This Easy Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a real treat! It’s smooth, creamy, and has delicious chocolate chips mixed with a kick of coffee flavor. Perfect for warm days!
I love how simple it is to make—just blend, freeze, and enjoy! Plus, it’s a great way to perk up your dessert game. Who can resist coffee and chocolate together? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a low-fat cream. Just remember, it will change the texture a bit!
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can swap it with 2% milk for a lighter ice cream. Just keep in mind the slight difference in creaminess.
Instant Coffee Granules: They provide a strong coffee flavor. If you prefer a more natural option, brewed coffee can work too—just ensure you reduce the overall liquid in the recipe.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips mix in easily, but regular or dark chocolate chips can add a different texture. You might even try chopped chocolate or a different type of chocolate to suit your taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Ice Cream is Smooth and Creamy?
Ensuring a smooth and creamy ice cream is all about the churning process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your ice cream maker is frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually at least 24 hours before using it.
- Whisk the base thoroughly to dissolve all granules fully before turning on the ice cream maker.
- Churn until it thickens, typically around 20-25 minutes. The ice cream should look like soft serve when it’s done.
- Adding chocolate chips during the last few minutes of churning incorporates them well without letting them sink to the bottom.
Once churning is done, pop it into a freezer-friendly container for a couple of hours to firm up. This final freeze is key to the texture!
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 (or espresso powder)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips)
Time Needed:
The total time needed for this recipe is about 30 minutes of active preparation plus at least 2 hours for freezing. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes mixing your ingredients and churning the ice cream, then just let it freeze until it’s nice and firm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Add the whole milk, granulated sugar, instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar and coffee are all dissolved. It’s super important that those granules completely melt away for a smooth ice cream!
2. Add the Cream:
Now, stir in the heavy cream to the mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and you’ve got a nice creamy base. This is where the magic happens—the creaminess will set the tone for your ice cream!
3. Churn Away:
Pour that delicious mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which is usually about 20 to 25 minutes. You want it to get thick and creamy, kind of like soft serve ice cream!
4. Mix in the Chocolate Chips:
When the ice cream is almost ready, toss in your mini chocolate chips. Give it a little stir in the machine to distribute those chocolatey bites evenly—yum!
5. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer your churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly, and make sure to cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Let it freeze for at least 2 hours. This will help it firm up nicely!
6. Enjoy Your Creation:
After waiting (patiently, I hope!), scoop out your delightful coffee chocolate chip ice cream and dig in. It’s perfect on its own or paired with desserts. Enjoy homemade indulgence!
This recipe yields a rich and smooth ice cream with a balanced coffee flavor and delightful chocolate chip crunch throughout. Enjoy every scoop!
FAQ about Easy Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Can I Use Decaf Coffee for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer decaf, just substitute the instant coffee granules with decaffeinated coffee or espresso powder. You’ll still enjoy that lovely coffee flavor without the caffeine kick!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
You can store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just be sure to press a piece of parchment paper directly against the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming!
What if I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can make this recipe without an ice cream maker. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it with a fork to help break up ice crystals until it’s smooth and creamy, which might take about 3-4 hours.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your ice cream by adding other mix-ins like crushed cookies, nuts, or different types of chocolate—experiment and find your favorite combination!
