Impossibly Creamy Coffee Ice Cream
For the creamiest coffee ice cream, look to this storage-friendly recipe.
Serves8
Makesabout 1 1/2 quarts
Prep30 minutes
When it comes to making homemade ice cream, patience is a virtue. The problem is, once you make the decision to churn a batch of decadent handcrafted ice cream, patience often goes out the window. That’s why I prefer to make uncooked ice cream bases without eggs. Once all the ingredients are whisked together, it’s possible to churn it right away.
The flavors in this coffee ice cream are bright and distinct, allowing the essence of the coffee and the richness of cream to shine through. For an extra coffee boost, add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur to the mixture during the last couple minutes of the churning process.
To have a perfectly scoopable ice cream experience, the ice cream will need to set in the freezer for at least four hours. The wait may feel like an eternity, but it will all pay off when you taste that first bite!
How to Make Coffee Ice Cream
Coffee ice cream is made with milk, sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and coffee. I like to use instant espresso powder for the coffee flavor in this ice cream. It dissolves well and is more flavorful than instant coffee granules.
- Make sure the base of your ice cream maker is frozen. You’ll want to make sure it’s frozen before getting started since you can churn the ice cream right away.
- Whisk your ingredients together. In a bowl, whisk whole milk, granulated sugar, and instant espresso powder until the sugar is dissolved, then whisk in the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Churn your ice cream. You’ll churn the base until it’s soft and creamy in texture, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Freeze your ice cream. Freezing it for at least four hours will deliver the perfect scoop.
How Long Does Coffee Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
When kept in an airtight container, this coffee ice cream lasts up to three months in the freezer.
If You’re Making Coffee Ice Cream, a Few Tips
- Start with the best ingredients. Because this style of ice cream is made with just milk and cream and without eggs, this allows the subtle flavors of the dairy to really shine.
- Store the ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer. The ice cream will remain rich and creamy when you leave as little air as possible between the ice cream and lid. I suggest placing a layer of plastic wrap on top of the ice cream before storing.
Coffee Ice Cream Recipe
For the creamiest coffee ice cream, look to this storage-friendly recipe.
Prep time 30 minutes
Makes about 1 1/2 quarts
Serves 8
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups
cold whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups
granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup
instant espresso powder
- 3 cups
cold heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
Instructions
Make sure the base of your ice cream maker is frozen if needed. Place 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup instant espresso powder in a large bowl and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Add 3 cups cold heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and whisk to combine.
Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions, usually about 20 to 25 minutes. At this point the ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight, freezer-safe container that just fits the ice cream. Place in the coldest part of the freezer and let freeze for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. For best results, press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream for longer-term storage to prevent freezer burn.
Recipe Notes
Coffee liqueur addition: For an extra coffee boost, add 1 tablespoon Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur to the ice cream base.
Storage: The ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.