This post may contain affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I could skip the Instant Pot. I could ditch the fancy blender. But don’t take away my ice cream machine.

Dessert is a big deal around here. Dessert is the only thing that stands between me and veganism. It’s my favorite meal of the day, and I spend a lot of time baking treats, dreaming of sweets, and finding the best spots in town.

Looking for the Best Ice Cream in Anaheim? Head HERE.

So when a friend offered this recipe to share with you, I know you and I both needed it!!

Ben & Jerry’s are known for pretty spectacular flavors. You can definitely attack a pint and end up lost in a world of creamy heaven. The best news: you can make your own copycat verson of the iconic chocolate flavor at home!

Ben & Jerry’s Copycat Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions:

1. In a double bowler, melt chocolate over hot water until smooth. Slowly add the milk, whisking to combine. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
2. Beat eggs with electric mixer until light and foamy, about 1 minute. Slowly add the sugar and continuing mixing until blended.
3. Add cream, vanilla, and salt, blending until combined. Stir in the chocolate mixture to the cream mixture.
4. Pour into ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. In the Cuisinart Ice Cream 2 quart machine, this takes approximately 30 minutes to freeze into soft serve.
5. For firmer ice cream, transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4 to 6 hours.

Make 1 quart liquid and about 1 ½ quart frozen.

Homemade ice cream is so much easier than you may think! If you can’t get yourself a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, try this recipe for a homemade copycat version.

Do you have a favorite flavor of ice cream? Let us know in the comments!

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Something you’ve got to know to help me establish credibility here.   My love for dessert is genetic.  My father will measure his oatmeal in the morning, count calories/grams/iotas all day, and still have a bowl of ice cream in the evening.  There were few times in my life where there wasn’t a gallon in the freezer.  If that horrible occasion did arise we would take a family walk to the local ice cream parlor.  At a comfortable 1/4 mile away, you could totally justify getting ice cream as you just burned like 3 whole calories walking.

My lifelong love affair with the lactaid laced loveliness that is ice cream means I’ve tried them all.  And I’m thrilled to be able to share the best flavors, unique presentations, and all around goodness in Anaheim.

Best Ice Cream in Anaheim

SugarBuzz

The unicorn trend really catapulted SugarBuzz, previously Creme and Sugar, into stardom.  Located in Anaheim Hills, SugarBuzz features hot chocolate, milkshakes, cakes, and coffee drinks in a comfortable & eclectic environment.  Their decked out milkshakes come loaded with themed toppings.  I adore the themed menus, ranging from Nightmare Before Christmas to Willy Wonka.

On our first visit to the heavily Instagrammed location, we nabbed a unicorn hot chocolate.  The pink drink came topped with whipped cream, shimmery sprinkles, and pastel marshmallows.

These Beauty and Beast themed shakes were a timely way to celebrate the release of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  The shareable hot chocolates and shakes (both on social media and with loved ones) are certainly a sight to be seen, but they also taste magical.  Just interested in the ice cream? Order it by the scoop too!

6312 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807

Churroholic

A scoop and a loop.  Head to Churroholic for ice cream accompanied by a cinnamon churro.  The selection is limited (Vanilla, Horchata, Salted Caramel, Cookie Monster), but the flavor of ice cream is fantastic.  Make it a combo to get a churro added–either the traditional cinnamon or a dipped churro for extra sweetness.

Looking for something totally unique? Try a Churro Sandwich made up of two circular churro “cookies” with ice cream smushed in the middle.

1019 N. Magnolia St. #B, Anaheim, CA 92801

Creamistry

Watch the science of sweets come to life at Creamistry.  Employees, known as Creamologists, use liquid nitrogen to transform your ingredients into rich ice cream right in front of you.  The kids will adore seeing their dessert take shape, right in front of their eyes.

A big selling point for me is you can choose your base (premium, organic, sorbet, or coconut).  Having a non-dairy option available means more families can dig in.

1650 S. Harbor Blvd. #B, Anaheim, CA 92802

Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream

The historic citrus packing plant turned hipster food hall is the home for Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream.  Generous servings and delightful flavors make Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream a wonderful way to end a culinary cruise around the Packing House.

Our favorites are the cookie sandwiches with two chocolate chip cookies encasing a gigantic scoop of ice cream.

440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805

Popbar

We’re branching out from traditional ice cream to include the gelato pops from Popbar, also in the Packing House.  After selecting your flavor, have your pop dipped in premium options like white chocolate and crunched waffle cones.

440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805

i am snow

Fluffy layers of “snow” topped with fresh fruit and yummy toppings are served at i am snow.

In addition to the yummy frozen treats, you’ve got to sip on the seriously amazing dessert drinks.  Try a milk tea made with a rainbow cloud of spun-to-order cotton candy and fruity pebbles.  Bonus points for sustainability as you can upgrade to an etched glass on your visit.  Bring it back for refills.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor

Located within the Disneyland Resort, the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor transports you from modern day to vintage Main Street in Marceline, Missouri.  The old-fashioned scoops will bring back happy memories of your own childhood while making new ones with your family.

1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802

Clarabelle’s Handscooped Ice Cream

Just across the way in Disney’s California Adventure Park is Clarabelle’s Handscooped Ice Cream.  I suggest getting the kitchen sink…two scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and toppings all served in a collectible plastic “kitchen sink”!

Elado Ice Cream

For Mexican style ice cream, head to Elado Ice Cream.  You can go two routes (both end in ice cream heaven).  First, try the chamoy chabet with sorbet, fresh fruit, and tamarindo.  Your second option is to try a creamy chabot with ice cream, syrup, and toppings.  The vanilla with chocolate syrup and fresh churros is amazing.

732 N. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805

Cold Stone Creamery

Both franchises and mom & pop shops are worthy of visiting.  Cold Stone offers numerous locations, and after visiting you’ll understand why it’s so popular.

Select your flavor and mix in.  Employees mix the toppings throughout your ice cream on a slab with ice cream paddles.  The birthday cake ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and brownie bits is worthy of celebration.

1570 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802

House of Chimney Cakes

Hungarian chimeny cakes offer a churro like exterior and soft inside.  The cones are filled with sweetness by the scoop and hand-decorated to make your confectionary dreams come true.

Once filled, the toppings give the chimney cake so much personality. Sprinkles, chocolate designs, and fun are the perfect toppings.

Mom hack: ask for your chimney cake to be split.  Both ice cream servings will come with toppings and a chimney cake.

173 W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805

La Michoacana

One of our family’s favorites for so many reasons. But considering there are five of us and we always have a few extra kids in tow, one of my favorite things is the price. Super affordable scoops with awesome flavors. I adore the Ferrero Rochero (you know, the gold-wrapped milk chocolate and hazelnut candy). There are delightful fruit flavors as well.

166 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92805

Salt & Straw

Downtown Disney welcomed Salt & Straw, an ice cream parlor featuring unbelievable flavors with some truly unique flavors. Each of the Salt & Straw locations offers unique flavors, plus a rotating seasonal menu.

There are also vegan ice cream options so there’s something sweet for everyone.

1550 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA

Whether you’re in Anaheim visiting or a local looking for something sweet, there are tons of amazing ice cream parlors ready to scoop up smiles. Ice cream lovers, what’s your favorite flavor???