Green Mint Chip Ice Cream (Printable)
Cool and creamy mint-flavored frozen treat with chocolate chips and natural green tint.
# What You'll Need:
→ Ice Cream Base
01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 5 large egg yolks
→ Flavor & Color
06 - 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
09 - 1-2 drops green food coloring
→ Add-ins
10 - 3/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
# Steps:
01 - Blend milk and spinach leaves until completely smooth and vibrant green. Strain through fine mesh sieve into medium saucepan, pressing to extract all liquid.
02 - Add heavy cream, sugar, and salt to saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture steams but does not boil.
03 - Whisk egg yolks in separate bowl. Slowly pour 1 cup hot cream mixture into yolks while whisking continuously to temper eggs.
04 - Return yolk mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until custard thickens enough to coat back of spoon (170-175°F).
05 - Remove from heat. Stir in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring if using.
06 - Pour custard through fine mesh sieve into clean bowl. Cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
07 - Churn chilled custard in ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions. Add chocolate chips during final 2 minutes of churning.
08 - Transfer churned ice cream to freezer-safe container with lid. Freeze at least 2 hours until firm before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The natural green color comes from baby spinach, not artificial dye
- Dark chocolate chunks balance the sweet mint perfectly
02 -
- The custard must reach 170 to 175 degrees to safely cook the eggs
- Chilling the base overnight improves texture and makes it freeze harder
03 -
- Chill your ice cream canister in the freezer for 24 hours before churning
- The custard base keeps in the refrigerator for three days before churning