Y’all, who can resist the charm of homemade ice cream? Now, combine that creamy goodness with the rich, delicious flavor of coffee, and you’ve got a flavor combo that’ll have you saying “YASSSS QUEEN!” in no time. This ain’t your typical Coffee Ice Cream, y’all. This is ice cream with an attitude, a frozen treat that’s as bold and satisfying as a venti latte on a Monday morning.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
I’m a self proclaimed coffee hater. That bitter brew ain’t my cup of tea (or latte, I guess). I’ve tried it all, from straight-up espresso to those sugary frapps, but it just never hit the spot. But listen up, this Coffee Ice Cream recipe? It’s a total game-changer. I know it sounds crazy coming from your resident coffee skeptic, but trust me, this ain’t your average joe. The flavor’s bold but smooth and balanced.
I did try the base of this recipe in my mocha coffee ice cream first, because, ya know – chocolate, and it’s just as good without it! So, if you’ve ever had doubts about coffee or have been on the fence about trying coffee-flavored desserts, I highly recommend giving this recipe a go!
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Ice Cream Recipe
- Rich and Balanced Flavor: This ice cream strikes the perfect balance, capturing the essence of coffee without being too intense. It’s a delightful dance of flavors that coffee lovers and even the non-coffee crowd will love.
- Simple Ingredients: With everyday ingredients, you likely already have in your kitchen, you can whip up this delicious coffee ice cream. Say goodbye to artificial additives; it’s all about natural goodness here!`
- The Perfect Dessert Pick-Me-Up: Need a delightful after-dinner treat or a midday pick-me-up? Look no further! A scoop of this Coffee Ice Cream is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings while getting a little caffeine boost.
- Easy Peasy Prep: No need to stress over complicated steps or special equipment. This recipe is beginner-friendly and uses an ice cream maker for quick freezing.
- Creamy Goodness: This homemade coffee ice cream boasts a smooth and creamy texture that’s almost like velvet on your tongue. Each spoonful will leave you craving more!
Ingredients To Make Homemade Coffee Ice Cream
- Instant Coffee: Opt for high-quality instant coffee to make this recipe shine. It infuses the ice cream with a robust coffee flavor without the need for brewing or complicated espresso machines.
- Eggs and Egg Yolks: These little powerhouses add richness and a luscious texture to the ice cream. They create a velvety custard base that holds the coffee flavors beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is a must in -almost- any ice cream, and granulated sugar is our trusty companion here. It balances the bitterness of the coffee, providing the perfect amount of sweetness to elevate the overall taste.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream adds its luxurious, high-fat content to the mix to help create that creamy consistency that makes homemade coffee ice cream so irresistible.
- Half and Half: Combining half and half with the heavy cream balances the richness and prevents the ice cream from becoming too heavy. It’s the magic touch that makes this treat feel just right!
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract complements the coffee flavor and brings out the best in this ice cream. It adds a warm, inviting depth.
How To Make Coffee Ice Cream With An Ice Cream Maker
- Whisk eggs and egg yolks in a bowl. Next, add sugar and instant coffee to the bowl and whisk together.
- Add heavy cream and half and half to a large saucepan and heat gently; do not let come to a boil.
- Temper eggs by slowly pour 1 cup of hot heavy cream mixture into egg mixture while whisking quickly. This will raise the temperature of the eggs carefully without scrambling them. Then while stirring, pour the tempered egg mixture slowly into the remaining heavy cream mixture in the saucepan.
- Gently heat ice cream base over medium low heat, stirring constantly (especially the corners of the pot), until thickened and reaches 170F on a digital thermometer. The mixture should look silky and coat the back of a spoon so when you run your finger through it, it doesn’t come back together.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve (to catch any cooked egg pieces) and chill in an ice bath (a bowl set inside of a bowl of ice water) until it’s cooled to room temperature. Then cover with plastic wrap and move into the refrigerator until completely cold, about 2-3 hours.
- Add your mixture to an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions and freeze until it gets to soft serve stage.
Tips For Making the Best Coffee Ice Cream Recipe With Instant Coffee
- Don’t Scramble the Eggs: When tempering the eggs with the hot milk mixture, make sure to do it slowly and with care. Adding the hot milk too quickly can cause the egg yolks to scramble, so take your time and whisk continuously to create a smooth and creamy base.
- Use High-Quality Instant Coffee: Opt for a high-quality instant coffee that you genuinely enjoy drinking. Remember, the coffee flavor is the star of this show, so choosing the right brand will make a significant difference in the final taste.
- Patience is Key: Allow the coffee ice cream mixture to chill in the fridge for a good 2-3 hours before freezing it. Patience pays off here; the flavors meld together beautifully during this time, resulting in a more well-rounded and satisfying dessert.
- Chill the Ice Cream Maker Bowl: When making a coffee ice cream recipe with ice cream maker, make sure the bowl is properly frozen before churning. A well-chilled bowl ensures a quicker freezing process, resulting in a smoother and creamier ice cream.
- Avoid Over-Churning: While you may be tempted to keep churning until the cows come home, resist the urge! Over-churning can lead to a grainy texture. Keep an eye on the consistency, and once it reaches the soft serve stage, stop the machine and transfer the ice cream to the freezer to firm up.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
- Espresso Powder: Although this coffee ice cream recipe uses instant coffee, you can swap the instant coffee with espresso powder for an intense coffee kick. This bold alternative will elevate the coffee flavor and add a delightful depth to your dessert.
