Name: Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream: Indulge in a Creamy Dream
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 300 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Whole Milk or Half-and-Half (Substitute with low-fat milk for lighter option.); 1 cup Heavy Cream (Use fresh for best results.); 3/4 cup Sugar (Adjust based on personal taste.); 1/2 cup Medium-Ground Coffee (Espresso can be used for a stronger kick.); 1/4 teaspoon Kosher or Sea Salt (Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.); 6 large Egg Yolks (Can use a non-dairy thickener for egg-free versions.); 1 cup Cajeta or Dulce de Leche (Store-bought or homemade works well.); 1 cup Chopped Chocolate or Chocolate Chips (Substitute with preferred type of chocolate.)

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On a balmy afternoon, while the sun dances through my kitchen window, I find myself reaching for a little magic: Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream. This luscious treat combines the deep, robust notes of freshly brewed coffee with the rich sweetness of cajeta, a beloved Mexican caramel. It’s an indulgence that’s remarkably simple to make yet transforms any ordinary day into something special. With just a few high-quality ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can whip up a creamy delight that delights your taste buds and warms your heart. Perfect for hot summer days or impressive gatherings, this custard-based ice cream is not only a treat but an experience. Trust me, every scoop will have you dreaming of sunny days and happy moments. Are you ready to dive into this delightful recipe and create your own scoop of heaven?

Why is Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor Fusion: The deep, rich flavor of coffee combined with the sweet, caramel notes of cajeta creates a mesmerizing taste that lingers with each scoop.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and everyday ingredients mean you can have this creamy treat ready in no time, making it a delightful project for any home cook.
Versatile Delight: Customize with variations like espresso shots or non-dairy alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy a luscious bowl of happiness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual afternoon or a gathering with friends, this ice cream will impress and satisfy, sparking joy with every taste.
Pair with Other Treats: Enjoy it with crispy cookies or a warm slice of Chocolate Chunk Yogurt for an irresistible dessert showdown!

Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream Ingredients

For the Custard Base
• Whole Milk or Half-and-Half – Base for the custard; substitute with low-fat milk for a lighter option.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness and creaminess; use fresh for the best results.
• Sugar – Sweetener that you can adjust based on your personal taste.
• Medium-Ground Coffee – Flavor agent for that irresistible coffee essence; espresso can be used for a stronger kick.
• Kosher or Sea Salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
• Egg Yolks – Provide structure and add creaminess; can use a non-dairy thickener for egg-free versions.

For the Sweet Swirl
• Cajeta or Dulce de Leche – Sweet caramel sauce for layering and serving; both store-bought or homemade work wonderfully.
• Chopped Chocolate or Chocolate Chips – For added texture and indulgence; substitute with your preferred type of chocolate.

With these essential ingredients ready, you’re on your way to creating an unforgettable Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream that will have everyone longing for just one more scoop!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream

Step 1: Warm Milk Base
In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk (or half-and-half), heavy cream, sugar, medium-ground coffee, and kosher salt. Heat over medium until the mixture is warm but not boiling, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes, allowing the coffee flavors to infuse fully into the liquid.

Step 2: Prepare Egg Mixture
While the coffee mixture is steeping, whisk together the egg yolks and any remaining sugar in a medium bowl until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes. This will ensure a rich, creamy texture in your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream, so take your time to achieve that nice consistency.

Step 3: Create Ice Bath
Set up an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water. Nest a smaller bowl or strainer on top of the ice to prepare for straining the custard later. This setup will chill the mixture quickly and effectively once you’re ready, helping the ice cream achieve its luscious texture.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually pour the warm coffee mixture into the beaten egg yolks while continuously whisking to temper the eggs. This prevents curdling. Once well combined, return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a spatula until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spatula, about 5–10 minutes.

Step 5: Strain Custard
Once the custard has thickened, pour it through the strainer into the bowl set over the ice bath. Use a spatula to press the mixture, extracting every bit of flavor while leaving any coffee grounds behind. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth, creamy Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream.

Step 6: Cool and Chill
Stir the strained custard mixture until it cools to room temperature, around 10–15 minutes. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling step is vital for achieving the perfect texture in your ice cream.

Step 7: Churn Ice Cream
After chilling, pour your custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20–30 minutes. The mixture should thicken and look like soft-serve consistency. This process incorporates air, making your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream delightfully creamy.

Step 8: Layer in Container
When the ice cream is nearly finished churning, drizzle in cajeta and gently fold in the chocolate chips to create delicious layers without stirring too much. This technique ensures your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream has swirls of sweetness and delightful chocolate chunks throughout.

Step 9: Freeze to Firm
Transfer the layered ice cream to an airtight container, smoothing the top. Freeze for an additional 4 hours or until firm. This final freezing phase allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making sure your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream is ready for serving when you’re ready to indulge!

What to Serve with Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream

There’s nothing quite like a lavish scoop of creamy goodness that brings joy to your summer days.

