Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Name: Homemade Coffee Ice Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 4 tbsp medium-coarse coffee grounds; 1 tbsp instant espresso powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Published: June 2, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and real coffee creates a deep, satisfying taste.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with desserts like brownies or pie.
No Ice Cream Maker Needed: Follow the no-churn method if you don’t have an ice cream machine.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this treat in no time.
Great for Gatherings: Impress your guests with this homemade delight at parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this homemade coffee ice cream, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Fine-mesh sieve
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Ice cream maker (optional)
Airtight container

Importance of Each Tool

Fine-mesh sieve: This tool allows you to strain out the coffee grounds effectively, ensuring a smooth base.
Saucepan: A good saucepan is essential for heating the mixture evenly without scorching.
Ice cream maker: While optional, it helps achieve the perfect texture for your homemade coffee ice cream.

Ingredients

This homemade coffee ice cream is rich, creamy, and packed with bold coffee flavor. Made with real coffee, it’s the perfect frozen treat for coffee lovers! No ice cream maker? No problem—there’s a no-churn method included.

For the Base

2 cups Heavy cream (Provides creaminess)
1 cup Whole milk (Adds smooth texture)
¾ cup Granulated sugar (Sweetens the base)
¼ cup Brown sugar (Deepens flavor)
4 tbsp Coffee grounds (Medium-coarse grind for best infusion)
1 tbsp Instant espresso powder (Enhances coffee flavor)
½ tsp Salt (Balances flavors)
1 tbsp Vanilla extract (Adds depth)

Optional Add-Ins

½ cup Chocolate chips (Optional, for extra texture)

How to Make Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Step 1: Heat the Dairy Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and coffee grounds. Heat until the mixture starts to simmer. Once simmering, remove from heat and let steep for 45 minutes.

Step 2: Strain the Mixture

After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a mixing bowl. Be sure to press down on the coffee grounds to extract maximum flavor.

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

Return the liquid to the saucepan. Add both granulated sugar and brown sugar along with salt. Stir over low heat until all sugars are dissolved. Next, stir in instant espresso powder.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

Add vanilla extract to the mixture. Transfer everything into another bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until chilled thoroughly.

Step 5: Churn Your Ice Cream

Pour your chilled mixture into an ice cream maker if you have one. Churn according to your machine’s instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency.

Step 6: Freeze Until Firm

Transfer your freshly churned ice cream into an airtight container. Cover with parchment paper before sealing it tightly. Freeze for about 4 hours or until fully firm before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade coffee ice cream!

How to Serve Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Serving homemade coffee ice cream can elevate your dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these serving suggestions will delight any coffee lover.

Classic Sundae

Add a scoop of homemade coffee ice cream to a bowl and top with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry for a classic sundae.

Affogato Style

Pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of coffee ice cream for an indulgent affogato. The warm espresso melts the ice cream slightly, creating a delightful blend.

Coffee Float

Combine homemade coffee ice cream with cold brew coffee in a tall glass for a refreshing coffee float. Garnish with chocolate shavings for an added treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use cookies or brownies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Place scoops of coffee ice cream between two cookies for an on-the-go dessert.

With Biscotti

Serve coffee ice cream alongside crunchy biscotti. The combination offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors—perfect for dipping!

Chocolate-Dipped Cones

Fill waffle cones with homemade coffee ice cream and dip the tops into melted chocolate. Let it harden for a fun and tasty presentation.

How to Perfect Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

To achieve the perfect homemade coffee ice cream, consider these helpful tips:

Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh heavy cream and whole milk to enhance the flavor and texture.
Choose quality coffee: Selecting high-quality coffee grounds will significantly improve the taste of your ice cream.
Chill thoroughly: Make sure your mixture is completely chilled before churning; this helps achieve a smoother consistency.
Don’t skip the salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Experiment with mix-ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls during the churning process for extra texture and flavor.
Store correctly: To maintain freshness, ensure your container is airtight when freezing your homemade coffee ice cream.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Pairing side dishes with your homemade coffee ice cream can create a delightful dessert spread. Here are some options to consider:

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, chewy cookies pair wonderfully with the rich flavor of coffee ice cream.
Brownies: Fudgy brownies provide a decadent counterpart that complements the creamy texture.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the ice cream.
Pecan Pie: The nutty flavor of pecan pie makes it an excellent pairing with coffee desserts.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over both desserts for an indulgent treat.
Mini Cheesecakes: These bite-sized delights provide a creamy contrast that works well with coffee flavors.
Cinnamon Rolls: Warm cinnamon rolls can be served alongside scoops of coffee ice cream for breakfast-inspired indulgence.
Chocolate Mousse: Light chocolate mousse offers an airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense ice cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade coffee ice cream can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dessert experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using the wrong coffee grind: If you use a fine grind, it can make your ice cream gritty. Opt for medium-coarse coffee grounds for the best infusion.
Not steeping long enough: Skipping the steeping step may lead to weak coffee flavor. Allow the mixture to steep for at least 45 minutes to extract rich flavors.
Skipping refrigeration: Failing to chill your base thoroughly before churning can result in a less creamy texture. Always refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours.
Over-churning: Churning for too long can turn your ice cream into butter. Monitor the consistency closely and stop once it reaches soft-serve texture.
Not covering properly before freezing: If you don’t cover your ice cream properly, it may develop ice crystals. Use parchment paper along with an airtight container to maintain smoothness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover mixture in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container.
Cover with parchment paper and seal tight; it will last up to 2 weeks in the freezer.

Reheating Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Oven: This method isn’t recommended as ice cream doesn’t reheat well in an oven.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds on low power to soften slightly before serving.
Stovetop: Place a scoop in a small pot over low heat, stirring gently until softened for easy scooping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Homemade Coffee Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?

You can use the no-churn method by whipping heavy cream until stiff peaks form and folding it into your coffee mixture before freezing.

What is the best coffee for Homemade Coffee Ice Cream?

A medium roast provides a balanced flavor, while dark roast will give a richer taste. Choose according to your preference!

Can I customize my Homemade Coffee Ice Cream?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or nuts for extra texture and flavor variations.

How long does Homemade Coffee Ice Cream last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 2 weeks in the freezer without losing quality.

Final Thoughts

This homemade coffee ice cream is not only rich and creamy but also incredibly versatile. With options for customization, you can make it uniquely yours! Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with desserts, it’s sure to please any coffee lover. Give this recipe a try and savor every delicious bite!

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