Craving some luscious, homemade chocolate ice cream but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? With the Ninja Creami, you can whip up a delightful batch of chocolate ice cream in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Combine Milk and Cream
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk and heavy cream until well combined. This forms the creamy base of your ice cream.
2. Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Add the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder to the milk and cream mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. These ingredients enhance the chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness.
4. Chill the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until it’s thoroughly chilled. For best results, you can chill it overnight.
5. Process with Ninja Creami
Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into the Ninja Creami pint container. Secure the lid and place the container into the machine. Select the “Ice Cream” setting and let the Ninja Creami work its magic.
6. Serve and Enjoy
After the cycle is complete, your homemade chocolate ice cream is ready to be enjoyed. For a firmer texture, freeze the ice cream for an additional 2-3 hours. Otherwise, dig in right away for a creamy, soft-serve delight.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Ice Cream
- Smooth Mix: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to avoid any graininess in your ice cream.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of caramel during the last few minutes of processing for a fun twist.
- Storage: Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a sugar substitute? A: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but it might slightly alter the texture of your ice cream.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream? A: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the ice cream might be less rich and creamy.
Q: How long does it take to make the ice cream from start to finish? A: The active preparation time is about 15 minutes, but you’ll need to account for chilling time and processing time, making it a few hours total.
Making chocolate ice cream at home has never been easier with the Ninja Creami. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers a rich, creamy, and delicious treat that’ll delight your taste buds. So, next time you’re in the mood for some homemade ice cream, give this recipe a try and enjoy the indulgence!