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Coffee Ice Cream is rich, creamy, and packed with bold coffee flavor—perfect for true coffee lovers. Made with real brewed coffee or espresso, this classic frozen dessert is smooth, indulgent, and delicious on its own or paired with brownies, cakes, or affogato-style desserts.
Ingredients List
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Strong brewed coffee or espresso (cooled)
- Egg yolks
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Ice cream maker
- Airtight freezer-safe container
Coffee Ice Cream
Description
This rich and velvety coffee ice cream is a delightful blend of espresso and cream, offering a luxurious treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while delivering an energizing coffee kick.
Ingredients
Coffee Ice Cream Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Coffee Base
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Brew the Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of your favorite coffee. Use about 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans. Let it steep for about 4-5 minutes before straining the grounds. This will serve as the flavor backbone of your ice cream.For an extra kick, consider using a dark roast coffee for a richer flavor. -
Mix the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the brewed coffee, 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.Be careful not to let it boil—just warm enough to meld the flavors together.
Infuse the Flavors
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Add Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk together 5 large egg yolks until they are pale and slightly thickened. Gradually pour in about a cup of the warm coffee mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. This prevents the yolks from scrambling.This step is crucial for creating a creamy texture, so take your time! -
Combine and Thicken
Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining coffee mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).If you have a thermometer, aim for around 170°F (77°C). Do not let it boil!
Chill and Churn
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Cool the Mixture
Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl to remove any cooked bits. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.The longer you chill, the better the flavors develop! -
Churn the Ice Cream
Once the mixture is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can place it in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until firm.
Freeze and Enjoy
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Transfer and Freeze
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container, smoothing the top. Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface to avoid ice crystals, then seal the container. Freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.This step is essential for achieving that scoopable texture! -
Serve Your Creation
Scoop and serve your coffee ice cream in bowls or cones. Feel free to top it with whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an extra treat!This ice cream pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a shot of espresso for a coffee lover’s dream!
Note
- Use freshly brewed espresso for a rich, intense coffee flavor; allow it to cool before incorporating into the mixture.
- Consider using high-quality coffee beans; a medium roast works well for a balanced taste.
- For a creamier texture, churn the ice cream mixture in an ice cream maker for at least 20-30 minutes.
- If you prefer a more robust flavor, add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the mixture before churning.
- Ensure all ingredients, especially the heavy cream and milk, are chilled to improve the emulsification process.
- For an extra indulgent touch, fold in chocolate chips or crushed coffee beans after churning.
- Store the ice cream in an airtight container, pressing a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Allow the ice cream to soften in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners or dairy-free milk options for a healthier or vegan version.
- Pair with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor profile.
