Ultimate Coffee Ice Cream Recipe: Creamy, No-Churn, Easy

Are you craving a frozen treat that perfectly blends the invigorating kick of coffee with the smooth, creamy indulgence of ice cream? Many coffee lovers find it difficult to create that ideal balance of bold coffee flavor and rich texture at home, often ending up with icy, bland, or overly sweet results. Achieving the perfect scoop can be a real challenge.

To make exceptional coffee ice cream, use high-quality coffee ingredients (like espresso powder or cold-brew concentrate) and balance them with a rich, creamy base of milk, cream, and sugar; optionally incorporating egg yolks for a custard-style richness.

This comprehensive guide, inspired by culinary experts and top-rated recipes, will walk you through everything you need to know about crafting the ultimate coffee ice cream. From selecting the best ingredients to mastering both traditional custard and no-churn methods, you’ll discover pro tips and delicious variations. Plus, we’ll explore the origins of this delectable treat, answer frequently asked questions, and even suggest perfect pairings to elevate your coffee ice cream experience.

Key Facts:
* Coffee Ice Cream Popularity: Coffee ice cream consistently ranks among the top 10 most popular ice cream flavors in the United States.
* Origin of Coffee Ice Cream: Coffee ice cream appeared in a cookbook as early as 1919, featuring a recipe with cream, crushed ice, and coffee syrup.
* Caffeine Content: A typical serving of coffee ice cream contains a moderate amount of caffeine, comparable to a cup of decaf coffee.
* No-Churn Method: The no-churn method, gaining popularity, simplifies the process by using sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, eliminating the need for an ice cream maker.
* Flavor Enhancements: Many recipes enhance coffee flavor with vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or even a touch of chocolate.

What is the Best Coffee Ice Cream Recipe?

The best coffee ice cream recipe combines a rich dairy base, high-quality coffee flavoring, and a sweetener, often enhanced with vanilla extract. It can be made using either a traditional custard method or a simplified no-churn approach. The ideal recipe balances the intensity of coffee with the sweetness and creaminess of the ice cream base, resulting in a smooth, flavorful, and satisfying dessert.

Traditional Custard-Based Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

This traditional method creates a luxuriously smooth and rich ice cream, thanks to the egg yolk-based custard. It requires a bit more time and effort, but the results are well worth it.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup instant coffee granules or espresso powder
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the instant coffee granules or espresso powder until fully dissolved.
2. Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about half a cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling (this is called tempering).
3. Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a heat-proof spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spatula (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil. A good test is to draw a line on the back of the spatula with your finger; if the line remains clear, the custard is ready.
4. Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
5. Strain and Chill: Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This removes any small lumps and ensures a smooth texture. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely chilled.
6. Churn: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to allow it to harden further.

No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

This no-churn method is incredibly easy and requires no special equipment. It uses sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream to create a creamy texture without the need for an ice cream maker.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream, cold
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup instant coffee granules or espresso powder, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, dissolved coffee, and vanilla extract.
3. Fold: Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped cream.
4. Freeze: Pour the mixture into an airtight container and freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.

Key Ingredients for Coffee Ice Cream

The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final flavor and texture of your coffee ice cream. Let’s explore the key components:

• Dairy: The foundation of any great ice cream is a rich dairy base. A combination of heavy cream and whole milk provides the optimal fat content for a creamy, smooth texture. Heavy cream contributes richness and body, while whole milk adds moisture and helps prevent the ice cream from becoming too hard. You can also use half-and-half for a slightly lighter result, but the texture may be less creamy.
• Coffee: This is where the magic happens! There are several options for infusing that robust coffee flavor:
  • Instant Coffee Granules: This is a convenient and readily available option. Look for high-quality granules that dissolve easily and provide a strong coffee flavor.
  • Espresso Powder: Espresso powder is even more concentrated than instant coffee and delivers a bolder, more intense coffee flavor. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a strong coffee kick.
  • Brewed Coffee: You can use strongly brewed coffee, but it’s crucial to reduce it to concentrate the flavor and prevent the ice cream from becoming icy. Brew a double-strength batch and simmer it gently until it’s reduced by about half.
  • Ground Coffee Beans: You can cold-brew ground coffee beans in milk and strain the liquid. This gives a strong coffee flavor. According to research from Pastry Team USA, cold-infused ice cream offers subtle coffee flavor.
• Sweetener: The most common sweetener is granulated sugar. It provides sweetness and helps create a smooth texture. For no-churn recipes, sweetened condensed milk is often used, as it provides both sweetness and creaminess. Other options include brown sugar (which adds a hint of molasses flavor), honey, or maple syrup. You can also experiment with sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener, but be aware that they may alter the texture slightly.
• Add-ins (Optional): Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can get creative with add-ins! Here are some popular choices:
  • Chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
  • Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
  • Crushed cookies (Oreos, chocolate chip cookies)
  • Caramel swirl
  • Chocolate fudge swirl
  • Liqueurs (coffee liqueur, Irish cream)

