Cuisinart Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Want to make the best mint chocolate chip ice cream at home? This creamy, refreshing dessert combines the cool, crisp flavor of mint with the richness of bittersweet chocolate. Using a Cuisinart ice cream maker, you’ll create a treat that tastes like it came straight from an ice cream parlor—only better, because you made it yourself!

No need to be a professional chef. If you’re comfortable with a basic custard recipe, you’re ready to dive in.

Quick Look at the Recipe

Here’s what you need to know upfront:

Time Commitment: Prep takes about 30 minutes (worth every second!), and the ice cream needs at least 5 hours to freeze—or leave it overnight.

Servings: Makes enough for about 6 people—or fewer, if you’d rather keep it all for yourself. Want more? Just double the ingredients, but make sure your ice cream maker can handle the extra volume.

Difficulty: Intermediate. But don’t worry—it’s more fun than hard.

What You’ll Need

To nail this recipe, make sure you have the following:

Tools:

• A Cuisinart ice cream maker (or similar model)
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk and mixing bowls
• Fine mesh strainer (no custard lumps, please!)
• Double boiler (or a microwave-safe bowl to melt chocolate)
• Airtight container for freezing

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or a pinch less if using table salt)
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon mint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips

Pro Tip: Use high-quality chocolate. It makes a big difference! And for a twist, try dark chocolate chunks or swap out mint extract for peppermint extract.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Custard Base

Heat the milk, cream, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves (this takes 4–5 minutes). Don’t let it boil.

Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks

Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking like your life depends on it (no scrambled eggs here!). Once mixed, pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 3: Cook the Custard

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring nonstop, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. This happens around 170–175°F. Be patient and don’t let it boil!

Step 4: Add Flavor and Cool It Down

Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the mint and vanilla extracts. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to catch any tiny lumps or egg bits. Let it chill—either in an ice bath or in the fridge for a few hours.

Step 5: Churn It

Once the custard is cold, pour it into your Cuisinart ice cream maker. Follow your model’s instructions (usually takes about 20–25 minutes to churn).

Step 6: Prep the Chocolate

While the ice cream churns, melt your chocolate chips. Use either a double boiler or a microwave in short bursts. Stir until smooth.

Step 7: Layer It

In a chilled container, drizzle a thin layer of melted chocolate at the bottom. Add a layer of churned ice cream on top. Repeat the layers until you’ve used everything up. The chocolate will harden into delightful little shards.

Step 8: Freeze and Enjoy

Freeze the ice cream for at least 5 hours or leave it overnight. When it’s time to eat, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes so it’s easier to scoop.

Customize Your Ice Cream

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and cream instead of dairy, and swap in vegan chocolate chips.
• Natural Sweeteners: Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural treat.
• Fresh Mint: Skip the extract and steep a handful of fresh mint leaves in the warm milk mixture for a more authentic flavor.
• Seasonal Flavors: Add crushed candy canes for the holidays or mix in summer berries for a fruity twist.

Serving Tips

• Presentation: Serve in a chilled bowl or a crispy waffle cone. Want to make it fancy? Garnish with a fresh mint leaf or drizzle extra melted chocolate on top.
• Perfect Pairings: This ice cream is amazing with warm brownies or chocolate chip cookies.

Storage

• Keep It Fresh: Store your leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
• Pro Tip for Scooping: Let the ice cream sit for 5 minutes at room temp before serving—it’ll be so much easier to scoop.

And there you have it! A delicious, homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re treating yourself or wowing friends, this dessert is a surefire hit.

Happy churning!

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