Coffee Ice Cream

Coffee Ice Cream: A Perfect Treat for Coffee Lovers

If you’re a coffee enthusiast, there’s no better way to enjoy your favorite brew than in the form of Coffee Ice Cream. This creamy, rich dessert offers the bold flavor of freshly brewed coffee combined with the smooth, velvety texture of ice cream. Whether served on its own or paired with a warm dessert, coffee ice cream provides the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it an irresistible treat. Plus, making it at home allows you to control the flavor strength and texture, so you can customize it to your liking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and bold coffee flavor: This ice cream offers a perfect balance of strong coffee taste with a smooth, creamy base.
• Customizable sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar, allowing you to fine-tune the recipe to suit your tastes.
• Creamy and smooth texture: The custard-based recipe creates an ultra-creamy consistency that melts perfectly in your mouth.
• No special equipment needed: While an ice cream maker is recommended, the recipe can be adapted to make it without one if necessary.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee (preferably strong, or espresso for an even richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Brew the Coffee:

Start by brewing a cup of strong coffee (or espresso) and set it aside to cool slightly. The stronger the coffee, the more intense the flavor will be in the finished ice cream.

2. Make the Custard Base:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to simmer (do not let it boil).
2. While the cream mixture heats, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl until they become pale and thickened.
3. Gradually pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once the yolks are tempered, slowly pour the rest of the cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking until well combined.

3. Cook the Custard:

1. Return the combined egg and cream mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 170°F/77°C if using a thermometer). This process usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
2. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the cooled brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
3. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.

4. Churn the Ice Cream:

1. Once the custard is fully chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes 20-25 minutes, and the ice cream should reach a soft-serve consistency.
2. If you like a firmer ice cream, transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze it for an additional 4 hours or until firm.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once your coffee ice cream is fully frozen, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy! For an extra indulgent treat, consider topping it with chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, or even a shot of espresso for an affogato-style dessert.

Tips & Variations

• Stronger Coffee Flavor: If you prefer a more intense coffee taste, increase the amount of coffee or use espresso to replace part of the milk.
• Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a swirl of caramel or fudge during the last few minutes of churning to add extra texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond or oat milk.
• Without an Ice Cream Maker: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, simply pour the chilled custard mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency.

Why You’ll Love Coffee Ice Cream

• Perfectly Creamy: The custard base creates a rich, creamy texture that will melt in your mouth.
• Coffee Lovers’ Dream: If you love coffee, this ice cream is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite drink in dessert form.
• Impress Your Guests: Homemade ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve this as a dessert for parties, gatherings, or a cozy treat at home.

Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or serving it at a dinner party, Coffee Ice Cream is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and your coffee craving. Homemade and indulgent, this ice cream will quickly become your go-to treat for coffee lovers!