Effortless Indulgence: The Ultimate Guide to No-Churn Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Prepare to revolutionize your dessert game with this incredible no-churn Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe! Forget the need for a bulky ice cream maker or the endless churning; this recipe delivers a luxuriously creamy, refreshingly minty, and delightfully chocolatey treat that tastes even better than anything you can buy in a store. It’s the ultimate easy dessert, perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day, a quick weeknight treat, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
No-churn ice cream is truly a revelation. It takes the simplicity of whipping heavy cream to stiff peaks and combines it with sweetened condensed milk to create a rich, smooth base. This versatile foundation can then be infused with any flavor you desire, from classic vanilla to vibrant fruit concoctions, and, of course, this ever-popular mint chocolate chip combination. The result is a homemade ice cream that boasts a fantastic texture, a vibrant flavor, and an unbelievably easy preparation process.
Why No-Churn Ice Cream is Your New Favorite Dessert Hack
For years, making homemade ice cream seemed like a daunting task, requiring specialized equipment and a lot of patience. Enter the no-churn method – a brilliant technique that has transformed the world of homemade frozen treats. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- No Special Equipment Needed: The most significant advantage is the elimination of an ice cream machine. All you need is an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) and a freezer-safe container.
- Incredibly Creamy Texture: Many worry that without churning, the ice cream might become icy. However, the combination of whipped heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk prevents large ice crystal formation, resulting in a surprisingly smooth and rich consistency that rivals traditionally churned varieties.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: The active prep time for this recipe is just a few minutes. You whip the cream, fold in the other ingredients, and then let your freezer do the rest of the work.
- Endless Customization: The basic no-churn base is a blank canvas. Once you master this mint chocolate chip version, you’ll find yourself experimenting with countless other flavors and mix-ins, from fresh berries to cookie dough, caramel swirls, and beyond.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a birthday party, or just a quiet night in, a batch of homemade no-churn ice cream is always a welcome treat.
Unlocking the Flavor: What You’ll Need
Creating this irresistible mint chocolate chip ice cream requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. The magic lies in how these components come together to form a rich and flavorful dessert. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
- Heavy Cream: This is the foundation of our creamy ice cream. You’ll need cold heavy cream (sometimes labeled as heavy whipping cream) with at least 36% milk fat to achieve those perfect stiff peaks. The higher fat content is crucial for the rich texture and prevents iciness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient serves multiple purposes. It provides the necessary sweetness, a smooth liquid base, and its high sugar content helps keep the ice cream from freezing solid and becoming too hard. Make sure it’s sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
- Peppermint Extract: This is where our refreshing mint flavor comes from. Start with the recommended amount, but always taste and adjust. Extracts can vary in potency, so it’s better to add a little more if needed than to overpower the ice cream with too much mint.
- Chocolate Chunks: The “chip” in mint chocolate chip! You can use mini chocolate chips for a finer distribution or chop up a good quality chocolate bar for larger, more decadent chunks. Dark, semi-sweet, or even milk chocolate will work, depending on your preference.
- Green Food Coloring (Optional): While it doesn’t affect the taste, a few drops of green food coloring can give your mint chocolate chip ice cream that iconic, vibrant color we all know and love. Feel free to omit it for a naturally pale mint ice cream.
How To Make No-Churn Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this delightful dessert is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and flavorful result:
- Whip the Heavy Cream: Begin by pouring your very cold heavy cream into the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or use a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer. Whip the cream on medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the peaks of cream stand upright and hold their shape. Ensure your bowl and whisk are clean and dry, and for best results, you can even chill them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes beforehand. This helps the cream whip up faster and firmer.
- Gently Fold in Sweetened Condensed Milk and Coloring: Once your heavy cream is whipped, it’s time to incorporate the sweetened condensed milk. Carefully pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream. If you’re using green food coloring, add it at this stage. Using a spatula, gently fold the condensed milk and food coloring into the whipped cream. The key here is to be very gentle to avoid deflating the air you’ve just incorporated into the cream. This ensures a light and airy ice cream base. Continue folding until the mixture is just combined and the color is evenly distributed.
- Infuse with Peppermint Flavor: Now, add the peppermint extract to the mixture. Start with the recommended amount in the recipe card. Gently fold it in. Peppermint extract can be quite potent, so after folding it in, it’s a good idea to taste a tiny bit of the mixture (before adding chocolate). If you desire a stronger mint flavor, add another 1/4 teaspoon at a time, folding gently after each addition, until it reaches your preferred intensity.
