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Craving rich, creamy chocolate ice cream but don’t want to make a huge batch? This single serving recipe is just what you need. It’s incredibly easy to make with no ice cream maker required. Using simple ingredients, you can whip up this ultra-chocolatey treat in no time. It’s egg-free and requires no cooking, so you can enjoy a delicious dessert without any hassle. Perfect for when you want just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth!

a dessert bowl with a scoop of chocolate ice cream and chocolate sprinkles.

Looking for more delicious single serve and small batch ice cream recipes? Try our creamy vanilla ice cream, butter pecan ice cream, refreshing mint chocolate chip ice cream, tangy key lime pie ice cream, nutty pistachio ice cream, toasted coconut ice cream, and sweet strawberry ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

  1. No Ice Cream Maker Needed: This recipe is no-churn, so you don’t need any special equipment.
  2. Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk ensures an ultra-creamy, smooth texture.
  3. Deep Chocolate Flavor: Using unsweetened cocoa powder and melted chocolate gives this ice cream a bold, intense chocolate taste.
  4. Simple Ingredients: Made with just five easy-to-find ingredients.
  5. Perfect Portion Control: Designed for a single serving, it’s ideal when you want a personal treat without making a large batch. Plus, the recipe can easily be doubled if you want a second scoop!
  6. Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with other desserts like chocolate cake or a deep dish chocolate chip cookie.
a white ramekin filled with homemade chocolate ice cream topped with a sprig of fresh mint.

This single serve chocolate ice cream recipe is perfect for those times when you want a little something sweet but don’t feel like making a huge batch. The single serving size means no leftovers to worry about, and the no-churn method makes it super easy. You don’t need an ice cream maker, eggs, or any complicated steps. Just a few simple ingredients, a bit of mixing, and you’ve got a rich, creamy, chocolatey treat ready to enjoy. It’s the ideal way to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

Ingredients

chocolate ice cream ingredients on a kitchen counter.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch chocolate ice cream recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and creamy base. Use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream; both work perfectly. Heavy cream is essential for this recipe and cannot be replaced with milk as it provides the necessary richness and texture. Consider using leftover heavy cream in a Nanaimo Bar, Banana Pudding, mini French Silk Pie, or even Fettuccine Alfredo.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is essentially cow’s milk with much of the water content removed and sugar added. Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient, and there is no substitute for it in this recipe. Leftover sweetened condensed milk can be used to make a mini Key Lime Pie or mini Mango Lemon Pie.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the chocolate flavor. You can use dark cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
  • Chocolate: Adds extra chocolatey goodness. I recommend using good quality chocolate like Baker’s brand (1 oz/28 g/4 squares) for the best flavor. If you’ve got some chocolate leftover, use it in a mini Flourless Chocolate Cake or Boston Cream Pie.

Recipe Variations

This single serving chocolate ice cream recipe is versatile and can be customized in many ways. Here are some variations to try:

  • Mint Chocolate Ice Cream: Add a few drops of mint extract and some chopped mint chocolate.
  • Peanut Butter Swirl: Fold in some melted peanut butter before freezing.
  • Nutella Swirl: Add a swirl of Nutella for a hazelnut twist.
  • Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream: Mix in some chopped dried cherries.
  • Cookies and Cream Ice Cream: Fold in some crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
  • Rocky Road Ice Cream: Add mini marshmallows and chopped nuts.
  • Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Swirl in some caramel sauce and sprinkle a little sea salt on top.
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How To Make Chocolate Ice Cream For One

These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make one scoop of chocolate ice cream. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

melted chocolate in a double boiler.
  1. Melt the Chocolate:
    • Double Boiler Method: Fill a small pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Place a heat-proof bowl on top, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Add the chopped chocolate and stir with a rubber spatula until melted. Set aside to cool.
    • Microwave Method: Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted. Set aside to cool.
melted chocolate, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder in a bowl.
  1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, cocoa powder, and melted chocolate. Set aside.
a mixing bowl filled with whipped cream.
  1. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
chocolate ice cream mixture in a mixing bowl.
  1. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined.
unfrozen no churn chocolate ice cream in a white ramekin.
  1. Freeze: Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe bowl (a 10-ounce ramekin works great). Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours for soft-serve ice cream, or longer (up to overnight) for a firmer texture.
a small bowl of no churn chocolate ice cream.
  1. Enjoy: Remove from the freezer and enjoy your single scoop of chocolate ice cream!

