Homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream

Ever since I was a little girl and enjoyed some Baskin Robbins rocky road ice cream, I have been totally obsessed with it. However I have added in a few extras for even more yum. In my recipe you have a delicious creamy chocolate ice cream with plenty of mini marshmallows, broken digestive biscuits, chopped almonds and extra chocolate chips for even more chocolatey goodness!

What is rocky road ice cream?

Rocky road itself is an interesting recipe, because the ingredients put into it differ depending on who makes it! Traditionally, it is made with chocolate, biscuits and mini marshmallows for flavours. However, some like to add extra add ins such as nuts or raisins. For me, I love the crunch of the biscuits and the nuts, so I had to add both those in too!

What is no churn ice cream?

No churn ice cream is made without the use of an ice cream maker machine. Ice cream makers churn or mix the ice cream mixture whilst chilling it, resulting in a smooth crystal free ice cream like those bought in stores. A no churn ice cream does not use such a machine at all. Instead, the ice cream it is mixed together and simply popped in the freezer to chill and set before scooping and serving. Despite the richer and creamier texture, I find this method is so simple and convenient so it is always a winner!

What is in rocky road ice cream

• Double cream: also known as heavy cream or you could use whipping cream, this ingredient cannot be replaced with milk or another alternative.
• Condensed milk: this thick milk acts as a sweetener in the rocky road ice cream, allowing for easier scooping.
• Vanilla: gives a subtle additional flavour to the ice cream, and also helps soften it slightly to make it easier to scoop.
• Salt: enhances the flavour of the dessert, but it will not be so much that you taste it.
• Cocoa: for a delicious chocolate flavour to the ice cream.
• Chocolate chips: for extra pops of chocolatey loveliness all through the rocky road ice cream.
• Mini marshmallows: adds some lovely chewy texture.
• Digestive biscuits: broken up and folded through the ice cream, it gives extra texture and flavour to the dessert.
• Almonds: not normally used in rocky road, I love this addition for the extra texture it brings.

What equipment do I need to make no churn ice cream?

• Digital kitchen scales*: I provide all my measurements in cups too, however I would encourage all bakers to weigh out ingredients when baking. A set of digital kitchen scales is so useful and totally an essential baking tool for me.
• Measuring spoons*: a set of measuring spoons is essential for any baker. This is because these are more accurate than using everyday teaspoons and tablespoons, which can vary greatly in size.
• Mixing bowl*: in which to beat all the ingredients together until thick before putting together this beautiful chocolatey ice cream!
• Handheld electric mixer*: a useful tool to make life easier in the kitchen! You can, of course, make this whole recipe entirely by hand. However, it would give your arm quite the workout to do so!
• Spatula*: useful to help make sure nothing has been missed and not mixed in. Also useful to scrape down the bowl out when transferring the ice cream rocky road to the container for freezing.
• Storage container with lid*: to store the best rocky road ice cream in when in the freezer. I use a loaf tin in my images here, only because it looks pretty, but I would normally use a lidded container instead.

How to make rocky road ice cream

This ice cream is so simple to make! Simply mix together the ingredients for the ice cream until thickened, then fold in the add ins, saving some to sprinkle over the top. Once evenly combined, transfer the ice cream to the freezer safe container, top with reserved add ins and freeze overnight. So easy!

Step 1: Pour the double cream, condensed milk, vanilla, salt and cocoa powder into a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture using an electric hand whisk until it turns thick and stands in soft peaks when the beater is lifted. This takes me about 3-4 minutes with my hand held electric mixer.

Step 2: Reserve a little of each of the add ins, then tip the rest in. I used chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, broken digestive biscuits and chopped almonds. See my notes below for other ideas of add ins too. Fold everything together until evenly combined.

Step 3: Spread the chocolate ice cream mixture into the freezer safe container and smooth over the top. Sprinkle the remaining add ins over the top to decorate. Place the lid on, if the container has one.

Step 4: Freeze ice cream mixture for at least six hours, ideally overnight. When you are ready to indulge, make sure to remove the container from the freezer about ten minutes before scooping for it to soften slightly. Enjoy!

Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk to make this homemade ice cream no churn?

No, condensed milk is different to evaporated milk, and one will not substitute the other in this recipe. You cannot use evaporated milk to make no churn ice cream.

Can single or whipping cream be used instead of double cream to make no churn ice cream? Can you use heavy cream or whipping cream?

In order for this ice cream to set, you must use a cream that will thicken to stiff peaks when whisked. Here in the UK, this means using double cream or whipping cream and not single cream. As a guide, always use a cream that has 35% or more fat content.

How to store rocky road ice cream

I used a 2lb loaf tin, just to make it look pretty for my pictures on my blog. However, I would advise using a lidded container to store this rocky road ice cream homemade in the freezer. I link to the one I normally use for my easy homemade ice cream recipe below.

How long does rocky road ice cream last?

This easy chocolate ice cream no churn recipe can be kept in the freezer and enjoyed for up to three weeks. I will be seriously impressed if it is not eaten sooner though!

Can this ice cream be made gluten free and dairy free?

The rocky road ice cream has digestive biscuits in, which will contain gluten, so please find a gluten free alternative to use in its place. In terms of making this recipe dairy free, I have not personally come across a perfect alternative for dairy free double cream that will whip up to stiff peaks. I do know many people have had success with the brand Elmlea here in the UK. I have not tried it myself so cannot vouch for whether it will work or not. Remember too you will need to substitute the condensed milk for a dairy free version.

If you do try making this dairy free, I would love to hear from you, please do leave me a comment below!

Tips for making rocky road ice cream

• Using vanilla in making no churn ice cream helps make it a little softer, and so easier to scoop.
• Ensure the cream used will whip to stiff peaks when making this ice cream. If you use something that will not whip up, you will end up with a tasty but rather runny mess!
• Always keep the cream in the fridge to keep it cold right until you are ready to use it. This helps the cream whip up a lot quicker, and gives wonderfully soft whipped peaks to the cream.
• Remove the ice cream from the freezer a few minutes before you want to enjoy it. Dip the ice cream scoop or spoon in a mug of boiling water before scooping. Dry it off then scoop the ice cream. This warming of the utensil helps it glide through the ice cream, making it a whole lot easier to create perfectly beautiful scoops of ice cream! Dip and wipe down the tool between scoops to give clean scoops of rocky road ice cream every time.

Troubleshooting

If you have any questions about this rocky road ice cream recipe, please comment below and I will do my best to help. And if you enjoy this recipe for rocky road ice cream without ice cream maker, please leave a rating and review below. You could even post a picture on Instagram and tag me when you share it with the world. You already know I would love to see!

Other no churn ice creams made with condensed milk

Mango ice cream: My tropical mango kulfi is creamy and dreamy, a perfect summertime treat, and incredibly easy to make! This no-churn mango ice cream recipe uses just four ingredients and is ready to be chilled in a flash!

Strawberry ripple ice cream: Summertime for me starts with strawberry season. As a family, we love going strawberry picking, then coming home with a glut of beautiful fresh berries and enjoying them. Of course I have to make something with them too, and what better in time for summer than my strawberry ripple ice cream!

Oreo ice cream: Warm summer months call for easy desserts. And what could be easier than a no churn ice cream? This homemade Oreo ice cream is a cookie lovers delight, made with just four ingredients. The ultimate summertime dessert!

Thanks for joining me today, my friends. Hope you enjoy making and sharing this beautifully chocolatey and summery dessert! x

Recommended equipment I used to make this ice cream *

Digital kitchen scales	Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl	Handheld electric mixer
Spatula	Storage container with lid