Salted chocolate ice cream: a craving you won't regret

Published on 02/04/2026 07:47 in food • Daniel Brown

Index▼

The santa fe spark
Beyond the sweet: why salt matters
Ice cream dreams, no machine required
A flavor to add to the collection
More sweet & salty delights
Chocolate sea salt ice cream recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition

There's a quiet obsession brewing in my kitchen, and it revolves around a single, glorious scoop: chocolate sea salt ice cream. It's not just dessert; it’s a revelation, a perfectly balanced dance of sweet and salty that will redefine your understanding of frozen indulgence.

The santa fe spark

The inspiration, as so often happens, arrived unexpectedly. During a recent trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, with my sisters, we stumbled upon a charming little shop serving a chocolate sea salt ice cream that completely captivated me. My older sister wasn't entirely sold on the salty twist, but I was instantly smitten – I yearned for even more salt! The experience ignited a culinary mission: to recreate that magical flavor at home.

After some experimentation, I'm thrilled to report success. This isn't just good, it’s a flavor profile I've actively sought out since. I find myself sprinkling a pinch of Maldon sea salt flakes on nearly every ice cream scoop I serve now – it's a habit I don't intend to break.

Beyond the sweet: why salt matters

If you’re skeptical about the combination of sea salt and chocolate, prepare to be converted. The salt doesn't overpower; it enhances. It amplifies the chocolate's richness, creating a depth of flavor that’s truly remarkable. Think of it like finishing a chocolate chip pudding cookie with a delicate scattering of Maldon flakes—it elevates the treat from good to extraordinary.

Ice cream dreams, no machine required

A common question arises: can you make ice cream without a machine? The answer is a resounding yes! While a machine simplifies the process, this recipe proves that creamy, delicious ice cream is within reach for everyone. See full directions below!

A flavor to add to the collection

This salted chocolate ice cream joins a long and growing list of frozen delights on Taste of Peru 14. With over 160 ice cream recipes available, there's a flavor to satisfy every palate! For newcomers to the world of homemade ice cream, my best and easiest vanilla ice cream recipe is a great place to begin your icy adventure.

I’ve also become quite attached to certain storage containers – they’re ideal for gifting (who can resist homemade ice cream?) and for keeping your creations perfectly preserved. A quick scribble on the lid with a Sharpie does the trick, and the markings wash off easily with dish soap. And, let’s be honest, I have a favorite ice cream scoop – one that effortlessly cuts through even the firmest frozen creations, delivering a perfectly sculpted scoop every time.

More sweet & salty delights

Craving more of that irresistible sweet and salty combination? You’ve come to the right place! Consider our homemade salted caramel ice cream, a frosty perfection, or the giant, bakery-style salted chocolate chip cookies – a cookie you simply must taste to believe. And for a delightful crunch, explore our sea salt pecan toffee or the irresistible caramel turtle bark.

Chocolate sea salt ice cream recipe

Ingredients

1½ cups heavy cream
⅓ cup Dutch process cocoa powder or special dark cocoa
⅔ cup sugar
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1½ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon Maldon salt plus more to taste

Instructions

In a large saucepan, combine the cream, cocoa, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine, then heat over medium heat, stirring continually, until it comes together and begins to steam and simmer. If you wish, you may increase the heat, but continue stirring non-stop. Do not step away at this point.

Remove from the heat and immediately add the chocolate chips. Whisk until the chocolate has completely melted. Stir in the milk, vanilla, and salt. Cool and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely cold.

Process according to your machine’s instructions. Serve immediately for soft-serve ice cream or transfer to a freezer-safe storage container and freeze until ready to serve. Top each serving with an extra sprinkle of salt, if desired.

Nutrition

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