- Nuts: For some delightful crunch and extra nutty richness, toss in your favorite nuts like toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
- Decaf Coffee: Not a fan of caffeine or looking for a dessert to enjoy in the evening? Swap the instant coffee with decaf instant coffee. This allows you to savor the rich coffee flavor without any late-night jitters.
- Caramel Swirls: The sweet and buttery goodness of caramel sauce will complement the coffee flavor perfectly.
- Chocolate Chips: Take your Coffee Ice Cream to a whole new level by folding in a generous handful of rich and velvety chocolate chips. The combination of coffee and chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven!
- Irish Cream: For a boozy twist, add a splash of Irish cream liqueur to the mixture before churning. The smooth, velvety blend of coffee and Irish cream will make you feel like you’re sipping on a delightful coffee cocktail.
Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
What To Serve With Homemade Coffee Ice Cream
- Picture this: savoring a scoop of creamy coffee ice cream on top of a frosty glass of S’mores Iced Coffee – it’s the perfect refreshing match!
- For the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream, pair this velvety delight with Turtle Brownies or Oreo Cake Bars – the perfect combination of chewy, chocolaty goodness with a coffee-infused twist
- Looking to kickstart your morning with a sweet indulgence? Serve up your ice cream with warm and fluffy Blueberry Waffles, creating a breakfast like no other.
- When you’re celebrating a special occasion, serve it alongside a slice of Brownie Swirl Pound Cake for a dessert spread that’ll leave everyone utterly enchanted. Oh, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, top it all off with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream!
How To Store Coffee Ice Cream
Once churned and ready, it’s important to transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. A tightly sealed container will keep the ice cream fresh and free from freezer burn.
If you don’t have access to a proper ice cream container, no worries! Just use a heavy-duty, freezer-safe container of your choice.
How Long Will Homemade Coffee Ice Cream Last In The Freezer?
This coffee ice cream can be stored inside the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months, but let me share a little secret with you – it tastes even better if you enjoy it sooner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the caffeine but still crave that delicious coffee flavor, go ahead and use decaf instant coffee in this recipe. It will work just as well and give you the same delightful coffee ice cream experience without the boost of energy.
You can substitute instant coffee with an equal amount of espresso powder or medium-ground coffee. Alternatively, you can use strong brewed coffee that has been chilled, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
Yes, you can still enjoy this delicious coffee ice cream even if you don’t have an ice cream maker. While an ice cream maker helps achieve a smoother texture, you can use the freeze-and-stir method as an alternative. Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container, and every 30 minutes, take it out to stir vigorously with a fork. Repeat this process 3-4 times until the ice cream reaches the desired consistency. It might take a bit longer, but the result will be worth the effort.
Boom, you’ve totally nailed the coffee ice cream game! Whether you’re all about that solo bowl life, love it on a cone, or wanna get fancy with some delish mix-ins, this homemade gem is gonna have everyone buzzing. And guess what? You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard or have any fancy gadgets. Just grab a few simple ingredients, hang tight for a bit (trust, that’s the toughest part!), and voilà – you’re about to dive into a creamy, dreamy indulgence!
More Ice Cream Recipes
- Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Banana Pudding Ice Cream
- Key Lime Pie Ice Cream With Mango Swirl
- Red Velvet Ice Cream
- Corn Ice Cream
*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!* Post a photo of how your version of the recipe came out on Instagram (using #grandbabycakes)!!
Coffee Ice Cream
Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?
I’ll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk eggs and egg yolks in a medium sized bowl. Next add sugar and instant coffee to the bowl and whisk together.
- Add heavy cream and half and half to a large saucepan and heat gently; do not let come to a boil.
- Temper eggs by slowly pour 1 cup of hot heavy cream mixture into egg mixture while whisking quickly. This will raise the temperature of the eggs carefully without scrambling them. Then while stirring, pour the tempered egg mixture slowly into the remaining heavy cream mixture in the saucepan.
- Gently heat ice cream base over medium low heat, stirring constantly (especially the corners of the pot), until thickened and reaches 170F on a digital thermometer. The mixture should look silky and coat the back of a spoon so when you run your finger through it, it doesn’t come back together.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve (to catch any cooked egg pieces) and chill in an ice bath (a bowl set inside of a bowl of ice water) until it’s cooled to room temperature. Then cover with plastic wrap and move into the refrigerator until completely cold, about 2-3 hours.
- Remove from fridge and add your mixture to an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions and freeze until it gets to soft serve stage.
pinterest 
facebook 
twitter 
email
Oh wow, two of my favorite things combined! This looks amazing.
Enjoyed this for dessert last night and it as a sweet success! Creamy, refreshing and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Who says that coffee is just for the morning? This coffee ice cream was the perfect treat to cool of with the coffee flavor I love!
All of your recipes are great and this coffee ice cream is no exception! I shared it with my mom and her words were “to die for!!!”
I am going to dream about this ice cream tonight, definitely going to make it over the weekend! Looks so smooth and creamy. Hmmm, yum!!!