This Easy Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a sweet treat that combines rich coffee flavor with chocolate chunks. It’s super creamy and just perfect for hot days!
I love making this at home because it’s so simple. Just mix, freeze, and scoop. Plus, the chocolate chips add that extra bit of fun. Who can resist? ☕🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: The rich texture of heavy cream makes this ice cream super creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead. However, it will be less rich.
Instant Coffee Granules: I love using instant coffee for ease, but you can also brew strong coffee and let it cool. Use about 1/2 cup of cooled coffee instead of the granules.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips blend in perfectly, but you can use regular chocolate chips or even chopped dark chocolate. If you’re dairy-free, look for dairy-free chocolate options.
Granulated Sugar: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly.
How Can I Get Creamy Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this delicious ice cream easily! Follow these steps:
- After mixing your ingredients, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for about 4-6 hours, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours. This helps break up ice crystals and keeps it creamy.
- After freezing, let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving.
This method ensures your ice cream is still creamy and delicious, even without a machine! Enjoy making this delightful treat!
Easy Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp instant coffee granules (or espresso powder)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an hour to chill and about 4 hours to freeze completely. If you can chill the mixture overnight, that’s even better! The total time is about 5 hours but most of it is just waiting for it to freeze.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk It All Together:
In a medium bowl, start by whisking together the whole milk, granulated sugar, instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep whisking until everything is nicely blended and the sugar and coffee granules are dissolved. This is what makes your ice cream delightful and flavorful!
2. Add the Cream:
Now, stir in the heavy cream. Mix it well until smooth. After that, cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour. If you have time, letting it sit overnight will help all the flavors blend together beautifully.
3. Churn It Up:
Once your mixture is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Churn the mixture according to your machine’s instructions—this usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You want it to achieve a soft-serve consistency; it should be creamy and thick!
4. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Five minutes before the churning is done, toss in the mini chocolate chips. This way, they’ll be evenly distributed throughout your ice cream, giving you little nuggets of chocolate in every bite!
5. Freeze to Firm Up:
After churning, transfer your soft ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly, then cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Let it freeze for at least 4 hours until it is firm and scoopable. You’ll love how satisfying it is after it sets!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before you scoop it up, let your ice cream sit out at room temperature for a few minutes. This makes it much easier to scoop! Then, dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade coffee chocolate chip ice cream!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Dairy-Free Alternatives?
Absolutely! To make this ice cream dairy-free, substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and coconut cream for that rich texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor might vary slightly depending on the brands you choose.
How Can I Adjust the Coffee Flavor?
If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, simply increase the amount of instant coffee granules to your liking. You can also use brewed coffee instead, but make sure it’s cooled and use about 3/4 cup to replace the milk.
What Should I Do If My Ice Cream Is Too Hard?
If your ice cream is too hard to scoop after freezing, let it sit out for about 5-10 minutes at room temperature. This will soften it just enough to make scooping easier. You can also mix in a little more cream before freezing to achieve a creamier texture.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! This recipe is flexible, so feel free to add other mix-ins like crushed nuts, toffee bits, or caramel swirls during the last few minutes of churning. Just make sure they are evenly distributed for every delightful scoop!
