Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream [Chip Happens Remix]
Refreshing mint ice cream studded with chocolate chips that delivers cool satisfaction and nostalgic joy. This is the classic flavor that makes hot summer days bearable and every scoop a celebration of pure indulgence.
Makes
Serves 6-8
Total Time
6 hr 15 min (15 min prep + 6 hr chill/churn)
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream (grass-fed preferred)
1 cup (240ml) unsweetened almond milk
3/4 cup (150g) coconut sugar
6 large pasture-raised egg yolks
2 tsp (10ml) pure mint extract
1/4 tsp (1g) sea salt
Natural green food coloring (optional)
Mix-ins:
3/4 cup (130g) mini dark chocolate chips
Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)
Replace 1/2 cup almond milk with plain kefir for beneficial probiotics and tangy contrast to sweet mint. Add 1 tablespoon collagen peptides for gut-healing amino acids and protein boost. Use raw honey instead of coconut sugar for prebiotic benefits and natural enzymes. Include fresh mint leaves steeped in the warm cream for natural digestive support and authentic mint flavor.
Remix Options
Sweetener Alternatives: Raw honey (reduce to 1/2 cup), maple syrup, or stevia extract for different sweetness profiles and health benefits. Milk Variations: Full-fat coconut milk for extra richness, cashew milk for neutral flavor, or whole milk for traditional dairy version. Mint Intensity: Fresh mint leaves steeped in cream for natural flavor, peppermint extract for stronger taste, or combination of both for complex mint profile. Chocolate Options: Dark chocolate chunks, cacao nibs for antioxidants, white chocolate chips, or crushed mint cookies for extra texture. Color Choices: Natural spirulina for green color, matcha powder for subtle green and earthy notes, or leave natural white for pure flavor focus. Add-in Variations: Brownie pieces, crushed Oreos, fresh berries, or caramel swirl for gourmet combinations. No-Churn Version: Fold ingredients into whipped cream and freeze in loaf pan, stirring every 2 hours for 6 hours total.
Good To Know
Custard Technique: Proper tempering prevents scrambled eggs – add hot cream slowly while whisking constantly to create silky smooth base. Temperature Control: Cook custard to exactly 170°F (77°C) for food safety and proper thickening without curdling or graininess. Coconut Sugar Benefits: Enhances mint flavor while providing subtle caramel notes and lower glycemic impact than refined sugar. Mint Extract Quality: Pure mint extract creates authentic flavor without artificial aftertaste – avoid imitation extracts for best results. Chocolate Chip Timing: Add during last minutes of churning to prevent breakage and ensure even distribution throughout ice cream. Straining Importance: Always strain custard to remove any lumps and ensure perfectly smooth texture in final product. Chilling Necessity: Complete chilling before churning allows faster freezing and prevents ice crystal formation for creamy texture. Storage Solutions: Press plastic wrap directly onto surface before lid to prevent ice crystals; store up to 1 week for best quality. Serving Temperature: Let stand 5-10 minutes at room temperature before scooping for easier serving and optimal flavor release.
steps
Heat:
Combine heavy cream and almond milk in medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until mixture just begins to steam and small bubbles form around edges – do not boil.
Whisk:
In separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and coconut sugar vigorously until mixture becomes pale yellow and thick, about 2-3 minutes of constant whisking.
Temper:
Slowly pour hot cream mixture into egg yolks in thin stream, whisking constantly to prevent eggs from scrambling. This creates the custard base.
Cook:
Return mixture to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until custard coats the back of spoon and reaches 170°F (77°C).
Strain:
Remove from heat and immediately strain custard through fine-mesh sieve. Stir in mint extract, sea salt, and green food coloring if using for classic appearance.
Chill:
Cover custard with plastic wrap pressed directly onto surface to prevent skin forming. Refrigerate until completely cold, at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Churn:
Process chilled custard in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. During final 2-3 minutes of churning, gradually add chocolate chips for even distribution.
Freeze:
Transfer to airtight container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface before sealing. Store up to 1 week for optimal flavor and texture.