This is a rich and creamy, dark chocolate ice cream flavored with almonds and just the tiniest hint of cinnamon.
The almond flavor is unexpected, but fantastic with the chocolate.
You likely wouldn’t guess the cinnamon is there, but it adds a depth to the ice cream that can’t be beaten.
I am so happy with this ice cream; I’m grinning just writing this post.
I used to think that nuts didn’t belong in ice cream. While I still don’t care to break a tooth on a hard peanut; the thinly sliced almonds are soft enough in this ice cream to simply add texture without crunch.
Have I rambled on long enough? Can you tell that I LOVE this ice cream?
With temps well over 100 degrees in my part of the country, I’m still on a huge ice cream kick. I have hardly turned on my oven this summer.
Last week, I started baking for our annual family camping trip and it felt strange to turn on the oven for a dessert. (The ice cream maker is so much easier!)
I can hardly wait to get out of the heat and head to the lake for a few days with the family!
Chocolate Almond Ice Cream Recipe
- Combine the sugar, half and half, cream, cinnamon and salt in a medium size saucepan over medium heat. Heat until steaming and then barely simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the almond extract and the chocolate until dissolved. Let cool and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. (You can shorten that time by placing it in the freezer for a couple hours.)
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream machine and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When it is almost finished churning, add the sliced almonds and allow the machine to finish churning.
- Serve immediately for soft serve ice cream or transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm.
Chocolate Almond Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate roughly chopped (I used 60% dark chocolate chips)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, half and half, cream, cinnamon and salt in a medium size saucepan over medium heat. Heat until steaming and then barely simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the almond extract and the chocolate until dissolved. Let cool and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. (You can shorten that time by placing it in the freezer for a couple hours.)
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream machine and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. When it is almost finished churning, add the sliced almonds and allow the machine to finish churning.
- Serve immediately for soft serve ice cream or transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 7/15/13 – recipe notes and photos updated 4/7/21}
Magnolia Verandah says
Oh my this looks luscious – how I wished I still had my ice cream maker.
Pam says
I love the chocolate almond pairing! Whenever I buy a Hershey's bar, it's always the ones with almonds!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I could really be happy if I was your neighbor. Chocolate has always been one of my most favorite ice cream flavors. Almonds are a perfect combination just like Pam said. Yum! The pictures are wonderful!
Mary Callan says
I'm not surprised you love it!! just look at it! great flavors:)
Mary x
Anonymous says
I would like to add one tip on making homemade ice cream. Add one TBS of alcohol like vodka or rum or whatever you like and this keeps the ice cream from getting rock hard and unscoopable. I use the
vodka as it has no flavor. This sounds like a good recipe!
Gaby says
Sounds amazing and convenient! Thanks for sharing this tip!
Margie Lewis says
How much does this recipe make?
Mary Younkin says
About 5-6 servings, Margie. Enjoy!
mpotter says
This sounds delish! Like half of a Heavenly Hash…..
That’d be a fun one to test out, too!
Thanks so much! Adding this to my Plan to Eat!