Discover how to create traditional Italian Stracciatella gelato, also known as chocolate chip gelato. This creamy and refreshing dessert features a smooth gelato base combined with crunchy chocolate flakes, making it the ultimate treat!
Quick Facts
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Maturation Time: 4 hours
Freezing Time: 4 hours
Yield: 1.2 L (approx. 6 servings)
Ingredients
Gelato Base
- 700 ml whole milk (3.5% fat)
- 200 ml heavy cream (35% fat)
- 140 g granulated sugar
- 30 g corn glucose syrup
- 5 g neutral stabilizer (e.g., guar gum or locust bean gum mix)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, for flavor enhancement)
Stracciatella (Chocolate Flakes)
- 120 g dark chocolate (minimum 55% cocoa, finely chopped or melted)
How to Make Stracciatella Gelato
1. Prepare the Gelato Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar, and glucose syrup. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- In a small bowl, mix the stabilizer with a teaspoon of sugar to prevent clumping. Gradually whisk this into the milk mixture.
2. Heat and Blend
- Heat the mixture to 85°C (just below boiling) to pasteurize. Stir constantly to avoid scorching.
- Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender to ensure a smooth texture.
3. Cool and Mature the Base
- Quickly cool the mixture using an ice bath, then cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin formation.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to mature.
4. Churn the Gelato Base
- Pour the matured mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 25–30 minutes).
5. Add the Stracciatella
- While the gelato is churning, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or over a double boiler. Let it cool slightly but keep it liquid.
- During the last 2–3 minutes of churning, slowly drizzle the melted chocolate into the gelato. The cold mixture will instantly harden the chocolate, creating delicate flakes.
6. Freeze and Serve
- Transfer the churned gelato to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4 hours to firm up.
- Serve your Stracciatella gelato garnished with extra chocolate flakes or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Pro Tips for Stracciatella Gelato
- Use high-quality chocolate with at least 55% cocoa for the best flavor.
- If you prefer larger chunks of chocolate, pour the melted chocolate into the gelato in thicker streams or fold in chopped chocolate manually after churning.
- Avoid over-churning the gelato to preserve its creamy texture.
FAQs About Stracciatella Gelato
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Yes, but dark chocolate is traditional and provides a balanced sweetness. Milk chocolate may make the gelato sweeter.
Q: How long does Stracciatella gelato last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3–5 days for the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely! Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream. Use a vegan chocolate for the Stracciatella.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Stracciatella gelato in a bowl or cone. Pair it with Italian biscotti or top it with fresh berries for a gourmet touch.