Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream with Nuts & Fudge Drizzle

Here’s a rich, ultra-creamy Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream recipe with crunchy nuts and a decadent fudge drizzle — no ice cream machine required (but instructions for both ways are included)!

🍫 Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream with Nuts & Fudge Drizzle

Creamy. Crunchy. Deep chocolate flavor with gooey fudge swirls.

✅ Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Mix-ins:

¾ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work great)
½ cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

Fudge Drizzle:

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
½ tsp vanilla extract

🥣 No-Churn Method (No Ice Cream Machine)

1. Make the Fudge Drizzle

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, and cream.
Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract and let cool to room temp.

2. Prepare the Chocolate Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks (about 3–4 minutes).
Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined.

3. Add Mix-ins

Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips (if using).
Drizzle about half the fudge sauce into the mixture and gently swirl (don’t fully mix it in).

4. Freeze

Pour into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container.
Add more fudge on top and swirl lightly with a knife.
Cover with plastic wrap or lid.
Freeze for 6 hours or overnight until firm.

🍨 Ice Cream Machine Version

Mix condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
Fold whipped cream into chocolate base.
Pour into ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20–25 minutes).
In the last 5 minutes, add nuts and chocolate chips.
Layer with fudge drizzle as you transfer to a container.
Freeze for 2–4 hours to firm up.

🧊 Storage

Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks
Let sit at room temp for 5 minutes before scooping for best texture

🏆 Optional Upgrades

Add a swirl of peanut butter or caramel
Use toasted nuts for extra depth
Add a pinch of espresso powder to the base for richer chocolate flavor
Use dark cocoa powder for intense flavor

Would you like a dairy-free version, protein-boosted version, or a vegan chocolate peanut butter swirl next?