Chocolate Water Ice (No Churn)

4.62 from 18 votes

Chocolatey, summery, Philadelphia treat. No ice cream maker needed.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Freeze Time8

Servings: servings

2-3 Ice Cube Trays OR Loaf Pan/any freezer safe dish if using ice cube trays, you also need food processor or blender
Large Sauce Pan

Make Water Ice Base: In a large sauce pan (on no heat) add water & sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved (1-2 minutes). Next, turn heat to medium-low and add cocoa powder, vanilla & whisk. Heat mixture until cocoa powder is completely dissolved, keeping heat on low (it shouldn't come to a bubble at all!) and stirring often, scraping the sides to make sure cocoa doesn't burn.
Freeze Option - Ice Cube Trays: pour mixture carefully into something with a spout & carefully fill ice cube trays. Freeze 5-8 hours until frozen or overnight. Once frozen, blend in food processor on high until combined.
Serve: Add ice cubes to food processor and blend on high until broken up & all combined. Sprinkle mini m&ms and stir it up if using. Serve immediately with tightly packed ice cream scoop or pack into a freezer safe container & freeze until ready to serve.
Freeze Option - Loaf pan or Dish: pour mixture into loaf pan or dish with mini chocolate chips if using. Let freeze and stir every 2 hours until frozen and scoopable. I like this option for it's icier and classic water ice texture.
Serve: Scoop with ice cream scoop when ready to serve. You may need to let it sit on counter 10 minutes before scooping
GELATI *Ice Cream Layered w/ Water Ice*: Soften your favorite ice cream flavor (ours is Trader Joes Coffee Bean Blast) in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. In a glass, layer water ice with ice cream. Eat together for the best summer treat of your life!