Coffee lovers, this one’s for you! Imagine the smoothest, creamiest frozen treat infused with deep coffee flavor—it’s everything you love about your morning cup, but in a luscious dessert. This coffee custard ice cream is made using a classic frozen custard recipe, giving it an ultra-silky texture that’s far superior to regular ice cream. If you’ve never tried making homemade custard ice cream before, this is the perfect place to start!
Coffee Custard Ice Cream
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Chill & Churn Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
Total Time 4 hours hrs 50 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder or ½ cup strongly brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Heat the Milk & Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Stir in the instant espresso powder and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
Whisk the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick.
Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour a ladleful of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Repeat this process with another ladleful, then gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
Cook the Custard
Return the saucepan to low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 170-175°F). Do not boil.
Strain & Chill
Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until thoroughly chilled.
Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20-25 minutes). If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until firm.
Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This homemade custard ice cream is incredible on its own but even better when paired with something crunchy or sweet! Serve it with biscotti, crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Want to take it up a notch? Use it to make an affogato by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop!
FAQs
1. Can I use decaf coffee instead?
Absolutely! Substitute the espresso powder or brewed coffee with a decaf version for a caffeine-free treat.
2. What makes custard ice cream different from regular ice cream?
A frozen custard recipe uses egg yolks, which give it a richer texture and a smoother mouthfeel compared to regular ice cream.
3. Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Just freeze the custard in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