Warm Brownies: The fudgy richness of warm brownies paired with cold coffee cajeta ice cream creates a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Freshly baked cookies add a crunchy texture, making each bite an adventure of sweetness and warmth, perfectly balancing the ice cream’s chill.
Caramel Drizzle: As an added treat, a touch of extra cajeta drizzled over your ice cream will enhance the caramel notes and elevate the entire dessert experience.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries complements the sweetness of the ice cream, providing a refreshing contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
Coffee or Espresso: Keep the coffee theme alive by serving a steaming cup. The bitterness of the coffee will enhance the flavors of the ice cream beautifully.
Crunchy Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans adds a satisfying crunch, contrasting with the smoothness of the ice cream while introducing earthy notes.
Chocolate Shavings: Garnishing with dark or white chocolate shavings introduces a touch of elegance, appealing to both the eyes and the palate, enhancing the dessert’s luxury.
Flavored Cakes: Pair slices of vanilla or chocolate cake for a delightful dessert tower that combines textures and flavors for an unforgettable treat.
Milkshakes: Blend the ice cream with milk for a decadent coffee milkshake experience, offering a dreamy spin on the classic summer favorite.

Expert Tips for Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream

Perfect Steeping Time: Make sure to steep the coffee for a full 15 minutes to extract rich flavors without bitterness, ensuring your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream shines.
Chill Thoroughly: For a beautifully textured ice cream, allow the custard to chill completely before churning—it makes all the difference in creaminess!
Straining Technique: Don’t skip straining the custard! Straining twice will give you a velvety smooth texture free from coffee grounds.
Layering Smart: When adding cajeta and chocolate chips, drizzle them in as you churn instead of stirring, keeping those delicious layers intact.
Double the Joy: Consider doubling the recipe if you have a crowd; this irresistible treat disappears fast, and no one wants to miss out on your amazing Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream!

Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream to suit your cravings and dietary needs!

Espresso Boost: Swap medium-ground coffee for a double shot of espresso for an intense coffee punch. The deep flavors will mesmerize your taste buds!
Non-Dairy Delight: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of whole milk and heavy cream. This will create a smooth, dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy, without sacrificing that luscious texture.
Flavored Swirls: Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for an aromatic twist on the classic flavor. These additions can elevate your ice cream to new heights!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped hazelnuts or almonds for a delightful crunch. The nutty texture pairs beautifully with the creamy custard, bringing a satisfying contrast to every bite.
Chocolate Lovers: Replace chopped chocolate with dark or white chocolate chips, depending on your preference. With every scoop, you’ll experience a new flavor journey!
Fruity Flair: Mix in dried fruits like cherries or blackberries for a fruity surprise. This twist brightens the overall flavor profile and adds a lovely color!
Chili Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. The warmth of the spice beautifully complements the sweetness of the cajeta.
Coffee Cream Blend: Blend hair of cream and milk for a lighter version while enjoying rich flavors. This combo results in a soft, dreamy consistency that everyone craves.

With these variations, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination! If you’re in the mood for more sweet indulgences, why not pair your ice cream with a slice of Blueberry Cream Cake or treat yourself to a scoop alongside a slice of Coffee Panna Cotta? Enjoy your culinary adventure!

How to Store and Freeze Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream

Fridge: Store your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream in an airtight container for up to 1 week. While it remains delicious, it’s best enjoyed fresh for ultimate creaminess.
Freezer: For longer storage, your ice cream can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture.
Reheating: If your ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping, ensuring a smoother serving experience.
Airtight Guidance: Always keep your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream in an airtight container to protect it from absorbing unwanted odors and maintain its delightful flavors.

Make Ahead Options

Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream is a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time and create a delicious treat in advance! You can prepare the custard base up to 24 hours ahead by following the first six steps of the recipe and refrigerating the cooled mixture. To maintain its creamy texture, ensure the custard is stored in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy your sweet creation, simply churn the chilled custard in your ice cream maker and layer in the cajeta and chocolate chips as directed. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to go, transforming your busy weeknights into something extra special with minimal last-minute effort!

Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best coffee for my ice cream?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, opt for freshly ground medium-ground coffee or a quality espresso. Avoid using overly stale coffee, as it can lead to a lackluster ice cream. Look for beans with a roast date for freshness; ideally, use them within a few weeks of roasting for an optimal coffee essence.

What’s the best way to store Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream?
Store your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. I recommend pressing a piece of parchment paper or wax paper against the surface before sealing. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming, keeping your ice cream delectably creamy.

Can I freeze my Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream?
Of course! To freeze your Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream, just follow the instructions to churn it, then layer it in an airtight container. After that, freeze it for at least 4 hours to firm up the texture. For the best results, consume it within 2 weeks for optimal creaminess. Remember, always allow it to soften at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping.

What if my custard doesn’t thicken properly?
If your custard doesn’t thicken, don’t worry! It might be because the mixture didn’t reach the right temperature. Make sure to cook it until it coats the back of a spatula; this usually takes about 5-10 minutes over medium heat. If it still fails to thicken, you can try adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cream) to the warm mixture and stir until thickened.

Can my pets enjoy Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream?
No, it’s best to keep Coffee Cajeta Ice Cream away from pets. Ingredients like coffee and chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats. Instead, consider making a dairy-free banana ice cream for your furry friends, blending ripe bananas and freezing them for a tasty and safe treat!

Can I make this recipe egg-free?
Very much so! You can substitute the egg yolks with a non-dairy thickener like cashew cream or silken tofu. Blend about 1/4 cup of cashew cream with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and incorporate it into your milk mixture once heated. This will help give your ice cream a similar creamy texture without using eggs!