Chocolate Gelato (Rich and Creamy!)

Making Chocolate Gelato is easier than you might think! It is such a simple, yet delicious Italian dessert! This chocolate gelato recipe takes just 6 ingredients to make and is smooth and creamy. The rich chocolate flavor of this homemade gelato recipe is perfect for the chocolate lover in your life.

Making this Chocolate Gelato

I have a love affair with eating. I can think of no other place that I’d rather indulge that passion than in Italy — a place where eating is a treasured event and delicious food is abundant.

Many travelers remark at the wonders of Italian gelato, admitting to visiting the Gelateria twice (or more!) daily during their travels. That’s an experience I long to enjoy, especially as summer temperatures continue to rise.

Unfortunately during economic times like this, many aren’t in a position to spend money on extravagant travels. That’s where I take matters into my own hands — learning the art of Italian cooking at home.

Homemade gelato is actually quite simple to make. Flavors are only limited by how far your imagination can reach.

From fruity to nutty and everything in between. Feel free to push beyond the traditional flavors and explore something new.

If stateside travel is in your budget, consider planning a trip to Little Italy in New York for the chance to indulge in some authentic Italian treats at a fraction the cost of visiting our Mediterranean friends.

How Is Chocolate Gelato Different From Chocolate Ice Cream?

Gelato and ice cream are unique in a few different ways. Traditional gelato is much richer and creamier, and tastes more flavorful overall.

American ice cream is often on the lighter, airier side and contains more fat than gelato. Ice cream is typically made with a mixture of heavy cream, milk, and egg yolks.

Gelato can be made with or without eggs, depending on the recipe. Though, it often doesn’t contain eggs at all.

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Tools Needed to Make Chocolate Gelato

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this recipe. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – to measure the ingredients for the chocolate gelato mix.
• Medium Saucepan – to cook the gelato base in.
• Whisk – to whisk the cocoa mixture into the milk.
• Wooden Spoon – to stir the chocolate and heavy cream into the gelato base mixture.
• Ice cream maker – You must use an ice cream machine to prepare this recipe. I don’t know of any other method for making this chocolate gelato at home that will give you the same smooth and creamy results.
• Ice cream freezer containers – I love to use reusable containers for freezing ice cream, soups, and more. They’re incredibly durable and help protect the gelato from freezer burn!
• Ice cream scoop – Investing in a good-quality ice cream scoop makes all the difference. This is the one we use and love.

Ingredients in Chocolate Gelato

• Whole Milk
• Heavy Cream
• Cocoa Powder
• Dark Chocolate
• Granulated Sugar
• Cornstarch

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this dark chocolate gelato, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Chocolate Gelato

1. Combine the cocoa, cornstarch, and sugar in a pan with the milk. Cook over medium heat, just until the mixture begins to boil.
2. Then, turn off the heat and stir in the chocolate and heavy cream.
3. Stir until the melted chocolate is completely incorporated.
4. Cool to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge and chill until the gelato base is cold.
5. After chilling, churn in your ice cream maker.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Gelato

Don’t forget to freeze your ice cream maker insert! These often need a full 24 hours to freeze completely solid. If you have extra freezer space, consider storing the insert in the freezer – that’s what we do.

Use BOTH heavy cream or whole milk. You’ll get a smoother, creamier gelato by using both as listed in the recipe.

Don’t skip the cornstarch! The added cornstarch helps to thicken the chocolate gelato base, so you don’t want to leave it out.

The chocolate gelato base should be chilled at least 4 hours before churning, but overnight is even better. Starting with a cold base helps with the churning process, resulting in creamier gelato. It also firms up faster this way!

To speed up the chilling process, you can place the ice cream base in a medium bowl over a large bowl filled with ice and cold water before transferring it to the refrigerator. The ice bath + refrigerator will chill the base the fastest if you’re in a rush.

Chocolate Gelato Recipe FAQs

Got questions about how to make this recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Can I Prep the Chocolate Gelato Base in Advance?

Yes! Since the gelato base needs to chill at least 4 hours anyway, you can easily prepare the base ahead of time.

You can store the base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before you need to churn it.

Do I Have to Use an Ice Cream Maker?

Yes, you have to own an ice cream maker to make this recipe for chocolate gelato. I don’t know of any other way to make gelato and still achieve the creamy texture.

What is the Best Way to Store Gelato?

The best way to store this gelato recipe while keeping it fresh and preventing the formation of ice crystals is to transfer it to an airtight container before you freeze it.

Place a piece of plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper on the surface of the gelato before placing the lid on the container.

How Long Does Chocolate Gelato Last?

If stored in an airtight freezer-safe container, your chocolate gelato should last up to 3 months. I recommend storing it in these ice cream freezer containers, or something similar.

How to Serve this Chocolate Gelato Recipe

This chocolate gelato is rich enough on its own, but if you want to get fancier with your servings, here are some ideas:

• In a bowl or a waffle cone.
• With fresh raspberries on top.
• Garnished with chocolate curls.
• Garnished with chopped pistachios.
• With bourbon caramel sauce or rum caramel sauce drizzled on top.
• Serve a scoop of chocolate gelato and a scoop of pistachio gelato in a bowl or a cone together.
• Serve a scoop pomegranate sorbet alongside a scoop of chocolate gelato.

Try this Recipe for Chocolate Gelato!

Next time you’re looking for cold dessert during the warmer temperatures, give this Chocolate Gelato a try!

Did you love the cold, creamy texture and rich dark chocolate flavor? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this great recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of your homemade gelato!

More Gelato Recipes

If you love gelato, you’ll adore this homemade Pistachio Gelato. It’s rich and creamy!

Making homemade Strawberry Gelato is easier than you might think! Plus, it’s a great way to preserve fresh summer strawberries for weeks to come.

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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