This mint chocolate chip ice cream is a cool treat that’s super easy to make at home! With fresh mint and yummy chocolate bits, it’s a summer must-have.
I love how refreshing it tastes, especially on a hot day. Plus, who can resist the fun green color? It’s like a party in a bowl! 🍦💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but it won’t be as creamy.
Whole Milk: This adds creaminess too. If you want a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk works well, but it will change the flavor slightly. Almond milk could also work, just keep in mind it won’t be as rich.
Peppermint Extract: Pure peppermint extract is best for an authentic mint flavor. If you don’t have any, you can use mint extract, but it tends to be a bit more potent, so use only half the amount.
Green Food Coloring: This is optional! Some people love the classic green color, while others prefer leaving it natural. You can also use spinach juice for a more natural approach to coloring.
Mini Chocolate Chips: I like using mini chips for a better distribution, but regular chocolate chips can work too. For a fun twist, try chopped dark chocolate or even chocolate flakes!
How Do You Achieve Creamy Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry! You can still achieve creamy ice cream using the following method:
- After mixing the ingredients, pour the mixture into a shallow dish.
- Place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals for about 2-3 hours.
- When it’s firm but still creamy, it’s ready to serve!
This method requires a bit more effort, but it’s worth it for homemade ice cream.
Easy Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon green food coloring (optional, for the classic mint green color)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need around 20-25 minutes for churning in the ice cream maker, plus at least 2 hours of freezing to firm up the ice cream. Overall, it combines fun and efficiency to create a delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is essential for a smooth texture.
2. Add Flavors and Color:
Next, stir in the peppermint extract and optional green food coloring. Mix well to achieve a nice pastel green color. This is the fun part where you can adjust the mint flavor and color to your liking!
3. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You’re aiming for a soft-serve consistency here.
4. Add the Chocolate Chips:
During the last few minutes of churning, add the mini chocolate chips. They will get evenly distributed in the ice cream, adding delicious little bursts of chocolate in every scoop.
5. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for at least 2 hours or until it reaches your desired firmness. This will help it set perfectly for serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the ice cream is firm, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy your refreshing homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream! It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or just enjoying by yourself on a sunny day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Non-Dairy Alternatives?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the whole milk with almond or oat milk for a delicious dairy-free version. Keep in mind the flavor may slightly vary, but it’ll still be refreshing!
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping!
Can I Use Fresh Mint Instead of Extract?
Yes, you can use fresh mint! For this recipe, steep 1-2 cups of fresh mint leaves in the milk and cream mixture for about 30 minutes before straining out the leaves and proceeding with the recipe. This will give a lovely natural mint flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Peppermint Extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, try using spearmint extract instead. It has a milder flavor but works well for a minty ice cream. You can also make a mint-infused milk by steeping fresh mint leaves in warm milk as an alternative!
