15-Minute No-Churn Salted Chocolate Ice Cream

Prep: 15 minCook: 10 hr1 servingsmediumAmerican
No-Churn Salted Chocolate Ice Cream

This rich chocolate ice cream combines melted bittersweet chocolate with sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream for a luxuriously creamy texture without an ice cream maker. The addition of flaky salt enhances the deep chocolate flavor, while a touch of lemon juice brightens the overall taste. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking an indulgent dessert that's surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 1 cup bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or bittersweet chocolate chips)
    dark chocolate chips1:1neutral

    Convenient substitution

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup whole milk
    oat milk1:1dairy-freedairy-free

    Works well but may be slightly less rich

    Full guide →
  • 1 13-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
    coconut condensed milk1:1dairy-free

    Available in most stores

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon unrefined flake salt, divided
  • 2 cups heavy cream
    coconut cream1:1dairy-freedairy-free

    Use full-fat canned coconut cream for similar richness

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place chopped chocolate in a large heatproof bowl

  2. 2

    Heat milk until just below boiling, then pour over chocolate

  3. 3

    Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth

  4. 4

    Stir in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, cocoa powder, lemon juice, and half the salt until well combined

  5. 5

    In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks

  6. 6

    Gently fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture

  7. 7

    Transfer to a freezable container

  8. 8

    Sprinkle with remaining salt

  9. 9

    Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto surface

  10. 10

    Freeze for about 6 hours or until firm

Tips

Tip 1

Make sure the milk is hot enough to melt the chocolate completely but not boiling, which could cause the mixture to seize

Tip 2

Fold the whipped cream gently to maintain the airy texture that gives this ice cream its creamy consistency

Tip 3

Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered in freezer for up to 1 month

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 1 week ahead

Serve With

Let soften for 5-10 minutes before scooping for easier serving

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overheat the milk or chocolate may seize

Watch

Don't overfold the cream or you'll deflate the mixture

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

heavy cream
coconut cream1:1dairy-freedairy-free

Use full-fat canned coconut cream for similar richness

Full guide →
whole milk
oat milk1:1dairy-freedairy-free

Works well but may be slightly less rich

Full guide →
sweetened condensed milk
coconut condensed milk1:1dairy-free

Available in most stores

Full guide →

General Alternatives

bittersweet chocolate
dark chocolate chips1:1neutral

Convenient substitution

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet?

Yes, but reduce or omit the sweetened condensed milk as milk chocolate is already quite sweet.

What if I don't have flake salt?

Regular kosher salt works fine, but use slightly less as it's more concentrated than flake salt.

How long will this keep in the freezer?

Properly stored with plastic wrap pressed to the surface, it will keep for up to 1 month.