Nigella Lawson's One-Step, No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream
Author Notes: This recipe has 4 ingredients, 1 step, no cooking, and no churning, but the ice cream you get will have a creamy, almost buttery smoothness. Serve it on its own, or with chocolate sauce, or in little brioche buns. Adapted slightly from Nigellissima (Clarkson Potter, 2013). —Genius Recipes
Makes 1 1/2 pints
- 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) heavy or double cream, well-chilled
- 2/3 cup (175 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons espresso liqueur
- Whisk all the ingredients together just until the whisk leaves trails of soft peaks in the bowl, and you have a gorgeous, caffe-latte-colored airy mixture.
- Fill two 500-milliliter or two 1-pint airtight containers, and freeze for 6 hours or overnight. Serve straight from the freezer.
- This recipe is a Community Pick!
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Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts|Desserts|Cheese & Dairy|Ice Cream
Topics: Books
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14 days ago Nora
I'd like it to be a bit less fat. Next time I'm going to see if I can find a lighter whipping cream.
about 2 months ago Tori Multon
You guys think these recipes are okay for kids? I figure it's so little alcohol in each serving a (probably different flavor would be fine...)
about 2 months ago chez_mere
I would say if your kids don't mind the flavor the alcohol gives it, there's no harm in letting them have some. Besides, the liquor helps keep the ice cream from freezing too hard - I would leave it in for best results.
about 2 months ago NancyFrom Kona
As I picked up the sweetened condensed milk last week at Target, noticed that right next to it was a can of exactly the same size labeled 'Nestle Dulce de Leche' so after I convinced myself this was the easiest and most awesome coffee ice cream ever, I bought the Dulce de Leche and substituted it for condensed milk. As I write this, it is freezing. The taste is like a caramel macchiato and the Kahlua is not perceptible which is a plus. Pondering next experiment. Anybody have success with adding fruit purée? I am thinking peach and amaretto...
about 2 months ago Violetsnake
I used local, organic, and very thick whipping cream. Putting in all the ingredients at once did not work and it took more than 10 minutes of whipping at high speed and a runny liquid, before I took another tactic. So, making what will now be a double batch, I poured the first batch into a large measuring cup and put it aside. Starting anew, I whipped the whipping cream first until it started to thicken, then added the rest of the ingredients and it worked very well. As the patterns began to form on top, I incorporated the first batch very slowly and it all came together nicely forming soft peaks. We'll have for dessert with friends tomorrow. We'll see how it turns out.
2 months ago Laura J Davies
I made this as in the recipe and the coffee left a bitter aftertaste. Added more cream to balance it out, but I would suggest adding just one tablespoon of espresso powder and tasting to see how it balances out flavorwise then add more if you need it.
over 1 year ago Tim
Thinking "espresso liqueur" is more specialized or rare in a household than an ice cream maker.
9 months ago Nanda Devi Van Der Veen
Haha, wow. I know no-one who owns an ice-creammaker :0
about 2 years ago Miriam
I can't get condensed milk where I am. Can it be replaced with something else?
about 2 years ago GourMel
Here's a stupid question: could I use regular (not instant) ground coffee instead of instant espresso?
about 2 years ago Emily Whetstone
Don't do that. Instant espresso dissolves completely in liquid, but the grounds will be gritty.
almost 2 years ago witloof
What you could do, though, is heat the cream and steep the grounds in it, then strain it.
about 2 years ago Shelley Matheis
Is it the condensed milk that gives its creamy texture despite not being churned
over 2 years ago ori
I used one tbs Drambuie (or whiskey) instead of the coffee liqueur.
It was a hit everybody loved it including the kids..
my favorite coffee ice cream recipe!!
over 2 years ago Fiona
Sounds like a lovely recipe but I don't have any espresso liqueur. What could I use instead?
about 1 year ago Alice Kruse
Any liqueur you like, even vanilla extract. The alcohol will act to discourage crystallization to keep the ice cream from getting icy. I have seen recipes that use vodka to keep the mixture from getting icy, and it would add no flavor at all.
4 months ago Sherry Wright
I have never added the liqueur nor replaced it with anything and it always comes out creamy. This recipe ruined me-I love coffee ice cream. I have only used my ice cream maker once since I found this recipe. This is all I need. Did I mention that I love this ice cream?! lol
over 2 years ago John Dziki
Hint: Put bowl inside another bowl that you have filled with ice. Make blending much easier. Do this when just making whip cream as well.
over 2 years ago Scribbles
I found this recipe last summer and have made it so many times - it's so easy and delicious!!
over 2 years ago CJ
Coffee & Dulce de Leche freezing now! I also got inspired and whipped up some frozen Greek yogurt with a blueberry swirl.
over 2 years ago The Pontificator
I will definitely try this recipe as I'm too lazy to drag the ice cream maker out of the storage closet.
over 2 years ago chez_mere
I. Love. This. I will definitely make the original coffee version next time I have something chocolatey lying around to swirl in. Tonight, however, bourbon and ribbons of tangy orange marmalade made the cut. whoa.....
over 2 years ago w bodrak
If you do use the instant coffee, please let us know how you like it and how much you used. Thanks!
over 2 years ago blinkythebear
I tried instant coffee, with a one to one substitution. Still tastes heavenly and creamy.
over 2 years ago blinkythebear
Could I use instant coffee as a substitute for espresso powder? Many thanks!
over 2 years ago scott
Alright, Ms. Queen Celeste, you personally are faced with these two options: arm strength or vitamix, what do you choose?
over 2 years ago QueenCeleste
OK, I'll bite (pun intended--this recipe is seriously good). I'd try the Vitamix and see what happens. But don't blame me if you have to go buy all new ingredients!
over 2 years ago scott
how will i know when it is blended enough! it is in the blender now!
over 2 years ago scott
Done. It was thick and creamy. I used New Orleans coffee and a scoop of dutch cocoa powder. Will report back when it is done. This is a healthy ice cream, right?
over 2 years ago QueenCeleste
oh yes, you really should be eating this every day...
over 2 years ago scott
Question: Would it be better to whisk by hand or a vitamin?
over 2 years ago QueenCeleste
I'm guessing you meant vitamix ; )
I wouldn't use a blender. A hand mixer works really well.
over 2 years ago scott
Thanks for the quick response. I did mean vitamix (autocorrect). If i don't have a hand mixer, and it is between my arm of the machine, what would you say?
over 2 years ago QueenCeleste
hmmm. What's your upper body strength like? You could definitely use a whisk, but it would be a bit of a workout. I'm skeptical of using a blender, but you could try it and report back!
Showing 34 out of 62 comments