Silky, smooth and rich, this dark chocolate gelato is the perfect way to cap off a special meal.
Is there anything more sublime than gelato? That delectable Italian ice cream, with its silky texture, is my idea of heaven. Frankly, I’ve been remiss in not making it before now. 
I admit I had no idea of what gelato was until I toured Italy in the 1980s. Used to the creamy, aerated texture of regular ice cream, eating gelato was a revelation. Relying more on milk than cream, and often with less eggs, it tastes like a frozen (but not too frozen) milkshake. Without all that cream, gelato is richer in flavour and denser in texture than ice cream. There are a multitude of flavours available – some of my favourites tend to be the light fruit flavours like lemon, lychee and watermelon.
However, just sometimes you ache for something rich and velvety like dark chocolate. This double chocolate gelato recipe from BBC Food certainly does the trick. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet tastes like the real deal. I used 62% cocoa chocolate which made for a slightly bitter dark chocolate flavour. If you’re not a fan of that level of bitterness, you might opt for a 50% cocoa chocolate instead, or simply pair it with something sweet, like meringues, as I did.
While I used an ice cream machine, you can make it without – the instructions are below for both. And just be aware, once frozen, gelato can take a while to soften up so bear that in mind when serving. Ideally, it’s meant to be served at about 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now that I’ve broken the ice (pardon the pun) and made my first gelato, I fully intend to try making a bunch of ’em this summer. I’m salivating already!
Click HERE for my version of this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chocolate is best for this gelato?
Using 62% cocoa chocolate will give you a slightly bitter dark chocolate flavor, but if you prefer something sweeter, you can opt for 50% cocoa chocolate.
Can I make this gelato without an ice cream machine?
Yes, you can make this gelato without an ice cream machine; just follow the instructions provided for a manual method.
How should I serve the gelato once it’s frozen?
Gelato is best served at a slightly softened state, so allow it to sit out for a while before scooping, as it can take time to soften after being frozen.
for gelato chocolate deserts i always have to go to a parlour to buy but now i can made it at home by this recipe you just did a great job! that gelato looks so yum and delicious!