- Fold in the Chocolate: Finally, add your chocolate chunks or mini chocolate chips. Gently fold them into the mint-flavored cream mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout. Don’t overmix; just enough to ensure every scoop will have a generous amount of chocolate. If you prefer, you can reserve a small amount of chocolate to sprinkle on top before freezing for an appealing visual.
- Freeze for Perfection: Transfer the entire mixture into an airtight freezer-safe container. A loaf pan covered tightly with plastic wrap or a container with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. Place it in the freezer for a minimum of 6-8 hours, or ideally, overnight, until the ice cream is completely firm. This extended freezing time ensures the perfect scoopable consistency.
Once the ice cream is beautifully firm, it’s ready to scoop and serve! Just like your favorite store-bought varieties, but with the unmatched satisfaction of homemade. Elevate your dessert experience by topping it with a decadent Hot Fudge Sauce for an extra layer of indulgence. This easy homemade treat is truly a summer delight!
One of the best aspects of no-churn ice cream is its convenience. You can effortlessly prepare it the day before a gathering or simply whip up a batch to have on hand for those spontaneous cravings. Plus, you have complete control over the chocolate-to-mint ratio. I often find store-bought mint chocolate chip ice creams a bit sparse on the chocolate, so with this recipe, I can load it up with as many extra chocolate chips as my heart desires!
Tips for Success with Your No-Churn Ice Cream
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips can help ensure your no-churn mint chocolate chip ice cream is absolutely perfect every time:
- Start with Cold Ingredients: Ensure your heavy cream is very cold. Chilling your mixing bowl and whisk attachment for 15 minutes before you start whipping can also make a significant difference, helping the cream whip up faster and achieve stiffer peaks.
- Don’t Over-mix: Once you add the sweetened condensed milk, fold it in gently. Over-mixing can deflate the whipped cream, leading to a less airy and possibly icier ice cream.
- Adjust Extract to Taste: Peppermint extract strength varies by brand. Always start with the recommended amount and then taste a small sample of the base mixture before adding the chocolate. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Choose Your Chocolate Wisely: The type and size of chocolate matter. Mini chocolate chips disperse well, while chopped chocolate bars offer larger, more satisfying chunks. Consider using a good quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Use an Airtight Container: This is crucial for preventing freezer burn and keeping your ice cream fresh and creamy. Ensure your container has a tight-fitting lid or cover a loaf pan tightly with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream.
- Patience is Key for Freezing: While 6-8 hours is often enough, overnight freezing is ideal for the firmest, most scoopable texture. Resist the urge to check it too early!
More Delicious Frozen Treats to Try
If you love the simplicity and deliciousness of this no-churn recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore other delightful frozen desserts. Here are some fantastic ideas from our collection to keep you cool and satisfied:
- Classic Chocolate Milkshakes: A timeless favorite that’s quick and indulgent.
- Refreshing Strawberry Popsicles: Homemade popsicles are bursting with fresh fruit flavor.
- Dr Pepper Ice Cream Floats: A unique twist on a classic soda float.
- Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Icebox Cake: Layers of ice cream sandwiches and whipped topping make a simple yet impressive dessert.
- Irresistible Cookie Dough Ice Cream: For those who can never get enough cookie dough!
No-Churn Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chunks, finely chopped (or mini chocolate chips)
- 4-5 drops green food coloring, (optional)
Instructions
-
Whip very cold heavy cream in an electric stand mixer with the whisk attachment until you have stiff peaks. This means the cream holds its shape when the whisk is lifted.2 cups heavy cream
-
Gently pour in the sweetened condensed milk. If using, add 4-5 drops of green food coloring here. Using a spatula, carefully fold the condensed milk and coloring into the whipped cream until just combined, being careful not to deflate the cream.1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
-
Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and gently fold it in. Taste the mixture and add another 1/4 teaspoon if you desire a stronger mint flavor, folding gently after each addition.1 teaspoon peppermint extract
-
Fold in the chocolate chunks until they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream base.1 cup chocolate chunks
-
Transfer the mixture to an airtight freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for 6-8 hours, or ideally overnight, until the ice cream is completely firm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Join our culinary community on Facebook! It’s a fantastic place to share your favorite recipes, ask questions, and stay updated on all the exciting new creations from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts. We’d love for you to be a part of our growing group!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and
tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS
recipes YOU make at home! Your creations inspire us!
Don’t miss out on any of our delicious updates! Be sure to follow me on my social media channels:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram