Introduction
If you have been searching for a coffee ice cream recipe recipe that hits the perfect balance between rich espresso flavor and creamy sweetness, you are in the right place. This delightful dessert fits seamlessly into your arsenal of coffee dessert recipes, offering a refreshing pick-me-up on warm days—or as a special nightcap treat. Best of all, you can whip it up at home without fancy equipment or complicated steps.
Ingredients
Gather these basic items for your homemade coffee ice cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream (chilled)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional but recommended)
Directions
-
Whisk the base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, instant espresso powder (or cooled coffee), and salt if using. Stir until the sugar dissolves and you see no clumps. -
Add the cream and vanilla:
Pour the heavy cream into the mixture. Drop in the vanilla extract for a warm undertone. Give it a gentle stir so everything blends nicely. -
Chill the mixture:
Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and gives the ice cream base a smooth texture later on. -
Churn or freeze:
- If you own an ice cream maker: Pour the chilled mixture into the ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, place it in a covered container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- No machine? No problem: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe pan and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a spoon or hand whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat until you achieve a creamy consistency (usually 3–4 times).
- Serve and enjoy:
Scoop generous portions into bowls or cones. Admire the smooth, coffee-infused texture before taking that first delectable bite.
Tips & Variations
- Sweetness level: Adjust sugar to your liking. If you prefer a bolder coffee flavor, reduce the sugar slightly or increase the espresso powder.
- Add texture: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cookie bits during the last few minutes of churning for extra crunch.
- Dairy-free option: Replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk. The final product will differ slightly in taste and texture, but it stays true to the coffee ice cream spirit.
- Mix-in timing: If using an ice cream maker, incorporate add-ins close to the end of the churning process. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
Nutrition facts
Below is an approximate breakdown per ½-cup serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 |
| Total Fat | ~12g |
| Saturated Fat | ~7g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~40mg |
These numbers will vary with ingredient substitutions or mix-ins like chocolate chips and caramel swirls.
Final thoughts
Homemade coffee ice cream delivers a punch of espresso flavor wrapped in a velvety texture. Whether it is served in a cup, paired with brownies, or smashed between cookies for an indulgent ice cream sandwich, this coffee ice cream recipe recipe makes every bite memorable. Try customizing it with different toppings or convert it into a decadent milkshake by blending a few scoops with extra milk.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Can I replace instant espresso powder with regular instant coffee?
Yes, but be aware that instant coffee is usually milder than espresso powder. You may need to increase the amount or brew strong coffee to achieve a similar flavor. -
Can I use non-dairy milk instead of whole milk?
Absolutely. Consider using almond, soy, or oat milk. Keep in mind that the texture might be a bit lighter, and you might want to experiment with flavors until you find your perfect balance. -
How can I store my homemade coffee ice cream?
Store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the ice cream before sealing to minimize ice crystals and preserve freshness. -
Is it possible to cut down on sugar?
Yes. Adjusting sugar levels is an easy way to customize your dessert. Just remember that sugar also impacts the texture and softness of ice cream, so reducing it significantly may yield a firmer result.
Enjoy turning your kitchen into a coffee-lover’s haven with this refreshing twist on a classic treat. Experiment with add-ins and flavor variations to find your go-to version of homemade coffee ice cream. The result will be a scoop (or two) of pure indulgence right in your own home.
Coffee Ice Cream Recipe Recipe
4
servings20
minutes2
hours200
kcalIngredients
2 cups heavy cream (chilled)
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt (optional but recommended)
Directions
- Whisk the base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, instant espresso powder (or cooled coffee), and salt if using. Stir until the sugar dissolves and you see no clumps.
- Add the cream and vanilla: Pour the heavy cream into the mixture. Drop in the vanilla extract for a warm undertone. Give it a gentle stir so everything blends nicely.
- Chill the mixture: Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and gives the ice cream base a smooth texture later on.
- Churn or freeze:
- If you own an ice cream maker: Pour the chilled mixture into the ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, place it in a covered container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- No machine? No problem: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe pan and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a spoon or hand whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat until you achieve a creamy consistency (usually 3–4 times).
- Serve and enjoy: Scoop generous portions into bowls or cones. Admire the smooth, coffee-infused texture before taking that first delectable bite.
Notes
- Sweetness level: Adjust sugar to your liking. If you prefer a bolder coffee flavor, reduce the sugar slightly or increase the espresso powder.
Add texture: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cookie bits during the last few minutes of churning for extra crunch.
Dairy-free option: Replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk. The final product will differ slightly in taste and texture, but it stays true to the coffee ice cream spirit.
Mix-in timing: If using an ice cream maker, incorporate add-ins close to the end of the churning process. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.





