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Stracciatella gelato is a simple italian ice cream dessert. This is our easy version of this delicious summer treat. So you can make it at home even if you don’t have an ice cream maker.
The meaning
Stracciatella comes from the word “stracciato” which means ripped, torn, ragged. The italian word is used in the recipe to recall the small chocolate flakes that forms when chocolate is added to gelato during its preparation.
Gelato is the italian name for ice cream, even though, gelato is made differently so the flavour and texture are not exactly same as ice cream.

Gelato alla stracciatella
The gelato stracciatella recipe was invented by Enrico Panattoni who lived and worked in Bergamo, northern Italy. The gelataio wanted to do something new for the restaurant he owned (La Marianna), so he inspired by the roman soup stracciatella in brodo and made the stracciatella gelato, becoming quickly in one of the most requested gelato flavour in the restaurant. By the way, Ristorante la Marianna is still open to this days and you can still enjoy their famous gelato.
Ingredients
Whipping cream – To make it fluffy so you won’t need an ice cream maker.
Condensed milk – Adds lots of sugar which is perfect to prevent ice cream from getting icy.
Milk chocolate – In this recipe we used milk chocolate because we like the chocolate to stay a little bit soft when it freezes. But the traditional recipe calls for a good quality of dark chocolate.
Vanilla extract – To add flavour and scent. I use Mexican vanilla extract.
How to make Stracciatella gelato without an ice cream maker
In a large bowl whipe heavy cream until peaks are formed.
In a small bowl add the condensed milk, vanilla extract and 3-4 tablespoon of the whipped cream, mix nicely.
Incorporate the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula.
Add the chocolate and then fold it slowly until combined.
Put the mixture into a container, cover and place in the fridge until firm.
Take off the gelato from freeze and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes so it can soft a bit and become easier to serve.
Make more gelato at home

Stracciatella gelato
Ingredients
- 200 ml heavy whipping cream
- 100 ml condensed milk
- 40 gr milk chocolate chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl whipe heavy cream until peaks are formed.
- In a small bowl add the condensed milk, vanilla extract and 3-4 tablespoon of the whipped cream, mix nicely.
- Incorporate the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula.
- Add the chocolate and then fold it slowly until combined.
- Put the mixture into a container, cover and place in the fridge until firm.
- Take off the gelato from freeze and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes so it can soft a bit and become easier to serve.
It’s great! Thank you for having the simplest recipes! I would suggest to be very careful and to try the vanilla first. I’ve had past experiences of buying vanilla extract that has no flavor at all, no matter how much you use, so be careful and don’t get disappointed at the first try!
A few years ago me and my wife visited Italy for the first time. It was unforgettable. Best experience of our lives, specially tasting so delicious recipes and treating ourselves with gelato every single day of our trip.
Definitely had to give it a try and we weren’t disappointed. Thank you!
i love cooking Italian food . seems delicious. thanks for the recipe .