Ice cream is a classic dessert that has been a favorite for centuries. The cold, creamy texture paired with the right flavors can create an irresistible treat. One of the quintessential combinations is mint and chocolate. This mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe takes that beloved combination to the next level. Fresh mint leaves and rich semi-sweet chocolate are the key components that set this recipe apart from the store-bought varieties.
The primary ingredients for this recipe are fairly common and can be found in most grocery stores. However, one item you might not have on hand is fresh mint leaves. While you might be tempted to use mint extract instead, I highly recommend using fresh mint leaves for this recipe. They bring a depth of flavor that simply can't be matched by an extract. You can usually find fresh mint in the produce section of your local supermarket.
Key Ingredients for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Whole milk: The base for our ice cream, it gives a rich and creamy texture.
Heavy cream: Adds to the creaminess and richness of the ice cream.
Fresh mint leaves: These are key to the refreshing and vibrant mint flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the ice cream.
Light corn syrup: Helps prevent ice crystals from forming, keeping the ice cream smooth and creamy.
Egg yolks: They help thicken the mixture and give a custard-like consistency.
Mint extract: Enhances the mint flavor.
Green and blue food coloring: Optional for giving the ice cream a classic mint green color.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Adds a delicious contrast to the mint with its rich and sweet flavor.
One reader, Gaspard Hogan says:
This mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe is a game-changer! The fresh mint flavor combined with the rich chocolate is a match made in heaven. The creamy texture is just perfect. It's a delightful treat that everyone in my family adores. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
How to infuse mint flavor: Steep fresh mint leaves in a mixture of milk and cream over medium heat, then allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes to infuse the mint flavor.
How to temper eggs: Slowly add warm milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling when added to the hot liquid.
How to strain the mixture: Pour the cooked mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl, and use a rubber spatula to rub the mint leaves back and forth over the sieve to strain oils and natural flavors from the leaves into the bowl.
How To Make Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Whip up the perfect summer treat that’s made with fresh mint, chocolate, and whole milk for a decadent and cooling mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupswhole milk
- 1½cupsheavy cream
- ½cupfresh mint leaves,packed
- ⅔cupgranulated sugar
- 1tbsplight corn syrup
- 4large egg yolks
- ¾tspmint extract,or peppermint extract, to taste
- 4dropsgreen food coloring,optional
- 2dropsblue food coloring,optional
- 4ozsemi-sweet chocolate,chopped, or bittersweet chocolate
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan combine milk, 1 cup cream, and fresh mint leaves. Heat over medium heat and bring just to a gentle bubble for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile in a bowl, whisk together the remaining heavy cream with granulated sugar, corn syrup, and egg yolks for about 1 to 2 minutes until slightly pale and fluffy.
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While whisking egg yolk mixture, slowly add about ½ cup warm milk mixture to egg yolk mixture without straining the leaves. Add egg yolk mixture to milk mixture in the saucepan and return to medium heat.
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Cook mixture, stirring constantly for about 5 to 8 minutes until thickened. The mixture should coat the back of a wooden spoon but don’t let it boil. Remove from heat and pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a heat proof bowl.
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Using a rubber spatula, rub mint leaves back and forth in over sieve to strain oils and natural flavors from leaves into a bowl, also scrap the bottom of the sieve once done and add that to the bowl, discard leaves.
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Mix in green and blue food coloring, if desired, and mint extract. Cover with plastic wrap pressing directly against the surface of the mixture to prevent skin from forming.
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Transfer to the refrigerator and allow to thoroughly chill through for about 4 to 5 hours.
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Once fully chilled, process mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufactures directions, adding in chopped chocolate during the last few minutes of processing.
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Transfer mixture to an airtight container and freeze until nearly firm.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 352.14kcal
- Fat: 24.55g
- Saturated Fat: 14.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.22g
- Carbohydrates: 32.07g
- Fiber: 1.24g
- Sugar: 30.07g
- Protein: 4.49g
- Cholesterol: 157.94mg
- Sodium: 45.91mg
- Calcium: 108.43mg
- Potassium: 182.14mg
- Iron: 1.41mg
- Vitamin A: 248.77µg
- Vitamin C: 1.05mg
Expert Advice for Achieving the Ideal Texture in Homemade Ice Cream
When infusing the mint leaves into the milk and cream, be sure to monitor the heat closely. You want the mixture to bubble gently, not boil, to extract the mint flavor without scorching the dairy. Also, when straining the leaves, take your time to rub them against the sieve. This extra step helps to release more of the mint oils, enhancing the overall flavor of your mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Ice Cream at Home
Prep ahead: You can steep the mint leaves in the milk and cream mixture a day before making the ice cream. This will allow the flavors to infuse, saving you time on the day of preparation.
Chill quickly: After combining the ingredients, place the mixture in an ice bath to speed up the chilling process. This will reduce the waiting time before churning the ice cream.
Use a food processor: Instead of chopping the chocolate by hand, pulse it in a food processor for quick and uniform chocolate pieces.
Double batch: Consider making a larger batch and storing the extra ice cream in the freezer for future enjoyment. This will save time on future dessert preparations.
Pre-scoop: Pre-scoop the ice cream into serving portions and freeze them on a baking sheet. This way, you'll have ready-to-serve portions without the need for scooping when serving.
