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Chocolate Sea Salt Ice Cream Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

This rich and creamy Chocolate Sea Salt Ice Cream combines deep, cocoa-infused sweetness with a hint of Maldon sea salt for a perfectly balanced dessert. Made with heavy cream, bittersweet chocolate chips, and a touch of vanilla, this homemade ice cream is smooth and indulgent. Chill the base overnight and churn for a delightful soft-serve or frozen treat, topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an elevated flavor experience.

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base

  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup Dutch process cocoa powder or special dark cocoa
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon Maldon salt (plus more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Combine and Heat: In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly to blend all ingredients. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continually. Heat until the mixture starts to steam and simmer, increasing heat if necessary. Maintain constant stirring and do not leave unattended to avoid scorching.
  2. Add Chocolate and Additional Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat as soon as the mixture simmers. Immediately add the bittersweet chocolate chips and whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and Maldon salt. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  3. Chill the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely cold. This helps the flavors meld and preps the base for churning.
  4. Churn the Ice Cream: Process the chilled mixture according to your ice cream machine’s instructions. For soft-serve texture, serve immediately after churning. For firmer ice cream, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until ready to serve.
  5. Serve and Garnish: When serving, sprinkle each portion with an extra pinch of Maldon sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor and introduce a pleasant salty crunch.

Notes

  • Using Dutch process or special dark cocoa powder gives a richer chocolate flavor compared to natural cocoa powder.
  • Be sure to stir the base continuously while heating to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.
  • Chilling the base overnight results in a better churn and creamier ice cream.
  • If you don’t have Maldon salt, substitute with any flaky sea salt to maintain the texture and flavor balance.
  • This recipe requires an ice cream maker for best results; without one, the texture will differ.