There’s something truly delightful about homemade ice cream. The swirling of flavors, the creamy texture, and the ability to customize to your heart’s content make it a cherished treat. Today, we’re diving into a rich and indulgent recipe for Mocha Ice Cream. This dessert combines the deep flavors of coffee and cocoa, offering a refreshing and energizing treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny day, winding down after work, or celebrating an event, this Mocha Ice Cream is bound to satisfy your cravings.
Highlights

Mocha Ice Cream
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade Mocha Ice Cream, combining coffee, cocoa, and toasted almonds for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
- 3 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee Powder
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 dash Salt
- 1 cup Toasted Almonds (optional)
- 1/2 cup Hot Fudge (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and toast the almonds for 8-10 minutes; cool and chop.
- Warm 1 cup of heavy cream in the microwave.
- Add cocoa and coffee powders to the warmed cream; stir until dissolved.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa-coffee mixture, remaining heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt; stir until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the ice cream machine and churn for 25-30 minutes.
- Mix in toasted almonds and churn for an additional 5 minutes.
- Layer the ice cream and hot fudge in a container, freeze for at least 6 hours.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to customize with different nuts or flavor extracts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: mocha ice cream, homemade ice cream, dessert, coffee ice cream
Why You’ll Love This Mocha Ice Cream
You might wonder what sets this Mocha Ice Cream apart from others. For starters, it brings together the worlds of coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts in perfect harmony. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of sugar, while the cocoa powder adds a rich chocolatey depth that makes each bite enjoyable. To top it off, this recipe includes toasted almonds for a delightful crunch and hot fudge that adds an extra layer of decadence.
This homemade ice cream recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, and the coffee intensity or even swap out the almonds for your favorite nuts. The best part? It’s much simpler to make than you might think, and the results will impress anyone you share it with.
If you like fruity recipes, check out this chocolate-free ninja creami strawberry milkshake or get inspired by 7 irresistible ninja creami sorbet recipes. Now, Let’s explore the ingredients and steps you’ll need to create this delightful treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Mocha Ice Cream
Essential Ingredients:
- Heavy Cream (2 1/2 cups): This is the star of the show, providing a rich and creamy base.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (3 tablespoons): For that deep chocolate flavor.
- Instant Coffee Powder (2 tablespoons): The key ingredient that adds that wonderful coffee kick. You can choose caffeinated or decaffeinated based on your preference.
- Whole Milk (1 1/2 cups): This helps create a smooth consistency.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetness is crucial in balancing the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): For a hint of warmth and aroma.
- Salt (1 dash): A dash of salt enhances all the other flavors.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Almonds (1 cup): Toasted almonds provide a delightful crunch. Feel free to use any nuts you love.
- Hot Fudge (1/2 cup): A sweet and gooey addition that takes your ice cream to the next level.
How to Make Mocha Ice Cream Step by Step
Creating your Mocha Ice Cream requires a bit of patience, but I promise that the end result is worth it! Follow these steps closely for an ice cream treat that’s creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious.
Prepping the Ingredients
Before diving into making the ice cream base, let’s prepare the almonds that will add texture to our treat.
- Preheat the Oven: While the ice cream machine is churning, turn your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toast the Almonds: Spread 1 cup of almonds on a rimmed cookie sheet. Place them in the oven and toast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they become fragrant. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not burn!
- Cool and Chop the Almonds: After removing the almonds from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Once they are cool, chop them into smaller pieces and set them aside.
For the Mocha Ice Cream Base
Now that we have the almonds ready, let’s move on to the main part: making the mocha ice cream base.
- Warm the Heavy Cream: In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave 1 cup of the heavy cream for about 1 minute. You just want it warm enough to help dissolve the cocoa and coffee powders.
- Combine Cocoa and Coffee: Add the cocoa powder and instant coffee powder to the warmed cream. Stir until they are mostly dissolved. This will create a rich base full of flavor.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the cocoa and coffee mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining heavy cream (1 1/2 cups), whole milk (1 1/2 cups), granulated sugar (1 cup), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), and a dash of salt. Stir everything together well until the sugar completely dissolves. This step is crucial, as it will determine the smoothness of your ice cream.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into your prepared ice cream machine. Let it churn for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This is where the magic begins!
