I couldn’t resist recreating this locally beloved Michigan Pothole Ice Cream in my own kitchen. With its rich dark chocolate base, gooey swirls of fudge mimicking “black tar,” and crunchy chocolate chunks resembling pieces of “asphalt,” this recipe is a fun and delicious homage to the quirks of the Great Lakes State. Whether you call Michigan your home or just want to get a taste of its charm, this recipe will bring a scoop of joy straight to your bowl.

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How to make Michigan Pothole Ice Cream

Michigan Pothole Ice Cream is a novelty ice-cream flavor produced by Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream of Michigan, consisting of a chocolate ice-cream base with thick “black-tar” fudge swirls and “chunks of chocolate asphalt.”

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (dark cocoa for that rich chocolate flavor)
¾ cup granulated sugar
5 large egg yolks (for a rich, creamy texture)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the “Black Tar” Fudge Swirl:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate “Asphalt” Chunks:

8 ounces dark chocolate, melted
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for shiny chunks, but not essential)
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional but adds a nice flavor contrast!)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Ice Cream Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, cocoa powder, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, whisking until the cocoa powder dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Bring it just to a simmer.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale yellow and slightly thickened.
Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to temper the eggs. This prevents them from curdling.
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream and cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract, then strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl to ensure it’s completely smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Fudge Swirl

In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler.
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth and velvety. Set aside to allow it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Chunks

Melt the dark chocolate (and add coconut oil if using) in the microwave or over a double boiler.
Pour the chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it evenly to create a thin layer.
Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Place in the fridge or freezer to harden.
Once hardened, break the chocolate into small chunks or uneven “asphalt” pieces.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually takes 20–25 minutes).
While churning, gently add most of the fudge swirl and chocolate chunks, reserving a bit for layering later.

Step 5: Freeze and Layer

Transfer half of the churned ice cream into an airtight container.
Add dollops of the remaining fudge swirl and sprinkle a handful of chocolate chunks. Swirl them gently with a spoon.
Add the rest of the ice cream and repeat the layering process with fudge and chocolate chunks.
Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Tips for the Perfect Ice Cream

Don’t rush the chilling process for the custard base—it’s crucial for achieving a creamy texture when churning.
Freeze your ice cream maker bowl in advance (if yours uses a freezer bowl), as this ensures proper churning.
When making the fudge swirl, don’t let it cool completely, or it will harden too much to swirl into the ice cream.
For extra texture and flavor, feel free to add crushed Oreos or chocolate-covered nuts to mimic more “potholes.”

What to serve with

Michigan Pothole Ice Cream is a rich and indulgent dessert with deep chocolate flavors, gooey fudge swirls, and crunchy chocolate “asphalt” chunks. While it’s absolutely delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary treats or toppings can elevate your dessert experience.

Brownies: Gooey, fudge brownies are the perfect match. The soft, chewy texture complements the creaminess of the Michigan Pothole Ice Cream, while their chocolate richness adds an extra layer of indulgence. Try warming them slightly before serving to create a hot-and-cold contrast.
Chocolate Lava Cake: A chocolate lava cake with its molten center is another luxurious pairing. Place a scoop of the ice cream on top of the warm cake and let the fudge melt slightly—it’s heaven on a plate.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, chewy cookies work wonderfully as a side or crumbled on top as a topping. Warm the cookies just enough to release their aroma and enjoy the pairing of textures.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Michigan Pothole Ice Cream is all about indulgence, but you don’t need to let missing ingredients or dietary restrictions stop you from creating this chocolate-packed masterpiece.

For the Ice Cream Base

Substitute #1: Dairy Alternatives

If you’re lactose-intolerant or prefer plant-based options, swap out the cream and milk for these choices:

Heavy Cream: Replace with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. Both provide a rich texture and creamy consistency.
Whole Milk: Substitute with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. For best results, choose unsweetened versions.

Substitute #2: Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: If you don’t have cocoa powder, use dark chocolate chips. Melt them gently and whisk them into the custard base before chilling. For a healthier option, choose Dutch-processed cacao powder for a smoother, less acidic flavor.

Substitute #3: Egg Yolks

Egg yolks create a rich, velvety texture, but you can replace them for egg-free or vegan options:

Cornstarch Slurry: Combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water; this will thicken the custard without eggs.
Silken Tofu: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu (per 5 yolks) with a splash of the milk alternative—this adds creaminess similar to egg yolks.
Arrowroot Powder: Use 1–1½ tablespoons of arrowroot powder mixed with 1–2 tablespoons of water as an egg substitute.

Substitute #4: Vanilla Extract

If you don’t have vanilla extract handy, you can use vanilla bean paste, almond extract, or even maple syrup for a rich, slightly sweet touch.

For the Fudge Swirl

Substitute #1: Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with:

Milk Chocolate Chips for a milder flavor.
Bittersweet Chocolate Chips if you prefer a darker chocolate taste.
Unsweetened Chocolate Bars (add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar or sweetener to adjust sweetness).

Substitute #2: Sweetened Condensed Milk

If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, use these substitutes:

Heavy Cream and Sugar: Combine ½ cup of heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Simmer until thickened to mimic the consistency of condensed milk.
Coconut Cream and Honey: Blend ½ cup coconut cream with honey or maple syrup for a dairy-free option.

Substitute #3: Vanilla Extract

Any of the vanilla extract alternatives mentioned earlier (vanilla bean paste, almond extract, etc.) can work in the fudge swirl mixture.

For the Chocolate Chunks

Substitute #1: Dark Chocolate

If dark chocolate isn’t available, try these alternatives:

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Not quite as rich, but more readily available in most stores.
Milk Chocolate: This will create a sweeter, creamier texture.
Carob Chips: Perfect for dairy-free or plant-based recipes, carob chips imitate chocolate flavor in a mellow way.

Substitute #2: Coconut Oil

Coconut oil helps make the chocolate chunks shiny and smooth, but it’s not mandatory. If you don’t have coconut oil:

Use butter (for a non-vegan option).
Skip it altogether—your chocolate chunks will still taste great, just without the glossy finish.

Substitute #3: Sea Salt

Sea salt highlights the sweetness of the dark chocolate in the recipe. If you don’t have it handy:

Use kosher salt for similar results.
Skip salt entirely for pure chocolate flavor.

Final Thoughts

Michigan Pothole Ice Cream is a dessert that truly shines in any situation—whether served plain or elevated with thoughtful pairings.

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