Rocky Road Ice Cream is a heavenly blend of rich chocolate, soft, gooey marshmallows, and satisfyingly crunchy almonds and chocolate chips. No-churn ice cream that everyone will love!
Oooh boy. Welcome to August, aka the dog days of summer! Although it seems like every day this summer has been a ‘dog day of summer’. The heat and humidity have been, and still are, truly unbearable!
So to cope I’ve been in the kitchen creating some deliciously cooling treats like this Dirt and Worms Ice Cream Sundae and this Orange Creamsicle Mocktail (which can easily be turned into a cocktail!)- YUM! And just wait ’til you see what I made today: No-churn Rocky Road Ice Cream!
Y’all it truly doesn’t get much better than this rich, creamy, ice-cold, ice cream! Imagine the most luscious, velvety, creamy ice cream you’ve ever tasted, adorned with a delicious medley of textures and flavors. Where every bite is a heavenly harmony of luxuriously rich chocolate, lusciously gooey marshmallows, and blissfully crunchy almonds and chocolate chips.
That, my friend, is this no-churn Rocky Road Ice Cream.
Looking for more refreshingly cool treats to make? Give these a try! There’s this fantastic Fried Ice Cream recipe, my scrumptious Strawberry Float, and these Skittles Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches the kids will love! Simply right-click the link and open these other warm-weather goodies in a new tab so that you can check them out after this one!
ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM DESSERT RECIPE IDEA
If you are a fan of creamy, chocolatey, and nutty desserts, then you are going to love this “No Churn Rocky Road Ice Cream”. This delightful treat requires no ice cream maker and can be made easily with just a few simple ingredients. Best of all, it turns out smooth and creamy, not icy!
While it does take at least 8 hours for this homemade ice cream to set, I promise you it is SO worth it!
So are you ready to indulge in a rich and flavorful dessert that will satisfy your sweet cravings on a hot summer’s day? Grab your apron and let’s get started!
HOW DO YOU MAKE ICE CREAM WITHOUT AN ICE CREAM MACHINE?
Making ice cream without a machine is easy. You simply whip some heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold that whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk and whatever flavoring you are going to use like vanilla extract, or in this case, cocoa powder.
Next, you fold in your desired mixins, then spread the concoction into a metal pan, and stick it in the freezer to set.
Learn how to make homemade ice cream with this simple No-Churn Rocky Road Ice Cream recipe below. You will find the complete list of ingredients and instructions in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM
There is just something so special about making ice cream at home. Not only does it allow you to control the ingredients and flavors, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and joy when you see the final product. Not to mention the pure delight once you take that first delicious bite!
Creating this No Churn Rocky Road Ice Cream will not only impress your friends and family but will also become a delicious yearly summer tradition.
So, how do you make this homemade ice cream? It’s simple, and you only need a few ingredients. You are going to love how easy it is to put together!
Disclosure: This blog post contains links to products or services I think you will like. If you purchase from one of the links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products that I use and love.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED
- Large mixing bowl and hand mixer, or stand mixer
- A metal pan like a bread pan
Pro Tip
Use a metal pan. A metal container will freeze the ice cream faster and better than a glass pan.
If you will be making ice cream often, consider investing in an insulated ice cream tub (this one is my fav. with its adorable labels), an insulated container, or even paper containers with lids for on-the-go individual snacks.
ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM RECIPE INGREDIENTS
To make this mouthwatering No Churn Rocky Road Ice Cream, you will need the following ingredients:
Heavy cream. This is the base of our no-churn ice cream that will be whipped into stiff peaks so make sure it is very cold! Whipping cream or double cream will work as well.
Sweetened condensed milk. Provides most of the sweetness and also helps the rest of the ingredients become ice cream. It replaces the egg-yolk-based custard that traditional ice creams have. Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk!
Unsweetened cocoa powder. This gives us the chocolatey base flavor and provides the light brown color of the ice cream.
Mini marshmallows. Contributes a sweet and soft chewiness to all of the different textures found in Rocky Road ice cream.
Chocolate Chips. Adds even more rich chocolate flavor while contributing a nice crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the silky smoothness of the ice cream.
Almonds. Provides just a hint of nuttiness to the flavors while the crunchiness contrasts nicely with the soft chewiness of the marshmallows.
NO CHURN ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
Making this Rocky Road Ice Cream couldn’t be easier or quicker. In about 10 minutes you can have it ready to go in the freezer!
Pro Tip
Pre-chill both the mixing bowl for the whipping cream and the metal pan.
STEP ONE: BLEND THE BASIC INGREDIENTS
- Start by adding the heavy cream to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat the cream on high for approximately 3 minutes until it forms stiff peaks.
- Once the heavy cream is whipped to perfection, add the sweetened condensed milk to the bowl. Continue beating the mixture on high for approximately 1 minute until everything is well combined.
- Now slowly mix the cocoa powder into the cream mixture. Ensure that the cocoa powder is fully integrated to achieve a rich chocolate flavor in the ice cream.
