Coffee Ice Cream

This coffee ice cream rich, creamy and full of coffee flavor with a hint of coconut thanks to a coconut milk base and coconut infused coffee. It’s a dairy-free treat everyone can enjoy.

I didn’t start drinking coffee until 28 years old. I was a steadfast English breakfast or earl grey tea kind of person, swearing that coffee was for addicts and nasty breathed old people with a permanent smell of smoke about them. One random morning for absolutely no reason, I decided to bust out the coffee maker we got as a wedding gift and then never put it away again.

A handful of years later, I’m not only addicted, I’m a snob about it. I hate Dunkin Donuts coffee and Starbucks always tastes burnt to me. But give me a high-quality flavored coffee and I’m game. That’s where the idea for this coconut infused coffee ice cream came about. I was sipping some coconut flavored coffee on an early morning road trip and it tasted like the beach in the best way possible. Coconut will do that. So to play up that theme, I created a coffee ice cream made with creamy coconut milk, coconut sugar, shredded coconut, coconut extract and coconut infused coffee. 

Not only is this frozen treat dairy free so everyone can enjoy it, but it’s literally jam-packed with coconut flavor and you’ll be transported to the tropics with the first lick.

Coffee Ice Cream for Caffeine Lovers

This coconut coffee ice cream is the perfect blend of creamy texture, bold coffee flavor, and a hint of coconut sweetness.

• Unique Flavor: A blend of coconut and coffee creates a one-of-a-kind taste that’s unlike any other ice cream.
• Coconut Flavor: Packed with coconut milk, coconut extract, and shredded coconut, it’s a coconut lover’s dream.
• Dairy-Free: Perfect for anyone avoiding dairy, thanks to creamy coconut milk. 
• Coffee Flavor: A rich coffee taste satisfies a coffee craving for all caffeine lovers.
• Creamy Texture: Smooth and velvety thanks to the high fat content of the coconut milk base, this ice cream has a texture that rivals any traditional dairy-based version.
• Just the Right Sweetness: Coconut sugar gives it a natural, subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower the flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Coconut Coffee Ice Cream

To make this homemade coffee ice cream recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. Unlike custard-based ice creams (like this creamy and boozy Bailey’s ice cream) that use egg yolks, this one is much simpler.

1. Coconut Milk: The base of the ice cream, giving it that signature creamy coconut texture.
2. Strongly Brewed Coffee: Adds the bold coffee flavor that any good coffee ice cream needs to have.
3. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
4. Coconut Extract: Intensifies the coconut flavor to the next level.
5. Coconut Sugar: Provides natural sweetness while keeping the coconut theme strong.
6. Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and even more coconut goodness.

How to Make This Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

Making this coconut coffee ice cream is easy with just a few simple steps that bring out its rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture.

Brew the Coffee

Start by brewing 1 cup of coffee. It should be strongly brewed and if you can find a coconut flavored coffee, that helps ramp up the flavor. If not, regular coffee still works just fine. Once brewed, set it aside to cool while you prepare the ice cream base.

Prepare the Ice Cream Base

In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, brewed coffee, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and coconut sugar. Place over medium heat and whisk everything together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Chill

Once the ice cream base has cooled, transfer it to a bowl. Cover the surface with plastic wrap, making sure it touches the surface of the mixture to avoid a skin forming. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Churn the Ice Cream

Once the base is chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to your machine’s instructions. Add the shredded coconut in the last minute of churning.

Freeze

Transfer the churned ice cream into a loaf pan or other freezer-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it freeze for an hour or two before scooping and serving.

Store the ice cream in the freezer for up to 2 months. I like to leave it out on the counter to thaw for about 10 minutes before scooping for the softest, creamiest texture.

Make This Coffee Ice Cream Recipe Your Own

There are plenty of ways to customize this coconut coffee ice cream with fun mix-ins, substitutions, or flavor boosts to make it your own.

• Heavy Cream or Whole Milk: Swap coconut milk for heavy cream if you’re not dairy-free, making the texture even richer.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for an “almond joy” type of flavor. Like these almond joy oats.
• Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans: These could be a fun addition to the last minute of churning in addition to or in place of the shredded coconut.
• Crushed Oreo Cookies or Brownies: Either of these are a true decadent treat. They soften in the ice cream to a cake-like consistency which makes them really irresistible.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Boost the coffee flavor with a teaspoon of espresso powder.
• Decaf Coffee Ice Cream: If caffeine isn’t your thing, use a decaf coffee to make this ice cream and enjoy the flavor without the buzz.

More Ice Cream Recipes To Try

Chocolate coconut avocado ice cream is also made with coconut milk and you’d never guess there’s avocado in the base. It makes for an incredibly smooth texture and taste.

Sweet potato ice cream uses cream cheese in the ice cream base for ultra creamy smoothness and a fun sweet taste. This is one of my favorite ice cream flavors for fall. It beats pumpkin, trust me.

Conversely, for summer, nothing beats this unique sweet corn bacon Ice cream. It’s such an unusual flavor and it marries salty and sweet flavors perfectly. It’s something you’d find in a boutique ice cream shop except making it at home is more fun and cheaper!

And if you really want to amp up this coconut coffee ice cream, whip up some roasted air fryer bananas and serve this ice cream on top of them in a bowl!