For Mixing In
Now that the ice cream base is ready, let’s incorporate those delicious add-ins.
- Prepare the Hot Fudge: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the hot fudge in 20-second increments until it becomes liquid enough for drizzling.
- Add Toasted Almonds: Once your ice cream has finished churning, add the toasted almonds into the ice cream machine. Let it mix for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the nuts are evenly distributed throughout.
- Layering the Ice Cream and Fudge: Begin scooping 1/4 of the ice cream mixture into a suitable container, such as a 9×5-inch bread pan (about 2 QT). Drizzle a couple of spoonfuls of hot fudge over this layer.
- Repeat the Layers: Continue layering the ice cream and hot fudge. Alternate between more ice cream and more fudge until you have used all the mixture. This layering creates pockets of delicious fudge throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Cover the container tightly with foil and place it in the freezer. Allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve a scoopable consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Mocha Ice Cream
Once your Mocha Ice Cream is ready to serve, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Scoop it into bowls: Serve generous scoops of your Mocha Ice Cream in ice cream bowls for the perfect dessert.
- Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds an airy contrast.
- Drizzle More Hot Fudge: For dedicated chocolate lovers, adding even more hot fudge on top will enhance the treat’s indulgence.
- Garnish with Cherries: A maraschino cherry can add a pop of color.
- Serve with Coffee: Pair your ice cream with a hot cup of coffee to create a comforting experience.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Mocha Ice Cream
Creating the perfect Mocha Ice Cream requires a little finesse. Here are some expert tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your cream and milk are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Quality Coffee Powder: Using high-quality instant coffee powder can significantly enhance the coffee flavor.
- Chill the Mixture: If you have time, chill your ice cream mixture in the refrigerator for an hour before churning. This will improve the texture.
- Avoid Ice Crystals: Serve your ice cream quickly after scooping to avoid ice crystals forming if left out at room temperature for too long.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Add cinnamon, caramel, or even a swirl of peanut butter to make it uniquely yours.
Easy Variations for Mocha Ice Cream
While the classic Mocha Ice Cream is exquisite on its own, feel free to play around with these variations to change things up:
- Mint Mocha: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Mocha: Incorporate chopped hazelnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Liqueur Infusion: A splash of coffee liqueur or bourbon can enhance the flavor while adding a fun twist for the adults.
Looking for more delicious recipes? you can check the list of Ninja Creami recipes, and don’t forget to join our community on Pinterest and Facebook !
Storage Tips for Mocha Ice Cream
To keep your Mocha Ice Cream fresh and scoopable, adhere to the following storage tips:
- Airtight Container: Store your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and protect from absorbing other odors.
- Cover with Plastic Wrap: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container to keep it fresher for longer.
- Freeze Quickly: Make sure your freezer is at the appropriate temperature and freeze your ice cream promptly after preparation.
Conclusion
Making your own Mocha Ice Cream is not just a fun kitchen project; it’s an opportunity to create a delicious dessert that’s loved by many. This recipe is straightforward, and the sweet, bold flavors are bound to impress your family and friends. The balance of coffee, chocolate, and crunchy almonds topped with hot fudge creates a sensory experience that is simply irresistible. So grab your ice cream maker and dive into this delightful treat.
FAQs About Mocha Ice Cream
Can I use decaf coffee in this recipe?
Yes, you can use decaffeinated instant coffee powder if you prefer a caffeine-free version.
How long can I keep Mocha Ice Cream in the freezer?
Homemade Mocha Ice Cream can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
While an ice cream maker yields the best texture, you can pour the mixture into a container and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to reduce ice crystals.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use a combination of whole milk and half-and-half if you do not have heavy cream, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.
Can I personalize the flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors, such as adding flavor extracts or fruit purees to create a unique version of this recipe.
Now, enjoy your delightful homemade Mocha Ice Cream! You’ve earned it!