This easy coffee chocolate chip ice cream is a delicious way to enjoy two favorite flavors in one! With creamy coffee and sweet chocolate chips, it’s perfect for hot days.
Making this treat is a breeze! Just mix, freeze, and scoop. Honestly, I can never scoop just one bowl; it’s that good! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. ☕🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This ingredient is key for that rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the texture will be less creamy.
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk. It will give a slight coconut flavor but works well with coffee.
Instant Coffee Granules: Adjusting the amount can control the coffee intensity. If you don’t have instant coffee, you can brew strong coffee as a substitute—just make sure it’s cooled before adding it to the mix.
Mini Chocolate Chips: While mini chips are great for evenly distributing chocolate, you can use regular chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate bars. Dark chocolate can add a nice depth to the flavor!
How Do I Achieve the Best Texture in My Ice Cream?
Getting the right texture in homemade ice cream is crucial. Here are some simple tips:
- Make sure your ice cream mixture is thoroughly chilled before churning. This helps create a smoother texture.
- Do not skip the churning step! Churning incorporates air, which keeps the ice cream fluffy.
- Freeze the ice cream for a full 4 hours after churning to ensure it firms up properly.
- If it’s too hard after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Easy Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules (adjust for preferred coffee strength)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ice cream recipe will take about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus an additional 2 hours for chilling and 4 hours for freezing. In total, you’ll spend about 6 hours before digging into your sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Sugar and Coffee:
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and instant coffee granules. This will help distribute the coffee flavor evenly throughout your ice cream.
2. Add Milk:
Pour in the hot milk (make sure it’s not boiling!) and stir until the sugar and coffee granules are fully dissolved. This should only take a minute or so. Let this mixture cool down to room temperature.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Once cool, stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until well combined. This is where the magic of creaminess begins!
4. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. We want this mixture cozy and cold before it goes into the ice cream maker!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
After chilling, take the mixture out and pour it into your ice cream maker. Churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a soft-serve consistency.
6. Add Chocolate Chips:
In the last 5 minutes of churning, sprinkle in the mini chocolate chips. This allows them to mix in evenly without melting away!
7. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial to achieve the perfect scoopable texture.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once fully frozen, scoop out your homemade easy coffee chocolate chip ice cream, and dig into the delightful flavors of creamy coffee and sweet chocolate. Enjoy your icy treat with family, friends, or all by yourself!
FAQ About Easy Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Can I Use Decaf Coffee for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer decaf, simply substitute the instant coffee granules with decaffeinated instant coffee. You’ll still enjoy the rich coffee flavor without the caffeine buzz!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Ice Cream?
If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, you can reduce the amount of sugar by about 1/4 cup. Taste the mixture before freezing, and feel free to adjust to your liking!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks, but be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it’s too hard.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork for about 3-4 hours until it reaches a creamy consistency. It may take a little longer, but it’ll still be delicious!