Substitute Ingredients For Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor to the ice cream, which can complement the mint and chocolate flavors well.
heavy cream - Substitute with full-fat coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk can provide a rich and creamy base for the ice cream, and it also adds a subtle coconut flavor that can enhance the overall taste.
fresh mint leaves - Substitute with peppermint extract: Peppermint extract can be used as a concentrated alternative to fresh mint leaves, providing a strong mint flavor without the need for the leaves.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the ice cream, and it also helps create a smooth texture.
light corn syrup - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can serve as a natural sweetener and also contribute a subtle caramelized flavor to the ice cream.
large egg yolks - Substitute with 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water: This mixture can act as a thickening agent and help create a creamy texture in the absence of egg yolks.
mint extract - Substitute with peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is a concentrated alternative to mint extract and can provide a strong mint flavor to the ice cream.
green food coloring - Substitute with spirulina powder: Spirulina powder can be used to naturally add a green color to the ice cream, and it also offers nutritional benefits.
blue food coloring - Substitute with purple sweet potato powder: Purple sweet potato powder can provide a natural blue color to the ice cream and is a healthier alternative to artificial food coloring.
semi-sweet chocolate - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs can add a rich chocolate flavor and a satisfying crunch to the ice cream, providing a different texture compared to traditional chocolate chips.
Creative Ways to Serve Homemade Ice Cream
Elevate the plating: When presenting the mint chocolate chip ice cream, focus on creating a visually stunning presentation. Use a chilled dessert plate and carefully scoop the ice cream into a quenelle shape using two spoons. Place the quenelle in the center of the plate and use a small offset spatula to create a smooth, elegant shape.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves: Add a touch of freshness and color to the presentation by garnishing the ice cream with a few small, vibrant fresh mint leaves. Place the leaves delicately on top of the quenelle for a pop of green that complements the mint flavor in the ice cream.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Create a beautiful contrast and add a touch of indulgence by drizzling a rich chocolate sauce around the base of the quenelle. Use a small squeeze bottle or a spoon to create a decorative pattern that enhances the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Add a delicate chocolate shard: Elevate the presentation further by incorporating a delicate chocolate shard as a stunning finishing touch. Carefully place the chocolate piece upright in the ice cream, creating a sense of height and elegance that will impress the judges with its artful presentation.
Serve on a chilled granite slab: For an added element of sophistication, present the mint chocolate chip ice cream on a chilled granite slab. The cool surface will help maintain the optimal temperature of the dessert while also providing a sleek and modern backdrop for the presentation.
Essential Equipment for Making Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Medium saucepan: A medium-sized pot with a handle and a lid, used for heating and cooking liquids or sauces.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, often with a handle and a series of loops or wires.
Bowl: A round, deep dish used for mixing ingredients or serving food.
Fine mesh sieve: A fine mesh strainer used for sifting dry ingredients or straining liquids to remove any lumps or impurities.
Rubber spatula: A flexible kitchen tool with a broad, flat, often rubber or silicone head used for mixing, scraping, and spreading ingredients.
Ice cream maker: A machine used to make ice cream by churning and freezing the mixture simultaneously.
Airtight container: A sealed container designed to keep air and moisture out, used for storing food and maintaining freshness.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- Once the mint chocolate chip ice cream is churned, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. A loaf pan or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well.
- Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Seal the container tightly with the lid to prevent freezer burn and to keep the ice cream fresh.
- Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it's been in the freezer.
- Place the container in the freezer and allow the ice cream to harden for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
- Mint chocolate chip ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for the best flavor and texture. After that, it may start to develop ice crystals and lose its creamy consistency.
- If the ice cream becomes too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
- For longer storage, you can transfer the ice cream to a plastic freezer bag and press out any excess air before sealing. This will help prevent freezer burn and extend the shelf life for up to 1-2 months.
- When ready to serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and enjoying your delicious homemade treat!
Interesting Trivia About Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
The mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe is a classic flavor that was first created in 1973 by Marilyn Ricketts, a culinary student at South Devon College in England. She developed the recipe as part of a school project and it quickly gained popularity for its refreshing mint flavor and rich chocolate chunks. Since then, it has become a beloved flavor in the world of ice cream, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Is Making Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream at Home Cost-Effective?
This mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as milk, cream, and sugar, are commonly found in most households. The addition of fresh mint leaves and chocolate may slightly increase the cost, but the overall expense is reasonable. The homemade nature of this dessert also adds value. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its flavor and simplicity. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an affordable and delightful treat.
Is Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and egg yolks - are all high in calories, fat, and sugar. The recipe also includes corn syrup, which is a highly processed sweetener. The only potentially beneficial ingredient is the fresh mint leaves, which may provide a small amount of antioxidants and nutrients. However, the overall nutritional value of this dessert is quite low.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the whole milk and heavy cream with lower-fat alternatives, such as 2% milk or coconut milk
- Reduce the amount of sugar and corn syrup, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Increase the amount of fresh mint leaves to boost the nutritional value
- Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate, as it contains more antioxidants and less sugar
- Add in some healthy mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or fresh berries, for added fiber and nutrients
By making these adjustments, you can create a slightly healthier version of this classic ice cream flavor. However, it's important to remember that even with these changes, mint chocolate chip ice cream should still be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion: Why Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a Classic Favorite
The mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe is a delightful blend of fresh mint and rich chocolate. The infusion of fresh mint leaves into the creamy base adds a refreshing and aromatic flavor, while the addition of mint extract and food coloring enhances the visual appeal. The incorporation of chopped chocolate during the churning process ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite. However, to elevate the recipe further, consider experimenting with different types of chocolate or incorporating a ripple of fudge or chocolate sauce for added indulgence. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful balance of mint and chocolate, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Enhance Your Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delightful Variations on the Classic Mint Chocolate Chip Flavor
Appetizers and Entrées That Complement Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Why trust this Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe:
This recipe uses fresh mint leaves steeped in the milk and cream, infusing the ice cream with a natural and refreshing flavor. The use of real mint extract further enhances the minty taste, ensuring an authentic and delightful experience. The addition of semi-sweet chocolate chunks provides a rich and indulgent contrast to the mint, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The careful and detailed instructions demonstrate a commitment to quality and precision, earning the trust of users seeking a reliable and delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe.
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