Coffee Ice Cream is a rich and creamy dessert that combines the bold, robust flavor of coffee with the smooth texture of homemade ice cream. Perfect for coffee lovers, this frozen treat is a delightful way to enjoy the essence of coffee in a refreshing and indulgent form. Whether served on its own, paired with desserts like brownies, or used as a base for affogato, Coffee Ice Cream is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert. Making it at home allows you to control the intensity of the coffee flavor and the sweetness, ensuring it’s tailored to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons instant coffee granules (adjust to taste)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat the Milk and Cream
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to steam. Avoid boiling the mixture to prevent curdling.
Step 2: Dissolve the Coffee
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the instant coffee granules. Mix until the coffee is fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth and uniform flavor.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
- Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This step prevents the yolks from curdling.
- Slowly pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking continuously.
Step 4: Cook the Custard
- Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. Be careful not to let it boil.
Step 5: Strain and Cool
- Remove the custard from heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This step removes any cooked egg bits and ensures a smooth texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Cover the custard with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely chilled.
Step 6: Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The mixture will thicken and take on a creamy consistency.
Step 7: Freeze and Serve
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Scoop and serve the Coffee Ice Cream on its own or with your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of instant coffee granules or use espresso powder.
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed cookies for extra texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the custard into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Coffee Ice Cream is a luxurious dessert that’s sure to impress. Its creamy texture and bold flavor make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy every spoonful of this homemade delight!