This coffee chocolate chip ice cream is a sweet and creamy treat that pairs rich chocolate with a hint of coffee. It’s perfect for hot days or when you need a little pick-me-up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This is crucial for a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking to cut calories, try half-and-half, but it won’t be as dense. For a lighter option, substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Instant Coffee Granules: Instant coffee gives the ice cream a strong coffee flavor. If you have brewed coffee, use 1/2 cup instead but reduce the milk slightly to balance the liquid. Espresso powder is a fantastic alternative for a deeper flavor.
Mini Chocolate Chips: These are fun for texture but feel free to swap them for chopped chocolate or even dark chocolate chunks if you prefer. I like using semi-sweet for a balanced taste, but go for milk chocolate for extra sweetness.
How Do I Achieve the Best Ice Cream Texture?
The secret to creamy ice cream lies in proper churning. Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Make sure your ice cream maker’s bowl is completely frozen before starting—usually, a few hours in the freezer works!
- Churn the mixture until it hits a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Don’t skip the freezing step after churning; this helps to firm it up for that perfect scoop! A minimum of 4 hours is ideal.
Waiting is hard, but trust me, the result is worth it! Enjoy the smooth treat when it’s finally ready! 🍦
Easy Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup instant coffee granules (or espresso powder)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need about 20-25 minutes to churn in the ice cream maker. After that, let it freeze for at least 4 hours to set. So, in total, plan for around 4 hours and 30 minutes—perfect for a little treat later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and instant coffee granules. Pour in the whole milk and stir well until both the sugar and coffee granules are fully dissolved. This step is super important to get that smooth coffee flavor!
2. Add the Cream and Vanilla:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and the vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You’ll want that heavenly creaminess to shine through!
3. Churn the Mixture:
Now, pour your delicious mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually take around 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for that soft-serve texture!
4. Add the Chocolate Chips:
In the last 5 minutes of churning, sprinkle in the mini chocolate chips. This way, they’ll be evenly distributed throughout your ice cream, giving you little bites of delight in every scoop!
5. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Once the churning is done, transfer your ice cream into an airtight container. Place it in the freezer and let it sit for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nice and firm. Patience is a virtue here!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop out your creamy coffee chocolate chip ice cream into bowls or cones. Every bite will be a blend of coffee and chocolatey goodness. Dig in and savor every moment!
FAQ
Can I Use Decaf Coffee Granules for This Ice Cream?
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid caffeine, simply substitute the instant coffee granules with decaffeinated ones. You’ll still enjoy that rich coffee flavor without the buzz!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! You can still make this ice cream. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork for about 3-4 hours until it achieves a creamy texture.
How Long Can I Keep the Ice Cream in the Freezer?
For best flavor and texture, enjoy your ice cream within 2-3 weeks. It may still be safe to eat beyond that, but it could develop ice crystals and lose some creaminess. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add nuts, caramel swirls, or even crushed cookies in the last few minutes of churning. Just make sure to keep the total amount to about 1 cup to ensure even freezing!
