder and boiling water; stir until the powder dissolves. Add the chocolate and about 2 tablespoons of the condensed milk. Microwave uncovered at 50 percent power for 1 minute, stirring once halfway through. Remove from the microwave and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Add the cocoa, the remaining condensed milk and ⅛ teaspoon salt; whisk until well combined.

Step 2

Pour the cold evaporated milk into the chilled bowl. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, whip the milk until it resembles softly whipped cream, has doubled in volume and forms mounds when the beaters or whisk are lifted; do not whip to stiff peaks. Whisk about a third of the whipped milk into the condensed-milk mixture to lighten it. Now, using the whisk, fold in the remaining whipped milk until the mixture is well combined; it will resemble frothy yogurt.

Step 3

Transfer to a 1½-quart container and cover tightly. Freeze until the center is fully frozen, about 6 hours; the timing will vary based on the shape of the container and the temperature of the freezer. To check if the center is frozen, dig into it with a spoon; it should be solid, without any liquid.

Step 4

Remove the base from the freezer and let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow it to soften slightly. Using a sturdy spoon or ice cream scoop, transfer to a food processor; return the now-empty container to the freezer to keep it cold. Process until the mixture resembles a milk shake, 1 to 3 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.

Step 5

Return the base to the chilled container. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap directly against the surface, then freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. The ice cream will keep for a couple weeks.