German Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

German Chocolate Ice Cream is a delightful twist on the classic German chocolate cake, bringing together the rich, creamy texture of homemade ice cream with the indulgent flavors of coconut, pecans, and bittersweet chocolate.

This recipe captures the essence of the famous dessert in a frozen treat that’s perfect for warm days or any time you crave something sweet and satisfying. The combination of smooth chocolate ice cream base infused with shredded coconut and crunchy toasted pecans creates a perfect harmony of taste and texture.

Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream maker or a curious beginner, this recipe is approachable, fun, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step to make this decadent treat from scratch, including tips for the best results and variations to customize it your way. Plus, I’ll share some handy equipment recommendations and nutritional info so you can enjoy your dessert mindfully.

Let’s scoop into the world of German Chocolate Ice Cream!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This German Chocolate Ice Cream recipe combines the rich, velvety texture of homemade chocolate ice cream with the signature flavors of German chocolate cake – coconut and pecans. It’s an indulgent treat that strikes a perfect balance between creamy and crunchy.

Unlike store-bought versions, making it at home means you control every ingredient, avoiding artificial flavors and additives. Plus, it’s a fun way to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet dessert.

The recipe is also flexible, allowing you to adjust sweetness, chocolate intensity, or nut content.

Once you try it, this ice cream will quickly become a favorite for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. If you enjoy dessert recipes like this, be sure to check out Vegan Icecream Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Treats for more frozen delights.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream (for rich, creamy texture)
• 1 cup whole milk (helps balance creaminess)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks (for custard base)
• 6 oz German sweet chocolate, chopped (or substitute bittersweet chocolate)
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Heatproof spatula
• Fine mesh strainer
• Ice cream maker (recommended for best texture)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large mixing spoon
• Freezer-safe container for storage

Instructions

1. Prepare the coconut and pecans: Start by toasting 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut and 1 cup chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. Melt the chocolate: Chop 6 oz German sweet chocolate into small pieces. In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the chocolate, stirring often to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Heat cream and milk: In another saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk. Warm over medium heat just until small bubbles appear around the edges (do not boil).
4. Whisk egg yolks and sugar: In a bowl, vigorously whisk 4 large egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
5. Temper the egg yolks: Slowly pour about one cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream and milk.
6. Cook the custard: Return the saucepan to medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking. Cook until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F or 77°C). Do not let it boil.
7. Strain and cool: Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Stir in the melted chocolate, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Churn the ice cream: Once chilled, pour the custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions. Usually, this takes about 20-30 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
9. Add coconut and pecans: In the last 5 minutes of churning, add the toasted coconut and pecans so they are evenly mixed into the ice cream.
10. Freeze to firm up: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
11. Serve and enjoy: Scoop your homemade German Chocolate Ice Cream into bowls or cones, and savor every bite!

Tips & Variations

“For an extra chocolate punch, swirl in some fudge sauce or chocolate chips during the last few minutes of churning.”

Use high-quality chocolate: The chocolate flavor is the star of this recipe, so opt for a good German sweet chocolate or high-quality bittersweet chocolate.

Nut allergies: If you or your guests have nut allergies, try substituting pecans with chopped roasted sunflower seeds or omit them altogether.

Vegan version: For a dairy-free twist, try using coconut milk and a vegan egg substitute, and check out our Vegan Icecream Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Treats for inspiration.

Make it boozy: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the custard before chilling for a grown-up version.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This German Chocolate Ice Cream is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas:

• Top with warm fudge or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity contrast.
• Pair with a slice of classic German chocolate cake for a decadent dessert duo.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
• Try it as an ice cream sandwich with chocolate cookies or brownies.

If you’re looking for more creative dessert ideas, check out Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy and Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats for inspiration.

Conclusion

Making German Chocolate Ice Cream at home is a rewarding experience that brings a luxurious dessert right to your kitchen. The creamy chocolate custard combined with toasted coconut and pecans creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or serving it for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your homemade ice cream repertoire.

With easy-to-follow steps, quality ingredients, and a little patience, you can create a dessert that rivals any ice cream shop. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and enjoy the process of making your own delicious frozen treat.

For more delicious and easy recipes, explore our collection like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide to keep your culinary adventures going strong!

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