Coffee Ice Cream Recipes | How To Make Coffee Ice Cream

While it’s especially much needed during the warmest summer months, coffee ice cream can be the perfect tasty treat all year round. Afternoon snack? Something to complement the dessert that you’re about to serve after dinner? Cheeky Sunday breakfast (we don’t judge)? 

Learning how to make coffee ice cream at home can save the day in so many situations.

The best thing? When you follow our delicious coffee ice cream recipe, it’s easier than driving to the store… and it tastes even better!

The best coffee ice cream recipe with Fire Dept. Coffee

To replicate our coffee ice cream recipe and make a quart (around 8 scoops), you’ll need these ingredients and, obviously, an ice cream maker:

• 1 cup of strong Fire Dept. Coffee
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt (just trust us on this one)

Optional for garnish:

• coffee beans
• a shot of espresso

1. Brew the coffee first

Before you do anything else, kick-start your coffee ice cream recipe by brewing a strong cup of joe so that you can let it cool down without wasting time. 

Since you only need a cup, the most practical method would probably be a French press or a manual pour over. However, if you could do with some energy to keep you going while you follow the next steps (or an excuse to drink more java), go on and brew some extra coffee for yourself with your automatic dripper!

We’ve found that most coffee ice cream recipes rely on instant, but that won’t really result in the fullest flavors.

By brewing fresh coffee, you’ll get a stronger and rich-tasting coffee ice cream that will rival that served in restaurants and parlors.

2. Start mixing your ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar, whisking them until the latter has dissolved and you get a frothy mixture. 

Then you can pour in the milk, vanilla extract, a sprinkle of salt, and your cup of Fire Dept. Coffee. 

Keep whisking until all the ingredients have blended smoothly.

3. Let it work its magic for a few hours

Transfer your mixture to a container that can fit in your fridge, cover it with some plastic wrap, and let it cool down properly for at least six hours (but overnight would be better). 

Then, just follow the instructions on your ice cream maker to turn it into the finished product.

Trying to impress your guests? You can always add a shot of espresso and a couple of coffee beans on top when you serve it!

Ice cream recipe alternatives

Our coffee ice cream recipe is perfect for everyone… almost. If there are a couple of ingredients that don’t work too well with your stomach or eating habits, here are some practical solutions.

Decaf coffee ice cream

Did you know that you can learn how to make coffee ice cream with decaf, too?

If you’re very susceptible to caffeine’s dark powers and were planning on serving that coffee ice cream after dinner, follow our exact same recipe but swap regular coffee for one of our decaffeinated options.

Dairy-free coffee ice cream recipe

Not a fan of dairy? Don’t worry: you can still enjoy some delicious Fire Dep. Coffee ice cream. Just replace the heavy cream and milk in our recipe with the same amount of one of the best milk alternatives. We especially recommend coconut milk.

Now that you know how to make coffee ice cream at home, you’re not going to forget to invite us when you serve it, right?