Craving a cool and intensely flavorful dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This homemade coffee and chocolate ice cream recipe delivers a rich, decadent experience without the complicated techniques. Perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending the comforting warmth of coffee with the luxurious indulgence of chocolate. It's a delicious dish perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or simply a satisfying treat. This is one of the best recipes you'll find for a homemade ice cream experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Don't let it boil!
Infuse the Coffee and Chocolate:
-
Remove from heat and stir in the cooled coffee, vanilla extract, and salt.
-
Add the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate and stir gently until it melts completely, creating a smooth and luscious mixture.
Chill and Churn:
-
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture.
-
Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Freeze and Serve:
-
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to fully harden.
-
Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to slightly soften for easier scooping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your ice cream will directly reflect the quality of your ingredients. Opt for good-quality heavy cream, whole milk, and bittersweet chocolate for the best results.
- Brew strong coffee: The stronger your coffee, the more intense the coffee flavor will be in your ice cream.
- Chill thoroughly: Chilling the mixture thoroughly is essential for a smooth and creamy texture. Don't skip this step!
- Fine chocolate chop: The smaller your chocolate pieces, the faster they will melt and incorporate into the mixture.
Variations:
- Espresso Kick: For a more intense coffee flavor, use freshly brewed espresso instead of regular coffee.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the mixture before churning for added texture and flavor.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Create a salted caramel sauce and swirl it into the ice cream after churning for a delightful combination of sweet and salty.
- Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on serving size and ingredients) Fat: High Sugar: Moderate Protein: Low
This coffee and chocolate ice cream is a fantastic dessert option for those seeking delicious dishes and easy recipes. It's a healthy alternative to store-bought ice cream, as you control the ingredients and sugar content. Enjoy this simple yet elegant treat!