Coffee lovers, rejoice! If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the rich, bold flavor of coffee with the creamy, dreamy texture of ice cream, then you’re in for a treat. This Homemade Coffee Ice Cream is the perfect way to indulge your caffeine cravings with a sweet, cool twist. Smooth, creamy, and packed with coffee flavor, this ice cream is made with simple ingredients and just a few steps. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t want store-bought ice cream again. It’s that good. Ready to dive in?
Why You’ll Love Homemade Coffee Ice Cream
This ice cream isn’t just a dessert—it’s a total experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Coffee Lover’s Dream
If you love coffee, this ice cream is your dream come true. With every bite, you get that rich, comforting coffee flavor that’s smooth, slightly sweet, and perfectly creamy.
No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, no worries! You can still make this ice cream with a few simple techniques. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up your own coffee ice cream at home.
Make It Your Own
Add in extra mix-ins if you like—chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a swirl of caramel. This recipe is super customizable, so you can adjust it to your taste!
Creamy & Indulgent
The blend of whole milk and heavy cream creates an incredibly creamy, luscious texture. Every spoonful is smooth and rich, making it the perfect treat on a warm day (or any day, really).
Perfect for Special Occasions or Lazy Days
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something decadent, this homemade coffee ice cream is guaranteed to impress. And it’s so simple, you’ll want to make it every chance you get!
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Ingredients in Homemade Coffee Ice Cream
Here’s what you’ll need to make this sweet, caffeinated delight:
- Whole Milk: This gives the ice cream a creamy, smooth base.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the ice cream.
- Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream, balancing the boldness of the coffee.
- Coffee: The star of the show! Strong brewed coffee or espresso will give you that perfect coffee flavor.
- Egg Yolks: These add creaminess and help create the custard base for the ice cream.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to round out the flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make your own Homemade Coffee Ice Cream:
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee (or espresso) to infuse the ice cream with a deep coffee flavor. Set it aside to cool while you work on the custard base.
Step 2: Heat the Milk & Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to steam, but don’t let it come to a boil.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents them from scrambling).
Once everything is combined, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly. You want to cook it until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil!
Step 4: Add Coffee and Cool the Mixture
Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the brewed coffee and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s completely cold.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, no problem! You can still make it by placing the bowl in the freezer and stirring the mixture every 30 minutes for about 4 hours. The result won’t be as smooth, but it’ll still be delicious!
Step 6: Freeze and Set
Once the ice cream has churned to your desired consistency, transfer it to a container and freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until firm.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Scoop the coffee ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy the creamy, coffee goodness you just made. Top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or crushed nuts if you like, and savor each bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 12%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 2%
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Freeze Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 5-6 hours (includes chilling and freezing)
How to Serve Homemade Coffee Ice Cream
This Homemade Coffee Ice Cream is perfect on its own, but here are some fun ways to serve it:
With Warm Desserts
Serve it alongside a warm brownie or a piece of apple pie. The contrast of hot and cold is always a hit!
Topped with Chocolate
Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate syrup over the ice cream for a delicious twist. You could even sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top.
In a Milkshake
Blend it with a little milk to create a creamy coffee milkshake. Add a shot of espresso for an extra caffeine boost!
With Biscotti or Cookies
Pair the ice cream with some crunchy biscotti or your favorite cookies for the ultimate dessert combo.
Additional Tips
Make it Vegan
For a vegan version, swap the dairy for coconut milk and use a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream and egg yolks. You can also use maple syrup instead of sugar.
Add Chocolate or Nuts
Feel free to add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a swirl of caramel when the ice cream is almost done churning. This will add texture and extra flavor to the ice cream.
Keep It Creamy
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t forget to stir the mixture every 30 minutes while it freezes to keep it from getting icy.
Don’t Rush the Freezing
Let your ice cream freeze fully to get that perfect scoopable texture. This might take a little time, but the end result is totally worth it.
FAQ Section
Q1: Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
A1: No, you can make this without an ice cream maker by freezing the mixture and stirring it every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals. It takes a little more effort, but the result will still be delicious!
Q2: Can I make this ice cream without eggs?
A2: Yes! You can make an eggless version by replacing the eggs with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold milk) to thicken the mixture.
Q3: How can I adjust the sweetness of this ice cream?
A3: You can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet ice cream. Taste the custard before adding the coffee and adjust accordingly.
Q4: How can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
A4: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream. You can also swap the eggs for cornstarch to help thicken the mixture.
Q5: Can I use decaf coffee in this recipe?
A5: Yes, you can use decaf coffee if you want to enjoy the coffee flavor without the caffeine. The flavor will still be rich and delicious!
Q6: Can I add other flavors to this ice cream?
A6: Absolutely! You can infuse the custard with a cinnamon stick, chocolate chips, or even swirl in some caramel sauce once it’s done churning.
Q7: How long does homemade coffee ice cream last in the freezer?
A7: Homemade ice cream is best consumed within 2-3 weeks for optimal texture and flavor, though it will last up to a month in the freezer if stored in an airtight container.
Q8: Can I make this ice cream ahead of time?
A8: Yes! In fact, this ice cream is perfect for making ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer, and it’ll be ready to serve when you need it.
Q9: Can I make this without the vanilla extract?
A9: Yes, the vanilla extract is optional. It adds a little extra sweetness and depth, but if you don’t have it, the ice cream will still be amazing.
Q10: What if I don’t like strong coffee flavor?
A10: You can reduce the amount of coffee or use a milder brew if you prefer a subtler flavor. You can also add more sugar or vanilla to balance out the bitterness.
Conclusion
There you have it—Homemade Coffee Ice Cream that’s smooth, creamy, and full of that rich coffee flavor you love. It’s the perfect treat for coffee lovers and anyone who appreciates a good homemade dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or indulging on a quiet evening at home, this ice cream will definitely steal the show. Go ahead, treat yourself—you’ve earned it!
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Homemade Coffee Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
Description
This creamy Homemade Coffee Ice Cream is a must-try for coffee lovers! Made with real brewed coffee and a rich custard base, this ice cream is packed with smooth coffee flavor and a velvety texture. It’s the perfect treat for warm weather or a cozy dessert any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup brewed strong coffee (cooled)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the custard base: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and brewed coffee. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to combine.
- Whisk the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Temper the eggs: Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, a little at a time, while constantly whisking to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Cook the custard: Pour the egg-milk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 170°F-175°F or 77°C-80°C). Do not let it boil.
- Cool the custard: Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely chilled.
- Churn the ice cream: Once the custard is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency (usually about 20-25 minutes).
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve: Scoop and enjoy your homemade coffee ice cream!
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can use espresso or double the amount of brewed coffee.
- This ice cream is rich and creamy, so make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if it’s too hard to scoop.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow pan and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
- You can mix in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or swirl in caramel for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 160mg