Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

There’s something irresistibly luxurious about ice cream, especially when it’s homemade. Now imagine that creamy indulgence infused with the deep, rich aroma of coffee. That’s what this Homemade Coffee Ice Cream offers—an elegant, bold, and velvety dessert that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your caffeine cravings.

Perfect for warm summer afternoons, cozy winter evenings in front of the fireplace, or as a special treat during holidays, this recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from the timeless European café culture, where espresso and sweet treats go hand-in-hand. Recreating that ambience at home can be as simple as making a batch of this decadent ice cream. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, this coffee ice cream delivers indulgence in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Coffee lovers, rejoice! This is more than just ice cream with a hint of coffee—it’s a celebration of that deep, roasted flavor paired with the creamy texture that only a slow-churned custard can deliver.

Here’s what makes it special:

Intense Coffee Flavor: Using instant coffee or espresso powder ensures that bold flavor shines through in every bite.
Smooth, Creamy Texture: The custard base, made with egg yolks and cream, guarantees that ultra-rich mouthfeel you crave in a premium ice cream.
Customizable Add-Ins: Chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or crushed cookies? Yes, please! Personalize each batch to suit your mood.
No Fancy Equipment Needed (except an ice cream maker): The ingredients are simple pantry staples, and the steps are beginner-friendly.

Whether you enjoy it in a waffle cone, between two cookies as an ice cream sandwich, or straight from the tub (we won’t judge!), this recipe is a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.

The Magic Behind the Ingredients

Before diving into the instructions, let’s explore why each ingredient matters in crafting the ultimate homemade coffee ice cream.

Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These provide the fat necessary for a creamy texture. Skimping on fat leads to ice crystals—not the dreamy creaminess you’re aiming for.
Granulated Sugar: More than just sweetness—sugar helps prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard and maintains a soft, scoopable consistency.
Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder: Unlike brewed coffee, which adds water and dilutes flavor, these dry powders infuse a concentrated, deep coffee taste.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the coffee and cream flavors with a warm, aromatic balance.
Egg Yolks: The key to custard-style ice cream. They thicken the base and give it that rich, luxurious texture.
Salt: A small pinch goes a long way in amplifying all the other flavors.

How to Make Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be scooping perfection in no time.

1. Heat the Base

Start by combining the foundational ingredients that form your ice cream base:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to steam. Do not let it boil.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a whisk to ensure the coffee dissolves evenly without clumping.

2. Temper the Egg Yolks

Tempering prevents the yolks from scrambling when added to the hot mixture.

In a separate bowl, whisk 4 large egg yolks until smooth.
Slowly pour 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly.
Gradually return the tempered yolks to the saucepan, continuing to stir.

This gentle process ensures a smooth custard without lumps.

3. Thicken the Custard

Now the magic begins.

Cook the custard over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula.
The mixture should thicken in 5-7 minutes and coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

🔥 Temperature Tip: Aim for about 170°F (77°C) for the perfect custard consistency. Avoid boiling.

4. Chill the Mixture

CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕

Pages: 1 2