Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Recipe By:
Juliette
Updated:

This Homemade Coffee Ice Cream is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of coffee with the creamy texture of ice cream. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe allows you to indulge in a smooth and delicious dessert that will impress friends and family alike. The unique blend of ingredients creates an old-fashioned ice cream experience that you’ll want to recreate time and again. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this homemade ice cream will satisfy your sweet coffee cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple to Make: This recipe uses straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
  • Rich Flavor: The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and decaffeinated coffee granules creates a deep, satisfying taste.
  • Versatile Dessert: Serve it on its own or pair it with cakes, brownies, or fresh fruits for an enhanced dessert experience.
  • Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of creating ice cream from scratch without preservatives or artificial flavors.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer day or a cozy night in, this ice cream fits every mood.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Homemade Coffee Ice Cream, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your ice cream turns out perfectly creamy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Ice cream maker
  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

  • Ice cream maker: This tool is crucial for churning the custard into smooth ice cream, helping to incorporate air for a light texture.
  • Medium saucepan: Used for cooking the custard base; even heat distribution is essential for proper thickening.
  • Fine-mesh sieve: Straining the custard removes any lumps and ensures a silky-smooth final product.

Ingredients

This Homemade Coffee Ice Cream is made just like old-fashioned ice cream! It starts with a custard that is blended with heavy cream and churned in an ice cream maker for a sensationally smooth and creamy dessert. Once you’ve made this homemade churned ice cream, you will come back to it time and time again. This recipe will satisfy your sweet coffee cravings any time you have them!

Base Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons instant decaffeinated coffee granules
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 2 ¼ cups heavy cream
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Step 1: Combine Milk Mixture

In a medium saucepan combine the milk, sugar, salt, and coffee granules. Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally until steaming. Reduce the heat to low.

Step 2: Prepare Egg Yolks

Lightly beat the egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly pour half the hot milk into the eggs while whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Strain Custard

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, allowing it to touch the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cold.

Step 4: Whisk in Cream and Vanilla

When ready to make the ice cream, whisk the cream and vanilla into the custard until smooth. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 5: Store or Serve

Enjoy right away or transfer to a freezer-safe container. The ice cream will keep for up to 2 weeks.

How to Serve Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Serving your Homemade Coffee Ice Cream can elevate your dessert experience. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, there are numerous ways to present this creamy delight.

Classic Sundae

  • Top your ice cream with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a cherry for a timeless treat.

Affogato

  • Pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of coffee ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines hot and cold.

Coffee Ice Cream Float

  • Combine your coffee ice cream with iced coffee or cola for a refreshing float that’s perfect for warm days.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

  • Use cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies complement the coffee flavor beautifully.

Topped with Nuts

  • Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.

In a Milkshake

  • Blend coffee ice cream with milk to create a rich and creamy milkshake—perfect for sipping on any day.

How to Perfect Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

To make sure your Homemade Coffee Ice Cream turns out smooth and flavorful, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh milk and cream enhance the taste and texture of your ice cream.
  • Chill the custard thoroughly: Ensure your custard is completely chilled before churning to achieve the best consistency.
  • Don’t skip the straining step: Straining removes any lumps, resulting in a silky-smooth custard base.
  • Follow churn time closely: Over-churning can lead to icy texture; stick to your machine’s instructions.
  • Store properly: Use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
  • Experiment with flavors: Try adding chocolate chips or flavored syrups for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Coffee Ice Cream can enhance its enjoyment. Here are some delightful options:

  1. Chocolate Brownies
    Rich and fudgy brownies are perfect companions, offering a contrasting texture to the smooth ice cream.
  2. Shortbread Cookies
    Buttery shortbread adds a light, crisp touch that complements the creamy coffee flavor beautifully.
  3. Biscotti
    Crunchy biscotti pieces dipped into coffee ice cream create an enjoyable mix of textures and flavors.
  4. Fresh Berries
    Raspberries or strawberries add freshness and acidity that balance the sweetness of the ice cream.
  5. Caramel Sauce Drizzle
    A drizzle of warm caramel sauce brings extra sweetness and richness that pairs wonderfully with coffee notes.
  6. Pecan Pie
    The nutty flavor of pecan pie enhances the coffee experience while providing a hearty dessert option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Coffee Ice Cream can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your ice cream turns out perfect every time.

  • Skipping the custard step: Many people try to make coffee ice cream without cooking a custard base. This step is crucial for a creamy texture. Always cook the mixture as directed to avoid grainy ice cream.
  • Not chilling the custard: If you don’t cool the custard properly before churning, it may not set correctly. Always refrigerate the custard until it is completely cold for best results.
  • Overchurning the ice cream: Churning for too long can lead to ice crystals forming, ruining the smoothness. Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions closely and stop once it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
  • Using low-fat milk: While it may seem healthier, low-fat milk can result in a less creamy texture. Stick with whole milk and heavy cream for rich and decadent homemade coffee ice cream.
  • Skipping flavor adjustments: If you find your coffee ice cream lacks flavor, consider adding more coffee granules or vanilla extract to enhance its richness. Taste as you go!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Duration: Store homemade coffee ice cream in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Container: Use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

Freezing Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

  • Duration: The homemade coffee ice cream can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.
  • Container: Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed.

Reheating Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

  • Oven: Preheat your oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) and place the ice cream in an oven-safe dish until softened.
  • Microwave: Use short bursts of heat (about 10-15 seconds) on low power to soften; be cautious not to melt.
  • Stovetop: Place a small amount in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Homemade Coffee Ice Cream different from store-bought?

Homemade Coffee Ice Cream allows you to control ingredients and customize flavors. You can use fresh ingredients and adjust sweetness according to taste.

How can I make my Homemade Coffee Ice Cream even richer?

To enhance richness, consider adding more heavy cream or using espresso instead of instant coffee granules for a deeper flavor.

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes! You can freeze the custard in a shallow pan and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency, though it will require more effort.

How do I store my Homemade Coffee Ice Cream?

Store your homemade coffee ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Coffee Ice Cream is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying with its creamy texture and rich flavor. You can customize it by adding chocolate chips or nuts if you like extra crunch. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Print
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Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Indulge in the creamy delight of Homemade Coffee Ice Cream, a perfect treat for coffee lovers. This easy-to-follow recipe combines rich flavors of whole milk, heavy cream, and decaffeinated coffee granules to create an irresistibly smooth dessert. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this homemade ice cream is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With the ability to customize flavors and add toppings, this recipe offers versatility that makes it suitable for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons instant decaffeinated coffee granules
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 2 ¼ cups heavy cream
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, sugar, salt, and coffee granules. Heat over medium heat until steaming, then reduce heat to low.
  2. Lightly beat the egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually whisk half of the hot milk mixture into the eggs. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened (about 5 minutes).
  3. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and refrigerate until cold.
  4. Once chilled, whisk in heavy cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions and serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container for freezing.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Churning
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 65mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are fresh for optimal flavor. Chill the custard thoroughly before churning for best results. Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.

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