Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for the ultimate coffee gelato.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup espresso, freshly brewed and cooled
- 1/4 cup cold brew coffee concentrate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until it just starts to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Create the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and creamy. Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Cook the custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Infuse the coffee: Remove from heat and stir in the espresso, cold brew concentrate, vanilla extract, and salt. The combination of espresso and cold brew creates a perfectly balanced coffee flavor that will make your taste buds dance!
- Chill: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes. The gelato should have a soft, creamy consistency.
- Freeze: Transfer the gelato to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Balance
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the harmonious blend of espresso and cold brew. The espresso provides a bold, intense coffee flavor, while the cold brew adds a smooth, less acidic note. This combination results in a perfectly balanced coffee gelato that’s neither too bitter nor too mild.
For the best results, use freshly brewed espresso and high-quality cold brew concentrate. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can slightly increase the amount of espresso. Conversely, for a milder taste, reduce the espresso and increase the cold brew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade coffee gelato in chilled bowls or cones for the ultimate indulgence. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of finely ground coffee beans or a few chocolate-covered espresso beans.
This gelato pairs beautifully with a shot of espresso for an authentic Italian “affogato” experience. Simply pour a hot shot of espresso over a scoop of the gelato and watch as the flavors meld into a heavenly dessert.
There you have it – a coffee gelato recipe that captures the essence of a perfect Italian summer day. With its silky texture and balanced coffee flavor, this gelato is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ready to embark on your gelato-making adventure? Gather your ingredients and let’s bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media – we’d love to see your coffee gelato masterpieces!
Happy churning!