How to Make Coffee Ice Cream?

Let’s break down the process of making coffee ice cream into easy-to-follow steps, covering both the traditional custard-based method and the no-churn approach.

Preparing the Custard Base (Traditional Method)

This is the heart of the traditional method, creating a rich and creamy foundation for your ice cream.

1. Heat Milk and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let the mixture boil.
2. Whisk Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale yellow and slightly thickened.
3. Temper the Egg Yolks: This crucial step prevents the egg yolks from cooking too quickly and scrambling. Slowly drizzle about half a cup of the hot milk mixture into the whisked egg yolks, whisking constantly. This gradually raises the temperature of the yolks.
4. Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a heat-proof spatula or wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spatula. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. A reliable test is to draw a line with your finger across the back of the spatula; if the line remains clear, the custard is ready.
5. Strain (Optional but Recommended): For an ultra-smooth custard, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This will remove any tiny lumps that may have formed.
6. Cool Down: Cool the mixture by placing the bowl in an ice bath and stir occasionally.

Adding Coffee Flavor to the Ice Cream

Now it’s time to infuse that delicious coffee flavor!

• Dissolving Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder: If using instant coffee granules or espresso powder, dissolve the required amount in a small amount of hot water (about 2 tablespoons) to create a concentrated coffee paste. This prevents any grittiness in the final ice cream.
• Steeping Coffee Beans: If using whole coffee beans, you can steep them in the warm milk mixture (before adding the egg yolks) for about 30 minutes to an hour. Strain the mixture before proceeding with the recipe.
• Adding While Warm: It’s best to add the coffee flavoring to the custard base while it’s still warm. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the coffee from clumping. Stir well to ensure the coffee is evenly distributed.

Cooling, Chilling, and Churning the Mixture

Proper cooling and chilling are essential for achieving the right texture in your ice cream.

1. Cooling: After adding the coffee flavor, let the custard base cool down slightly. You can speed up this process by placing the bowl in an ice bath (a larger bowl filled with ice and water).
2. Chilling: Once the custard has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the custard to fully chill, which is crucial for proper churning.
3. Churning: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your machine. The ice cream should be soft-serve consistency. Learn about how to make nitro cold brew coffee to enhance the coffee flavor.

Freezing and Serving Coffee Ice Cream

1. Transfer to Container: Once the ice cream is churned, transfer it to an airtight container.
2. Freeze: Freeze for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the ice cream to harden further. This will give it a more scoopable texture.
3. Serving: Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This makes it easier to scoop and enhances the flavor.

What are Some Tips for Perfect Coffee Ice Cream?

• Use High-Quality Coffee: The better the coffee, the better the ice cream! Opt for high-quality instant coffee granules, espresso powder, or freshly roasted and ground beans.
• Consider Alcohol: Adding a tablespoon or two of alcohol (such as vodka, coffee liqueur, or Irish cream) can help prevent the ice cream from becoming too hard in the freezer. Alcohol lowers the freezing point, resulting in a softer texture.
• Decaf Option: If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you can use decaffeinated instant coffee or decaffeinated espresso powder.
• Chill All Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, including the dairy, coffee mixture, and even the bowl of your ice cream maker, are thoroughly chilled before churning. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overchurn: Overchurning can introduce too much air, making the ice cream dense and icy. Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions carefully.
• Add Mix-ins at the End: If adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, add them during the last few minutes of churning or fold them in after churning.