Expert Tips

  • Fold Gently: When combining the whipped cream with the other ingredients, fold gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
  • Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are cold for the best results.
  • Freeze Completely: Allow at least 4 hours of freezing time for the best texture.
  • Serve Sooner for Softer Ice Cream: If you prefer a softer texture, serve after about 2-3 hours of freezing.
  • Store Properly: Keep the ice cream covered in the freezer to maintain freshness and avoid freezer burn.

Serving Suggestions

Although you can enjoy this perfect scoop of chocolate ice cream straight from the bowl, there are many ways to serve it to make it even more delightful. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

  • With Chocolate Cake: Pair your ice cream with a slice of rich chocolate cake for a double dose of chocolate.
  • On a Deep-Dish Cookie: Top a warm, gooey cookie with a scoop of ice cream.
  • In a Waffle Cone: Serve your ice cream in a crunchy ice cream cone for a classic treat.
  • With Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
  • On a Brownie: Place a scoop on top of a fudgy brownie for an extra indulgent dessert.
  • With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream and some chocolate shavings for a fancy touch.
  • With Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
  • On a Slice of Pie: Serve your ice cream with a slice of your favorite pie.
a bowl of chocolate ice cream with a spoon on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the ice cream take to freeze?

It usually takes about 4 to 5 hours to freeze completely but for soft-serve ice cream, 2 to 3 hours in the freezer should suffice.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double or triple the ingredients if you need more servings.

How long can I store homemade ice cream in the freezer?

It’s best enjoyed within a week.

Do I need to stir the ice cream while freezing?

No, just pour it into the container and freeze.

What can I do if the ice cream is too hard to scoop?

Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this single serve chocolate ice cream recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Chocolate Ice Cream For One

5 from 3 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Freeze: 5 hours
Total: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Create rich, creamy single serving chocolate ice cream with heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and cocoa powder. This no-churn, egg-free recipe is simple and delicious.

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 ounce semi sweet chocolate (I use Baker's brand: 28 g/4 squares)
  • 2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 ounces heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
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Instructions 

  • Melt the Chocolate Using Either Method:
    1. Double Boiler Method: Fill a small pot with 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Place a heat-proof bowl on top, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Add the chopped chocolate and stir with a rubber spatula until melted. Set aside to cool.
    2. Microwave Method: Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted. Set aside to cool.
  • Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, cocoa powder, and melted chocolate. Set aside.
  • Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
  • Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined.
  • Freeze: Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe bowl (a 10-ounce ramekin works great). Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours for soft-serve ice cream, or longer (5 hours or up to overnight) for a firmer texture.
  • Enjoy: Remove from the freezer and enjoy your single scoop of chocolate ice cream!

Notes

  • Fold Gently: When combining the whipped cream with the other ingredients, fold gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
  • Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are cold for the best results.
  • Freeze Completely: Allow at least 4 hours of freezing time for the best texture.
  • Serve Sooner for Softer Ice Cream: If you prefer a softer texture, serve after about 2-3 hours of freezing.
  • Store Properly: Keep the ice cream covered in the freezer to maintain freshness and avoid freezer burn.
Store the ice cream in the freezer for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 704kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 54g, Saturated Fat: 34g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 147mg, Sodium: 103mg, Potassium: 425mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 45g, Vitamin A: 1.833IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 254mg, Iron: 2mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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5 from 3 votes

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4 Comments

  1. Barbara Bosworth says:

    This will be perfect in my Dash ice cream maker. It’s great that I don’t have to do a full pint.

  2. J. Hegyi says:

    So glad you added chocolate ice cream, along side of your vanilla ice cream.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you! We’re excited about this one too.

  3. J. Hegyi says:

    Excellent recipe.