Coffee Ice Cream: An Easy Recipe For The Best Summer Treat!

Once upon a time, coffee ice cream was my gateway into the coffee world. Sweet, creamy, and delicious, it’s the perfect ice cream flavor for coffee lovers and soon-to-be coffee lovers alike. 

I was tempted to devise a no-churn recipe for making homemade coffee ice cream. But after experimenting with making coffee ice cream, I found that this classic method is far tastier. The recipe is as nearly as simple if you have an ice cream maker. Find out for yourself by trying this real-deal coffee ice cream recipe today!

A Quick Note On Instant Coffee

This recipe calls for instant coffee, which might cause some coffee snobs to scoff. However, many brands offer exceptional instant coffees, including specialty single-origins (1). So you can go as fancy as you like with the coffee base, and I don’t recommend brewed coffee because the extra water interferes with the creamy ice cream texture.

You can also use decaf instant coffee to make decaf coffee ice cream. This is an excellent option if you plan to enjoy it as an after-dinner treat.

How To Make Coffee Ice Cream

Plenty of no-churn coffee ice cream recipes exist, but this classic version is far tastier and has a much better consistency. While I initially thought preparing a custard base sounded complicated, it’s dead easy. Just follow the steps below for the best coffee ice cream recipe. You’re well on your way to an absolutely delicious chilled treat.

Not a fan of ice cream? Try coffee popsicles for an alternative coffee-flavor hot weather treat!

Step 1: Make The Flavor Base

Combine the milk, instant coffee granules, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium saucepan over low heat. Heat gently while whisking until the coffee and sugar have dissolved and the mixture is steaming. 

Be careful not to bring the mixture to a boil. This will scald the milk and add unwanted flavor to your ice cream.

Step 2: Prepare The Custard

Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Slowly pour in half the flavor base while whisking continuously. It’s important to add the warmed milk slowly to avoid making coffee-flavor scrambled eggs!

Return this mixture to the pot with the remainder of the milk flavor base. Heat over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens slightly – enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Strain The Custard

Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into a large bowl and set a fine mesh strainer over the bowl. Pour the custard through the strainer into the cream. While straining isn’t mandatory, it’s worth the effort for a super-smooth ice cream texture.

Stir to combine, then cover the ice cream mixture tightly with plastic wrap. Put it in the refrigerator to cool completely for at least an hour and up to a day.

Step 4: Churn The Ice Cream

Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn until it is frozen, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the model, this can take between 15 and 45 minutes. Put the churned ice cream into an airtight container, and chill it in the freezer until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Scoop your coffee ice cream into a chilled bowl. There is something very appealing about a smooth and simple coffee ice cream that lets the coffee flavor shine. But then there are days when decadence is the name of the game. Turn your coffee ice cream into a coffee sundae with caramel or chocolate sauce, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

I told you it was easy! Only five steps – and one of them is adding chocolate sauce. Try this coffee recipe today if you’ve been wondering what to do with your ice cream maker. It’s the sweet and smooth pick-me-up you’ve been waiting for.

Let us know what you think! Did you come up with a unique mix-in or topping for your coffee-flavored ice cream? Comment below, or snap a picture and tag us on Instagram.