This Easy Bold Coffee Ice Cream is a treat for coffee lovers! It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect scoop to cool down on a warm day.
Honestly, nothing beats enjoying this homemade ice cream after dinner. I can’t help but go back for seconds—who can resist that coffee goodness? ☕️🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy cream: This gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. If you need a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the creaminess won’t be as pronounced.
Whole milk: Adds moisture without being too heavy. You could use low-fat milk, but the end product will be less creamy. Non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk will work, but the flavor and texture might differ.
Instant coffee granules: I love using espresso powder for a stronger coffee punch. However, if you don’t have either, brew some strong coffee, cool it, and substitute it into the recipe. Just make sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.
Granulated sugar: This is essential for sweetness, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor. Honey or maple syrup could also be used, just keep in mind it might alter the texture.
How Can I Achieve the Best Texture in My Ice Cream?
Texture is key when making ice cream. Here’s how to ensure it’s velvety and smooth:
- Make sure all your ingredients are well combined and chilled before churning. This helps create a better texture.
- Keep an eye on the ice cream while it churns; if you over-churn, it may become too firm. Aim for a soft-serve consistency.
- When storing, put it in a shallow container for quicker freezing. If you leave it too long in the freezer, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften up before serving.
Easy Bold Coffee Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules (or espresso powder for bolder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
To make this delicious ice cream, you’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and mixing, plus 2 hours to chill the mixture. After that, churn it in your ice cream maker for about 20-25 minutes. Finally, freeze the finished product for 2-4 hours until it’s nice and firm. In total, you’re looking at approximately 4-5 hours, but most of that time is just waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Coffee and Sugar:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and instant coffee granules. Make sure they’re combined well to ensure the coffee flavor distributes evenly in the ice cream.
2. Add the Milk:
Pour in the whole milk and whisk the mixture until the sugar and coffee granules are fully dissolved. This ensures a smooth texture in your ice cream.
3. Combine with Cream and Flavor:
Stir in the heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—this enhances the flavors!
4. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling is important—it helps create a creamier texture when you churn it.
5. Churn in Ice Cream Maker:
Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes. It’s ready when it has a soft-serve consistency.
6. Freeze for Firmness:
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. Freeze it for an additional 2-4 hours to get it nice and firm. This step is just as important as churning for the perfect scoop!
7. Scoop and Enjoy:
After the ice cream has set, scoop it into bowls and enjoy the rich, bold flavor of your homemade coffee ice cream. It’s perfect for a warm day or as a delightful dessert!
This recipe will leave you with a creamy and delicious coffee ice cream that’s easy to make and perfect for coffee lovers. Enjoy every scoop!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Decaf Coffee Granules?
Absolutely! If you prefer decaf coffee granules, feel free to substitute them in place of regular instant coffee. The flavor will still be bold, just without the caffeine kick!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you like your ice cream less sweet, you can reduce the sugar amount to 1/2 cup instead of 3/4 cup. You can always taste the mixture before freezing and adjust the sweetness to your liking!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! To make ice cream without a machine, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze. Stir it every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours until it reaches the desired consistency—that’ll prevent ice crystals from forming!
Can I Add Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or nuts during the last few minutes of churning for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that mix-ins may make scooping a bit more challenging once the ice cream is fully frozen.