STEP TWO: FOLD IN THE MIXINS
- Now add the marshmallows, chocolate chips, and almonds, and then fold them in. Ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
STEP THREE: ADD TO PAN
- Pour the ice cream mixture into a bread pan or any container of your choice. Then cover the pan with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming.
STEP FOUR: FREEZE
- Place the pan in the freezer and let it set for at least 8 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect frozen consistency. I usually let mine freeze overnight.
Pro Tip
The shallower the pan, the faster it will freeze.
Once the homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream is set, all that’s left is to scoop some in a bowl and add a spoon. That’s it! Your delectable Rocky Road Ice Cream is ready to be devoured! Doesn’t it look delicious?
In conclusion, this homemade, no-churn Rocky Road Ice Cream is a classic summer dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, delicious, and fun! So the next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing and tasty treat, try making this Rocky Road Ice Cream recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES NO CHURN ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM TASTE THE SAME AS REGULAR ROCKY ROAD?
Well, yes and no. No churn ice cream tends to be a bit sweeter than churned ice cream. I think it is because of the sweetened condensed milk which you can definitely taste. However, the combinations of all the flavors make this ice cream truly amazing!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHURNED AND NO CHURN ICE CREAM?
The difference between churned and no churn ice cream is simply that churned ice cream has air whipped into it, and no churn does not. Instead, for no churn ice cream, we are using whipped cream which replicates that churned ice cream texture.
HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE ICE CREAM LAST?
This homemade no churn Rocky Road Ice Cream will last up to 2 weeks or so. While it will not necessarily ‘go bad’, it will eventually begin to form ice crystals. Be sure to store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. You can also take some plastic wrap or waxed paper and press it directly on the surface of the ice cream to help prevent ice crystals from forming.
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF CREAM?
Yes, you can use whipping cream or heavy whipping cream interchangeably for this recipe.
IS IT NECESSARY TO USE SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK?
It is necessary to use sweetened condensed milk as that is what gives the ice cream its sweetness and its creaminess. Do not use evaporated milk!
HOW MUCH ICE CREAM DOES THIS RECIPE MAKE?
This will make about 4-6 cups of Rocky Road ice cream.
CAN I MAKE THIS ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM MORE CHOCOLATEY?
Yes, Of course! One way to do this is to add some semi-sweet chocolate chips to the ice cream mixture itself for an extra kick of chocolate.
HOW LONG DOES THIS ICE CREAM NEED TO CHILL TO SET?
No churn Rocky Road Ice Cream will need to chill for at least 8 hours to get the perfect ice cream consistency. I usually just leave mine in the freezer overnight.
HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVER HOMEMADE ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM?
If you have any leftover ice cream, you can store it in any freezer-safe, air-tight container except for glass. You also need to store it with a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper placed directly on top of the ice cream, then cover it tightly. It should keep for up to two weeks if not longer.
SUBSTITUTIONS, ADDITIONS, AND VARIATIONS
Rocky Road Ice Cream is a fun dessert that is typically made with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and almonds enveloped in rich and creamy chocolate ice cream. However, feel free to get creative and customize your no-churn ice cream. Here are some of my favorite customizations I’ve tried so far.
- Adding brownie pieces or crushed cookies.
- Incorporating a swirl of Nutella.
- Drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce on top for a decadent addition.
- Experimented with different nuts such as cashews, pecans, and walnuts for a bit of extra crunch.
- Made a sundae by adding a scoop of ice cream on top of a cookie or brownie!
- Paired it with some marshmallow fluff.
- Adding some peanut butter chips – SO good!
MORE ICE CREAM DESSERTS
Looking for some more fun-filled ice cream desserts? Here are some of my favorites. Simply click on the link below and it will take you directly to the recipe.
- Finding Dory Chocolate-Covered Waffle Bowl Ice Cream Treats
- Fried Ice Cream
- Skittles Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
LIKE IT? LOVE IT? PLS SHARE THIS DIRT AND WORMS ICE CREAM SUNDAE RECIPE!
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PRINTABLE NO CHURN ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM RECIPE CARD
No Churn Rocky Road Ice Cream
Soft marshmallows, crunchy almonds, and chewy chocolate chips are enveloped in a rich and creamy milk chocolate ice cream in this easy, no-churn Rocky Road Ice Cream recipe.
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 16 oz heavy cream
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup almonds
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Begin by adding the heavy cream to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, and beat on high for 3 minutes until it forms stiff peaks.
- Once the heavy cream is whipped to perfection, add the sweetened condensed milk to the bowl. Beat on high for one minute.
- Now slowly mix the cocoa powder into the cream mixture. Ensure that the cocoa powder is fully integrated to achieve a rich chocolate flavor in the ice cream.
- Now, add in the marshmallows, chocolate chips, and almonds, and then fold them in making sure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a bread pan, and cover tightly with saran wrap.
- Freeze for at least 8 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Notes
To Store: place a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper against the top of the ice cream and then wrap or place in an air-tight container and freeze.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 662Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 166mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 2gSugar: 57gProtein: 12g
Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.