Description
Rich, creamy homemade coffee ice cream with intense flavor from freshly ground coffee beans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- ½ cup freshly ground coffee beans (medium-dark roast recommended)
- Optional: ¼ cup coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
- Optional: Chocolate shavings or espresso beans for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Cream, Milk, Sugar, and Salt: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Ensure the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add Vanilla: If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the cream mixture and add the pod. If using vanilla extract, hold off until after the cream has cooled.
- Infuse with Coffee: Stir in the freshly ground coffee beans.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles form around the edges (about 5-7 minutes).
- Steep the Coffee: Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor.
- Strain the Mixture: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bowl. Press down on the coffee grounds to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Discard Solids: Discard the coffee grounds and vanilla bean pod (if used).
- Add Vanilla Extract (if using): Stir in vanilla extract now.
- Add Coffee Liqueur (optional): Stir in coffee liqueur, if desired.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it onto the surface. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: Remove the ice cream maker bowl from the freezer and assemble the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Pour in the Mixture: Pour the chilled coffee cream mixture into the ice cream maker bowl.
- Churn: Turn on the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20-25 minutes), until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer to a Container: Transfer the soft-serve ice cream to an airtight container.
- Harden in the Freezer: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream. Seal the container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to harden completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop into bowls or cones. Garnish with chocolate shavings or espresso beans, if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavor. A medium-dark roast is recommended.
- The longer the coffee steeps, the stronger the coffee flavor will be.
- Chilling the cream mixture thoroughly is essential for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Don’t over-churn the ice cream, as this can result in a grainy texture.
- Experiment with adding other flavors like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by reducing the amount of sugar slightly.
- If the ice cream is too icy, ensure the cream mixture is thoroughly chilled and avoid over-churning.
- If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- If the ice cream is grainy, use high-quality ingredients and avoid over-churning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes