Rich Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

Dreamy Homemade Coffee Ice Cream Recipe for Sweet Fans

Creamy, dreamy coffee ice cream beckons with its rich, velvety allure on a warm summer afternoon.

This homemade coffee ice cream recipe promises a delightful burst of caffeinated sweetness that will make your taste buds dance.

No store-bought version can match the depth of flavor in this perfectly crafted dessert.

Deep coffee notes blend seamlessly with smooth, luxurious cream, creating a decadent treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Each spoonful carries the bold essence of freshly brewed espresso, softened by silky custard.

The simple ingredients and straightforward method ensure anyone can master this delectable dessert.

Grab a scoop and savor the ultimate coffee lover’s frozen delight.

Step-by-Step for Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Coffee Bliss Adventure

  • Preparation Groundwork

Get your trusty ice cream maker ready and chill it according to the machine’s guidance. This ensures a smooth, creamy journey ahead.

  • Magical Custard Creation

Blend cream, milk, egg yolks, sugar, coffee essence, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Gently warm the mixture, stirring lovingly without letting it boil. Watch for that perfect moment when the liquid transforms into a silky, smooth custard.

  • Cooling Ritual

Transfer the warm custard to a bowl, letting it cool naturally. Pro tip: use a strainer for extra smoothness. Create an ice bath to speed up the cooling process, covering the custard to prevent any unwanted skin formation.

  • Refrigerator Rest

Allow the custard to chill completely in the refrigerator. This waiting period helps develop those deep, rich coffee flavors.

  • Churning Magic

Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker. Let the machine work its wonder, transforming the liquid into a dreamy, creamy delight. Watch as it slowly firms up to the perfect consistency.

  • Freezer Finale

Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Let it set completely, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the texture to become delightfully scoopable.

  • Serving Celebration

Scoop out your homemade coffee masterpiece. Dress it up with your favorite toppings or enjoy it in its pure, creamy glory. Your coffee ice cream adventure is complete!

Espresso Additions & Chocolate Stir-Ins

  • Add an extra tablespoon of espresso powder or cold brew concentrate for a more robust coffee flavor that'll wake up your taste buds.
  • Melt dark chocolate chips into the warm custard base for a decadent mocha twist that chocolate lovers will devour.
  • Fold in chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans or toasted almonds during the last minute of churning to add delightful crunch and depth.
  • Stir in a tablespoon of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or rum during the cooling process for an adult-friendly version that brings extra warmth and complexity.
  • Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk and coconut cream for a rich, velvety alternative that maintains the creamy texture and intense coffee profile.

How to Serve Coffee Ice Cream Like a Pro

  • Espresso Brownie Companion: Serve alongside rich, fudgy brownies to complement the coffee ice cream's deep, robust flavor. The chocolatey base perfectly enhances the creamy coffee notes.
  • Coffee Lover's Garnish: Sprinkle crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top for an extra caffeine kick and elegant presentation. These crunchy additions create textural contrast.
  • Caramel Drizzle Delight: Swirl warm salted caramel sauce over the ice cream for a decadent touch. The sweet-salty combination elevates the coffee's complex undertones and creates a luxurious dessert experience.
  • After-Dinner Affogato Style: Pour a shot of hot espresso directly over a scoop of the coffee ice cream just before serving. This classic Italian technique transforms the dessert into an interactive, intensely flavored treat that melts beautifully.

Storing Tips to Prevent Ice Crystals

  • Fridge Storage Magic: Keep the ice cream in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain its creamy texture and prevent freezer burn. Seal it carefully to lock in the rich coffee flavor.
  • Cold Comfort Duration: Homemade coffee ice cream stays deliciously fresh for 1-2 weeks when stored properly in the freezer. Mark the container with the preparation date to track its peak enjoyment period.
  • Serving Temperature Trick: Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften it slightly. This allows for easier scooping and brings out the full depth of coffee flavors.
  • Topping Adventure Station: Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or crushed nuts just before the final freezing stage. Create your personal ice cream masterpiece by adding favorite crunchy or sweet elements to complement the coffee base.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 11-13 hours

Calories: 384 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Making Coffee Ice Cream

For Base Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious foundation that creates a silky, rich texture and adds indulgent smoothness to the ice cream.
  • Milk: Balances the cream's richness and helps achieve a perfect, scoopable consistency.
  • Egg Yolks: Natural thickening agent that provides a luscious, custard-like base and creates a velvety mouthfeel.
For Sweetening and Flavoring:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps prevent ice crystals, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Coffee Concentrate: Delivers a bold, intense coffee flavor that permeates the entire ice cream.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the coffee flavor, adding depth and complexity.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the overall flavor profile of the ice cream.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Plastic Wrap: Crucial for preventing skin formation and maintaining the custard's pristine surface.
  • Ice: Essential for rapid cooling and preserving the custard's delicate texture during initial chilling process.

What You Need to Churn or Freeze It Smooth

  • Ice Cream Maker: Essential tool for churning smooth, creamy coffee ice cream.
  • Saucepan: Needed for cooking the custard base, preferably with a heavy bottom.
  • Mesh Strainer: Optional but helpful for ensuring a silky-smooth custard.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two sizes required – one for custard, another for ice bath.
  • Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Perfect for stirring custard while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to delicious results.
  • Freezer-Safe Container: Used for storing and freezing the finished ice cream.
  • Spatula: Helps scrape every delicious bit of custard and transfer mixture.
Print
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Rich Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

Rich Coffee Ice Cream Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 11-13 hours
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Silky coffee ice cream offers a rich, creamy journey through robust espresso notes and luxurious dairy. Cool dessert enthusiasts will savor this indulgent Italian-inspired treat that promises intense flavor with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (237 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1 ½ to 3 oz (44 to 89 ml) cold brew coffee concentrate
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Maker Preparation: Activate ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring optimal freezing performance.
  2. Base Creation: Combine heavy cream, milk, egg yolks, sugar, coffee concentrate, and salt in a saucepan, whisking to form a harmonious mixture.
  3. Custard Development: Gently heat the blend over low-medium temperature, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and facilitate ingredient integration, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the mixture coats a spoon’s back with a silky consistency.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat, fold in vanilla extract, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to eliminate potential lumps.
  5. Cooling Process: Establish an ice bath, submerge the custard bowl to rapidly reduce temperature, then cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
  6. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate the covered custard for 2 hours, allowing flavor refinement and texture stabilization.
  7. Churning Technique: Pour chilled custard into pre-frozen ice cream maker, churning until it achieves a firm soft-serve consistency.
  8. Freezing Finalization: Transfer churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, freeze for 8-10 hours until completely firm.
  9. Serving Suggestion: Present in chilled bowls or waffle cones, optionally garnishing with chocolate shavings or caramel drizzle.

Notes

  • Chill Equipment Thoroughly: Ensure ice cream maker and storage container are pre-frozen to prevent unwanted ice crystal formation and guarantee smooth, creamy texture.
  • Monitor Custard Carefully: Watch temperature closely while heating to prevent curdling; gentle, consistent stirring prevents egg yolks from scrambling and maintains silky consistency.
  • Strain for Smoothness: Passing custard through fine-mesh sieve removes potential egg bits and ensures ultra-refined, luxurious ice cream texture.
  • Patience Matters: Allow sufficient cooling and freezing time; rushed chilling compromises flavor development and desired creamy mouthfeel.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 384
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 0.05 g
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 187 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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