What are the Best Serving Suggestions for Coffee Ice Cream?

Coffee ice cream is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of desserts and toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your coffee ice cream experience:

• Classic Pairings:
  • Brownies: The warm, fudgy richness of brownies is a perfect complement to the cold, creamy coffee ice cream.
  • Chocolate Cake: Similar to brownies, chocolate cake provides a rich, decadent contrast to the coffee flavor.
  • Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a touch of sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the coffee ice cream beautifully.
  • Cookies: Crumbled cookies (chocolate chip, Oreos, or biscotti) add a delightful crunch.
• Creative Desserts:
  • Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich coffee ice cream between two cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, or even brownies!) for a handheld treat.
  • Affogato: This classic Italian dessert is simply a scoop of coffee ice cream (or vanilla ice cream) “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso. Learn about how to make easy iced coffee with Nespresso Vertuo to make affogato.
  • Milkshake: Blend coffee ice cream with milk and a splash of coffee liqueur for a decadent milkshake.

  The following video demonstrates the complete process of coffee ice cream:
  
  This tutorial covers the process of preparation and churning coffee ice cream, from dissolving the coffee to achieving the perfect, creamy consistency.

• Toppings:
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Chopped nuts
  • Espresso beans
  • A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon

FAQs About Coffee Ice Cream:

Is coffee ice cream a thing?

Yes, coffee ice cream is a popular and beloved flavor enjoyed by many. It combines the rich, creamy texture of ice cream with the bold, aromatic flavor of coffee.

What is coffee and ice cream called?

Coffee and ice cream combined is most commonly called “coffee ice cream.” However, when a scoop of ice cream is served with a shot of hot espresso poured over it, the dessert is called an “affogato.”

Do any supermarkets sell coffee ice cream?

Yes, many supermarkets sell coffee ice cream. Popular brands like Häagen-Dazs, Blue Bell, and Ben & Jerry’s all offer coffee-flavored ice cream. According to information from Häagen-Dazs®, their coffee ice cream is made with Brazilian coffee beans.

Does Starbucks still make coffee ice cream?

Starbucks previously offered coffee ice cream, but it may no longer be available in all locations. Check with your local Starbucks to confirm its current offerings.

Can I make coffee ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make coffee ice cream without an ice cream maker using the “no-churn” method. This method typically involves whipping heavy cream and combining it with sweetened condensed milk and coffee flavoring, then freezing the mixture.

What’s the best coffee to use for coffee ice cream?

The best coffee to use for coffee ice cream depends on your personal preference. High-quality instant coffee granules, espresso powder, or strongly brewed and reduced coffee are all good options. Espresso powder will provide the most intense coffee flavor.

How long does homemade coffee ice cream last?

Homemade coffee ice cream is best enjoyed within 1-2 weeks. After that, it may start to develop ice crystals and lose some of its flavor and creamy texture. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer.

Can I add mix-ins to my coffee ice cream?

Absolutely! Popular mix-ins for coffee ice cream include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, crushed cookies, caramel or fudge swirls, and even a splash of coffee liqueur.

Is there a vegan coffee ice cream recipe?

Yes, there are many vegan coffee ice cream recipes available. These typically use plant-based milk alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk as the base, and often incorporate vegan-friendly sweeteners and stabilizers.

How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in my coffee ice cream?

To prevent ice crystals, ensure all ingredients are thoroughly chilled before churning. Adding a tablespoon or two of alcohol (like vodka or coffee liqueur) can also help lower the freezing point and create a smoother texture. Storing the ice cream in an airtight container and pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing can also minimize ice crystal formation.

Summary:

Coffee ice cream is a delicious and versatile treat that combines the best of both worlds: the creamy indulgence of ice cream and the invigorating kick of coffee. Whether you prefer the rich, custard-based traditional method or the quick and easy no-churn approach, making coffee ice cream at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. By using high-quality ingredients, following the steps carefully, and experimenting with different flavors and add-ins, you can create a customized coffee ice cream that perfectly suits your taste. Enjoy it on its own, pair it with your favorite desserts, or create a decadent affogato – the possibilities are endless! What are your favorite coffee ice cream variations?