Sweet & Frothy Whipped Coffee Ice Cream Sundae Recipe

Crafting a decadent whipped coffee ice cream sundae brings pure dessert magic right to your kitchen.

Summer heat melts away with each creamy spoonful of this dreamy treat.

Coffee lovers understand the irresistible charm of smooth, frothy textures blending into cold, sweet perfection.

Layers of rich espresso-infused whipped cream dance atop silky vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate shavings and caramel drizzle create a stunning visual symphony that promises indulgence.

Simple ingredients come together to produce an elegant dessert experience that feels like a professional pastry chef secretly worked in your space.

Every bite promises a luxurious escape from ordinary sweets.

Dive into this recipe and transform an ordinary afternoon into an extraordinary moment of pure culinary bliss.

What’s So Tempting About Whipped Coffee Ice Cream Sundaes

  • Craft Coffee Delight: A gourmet dessert that transforms classic ice cream into a luxurious coffee-lover's dream with layered flavors and professional-level presentation.
  • Master Barista Technique: Learn professional culinary skills by creating a complex dessert that combines custard-making, ice cream churning, and intricate whipped cream preparation.
  • Impress Your Guests: Elevate your dessert game with a sophisticated sundae that looks like it's straight from a high-end café, making you look like a skilled pastry chef.
  • Customizable Coffee Experience: Personalize the sundae with different chocolate or caramel sauces, experiment with nut toppings, and adjust coffee intensity to suit individual preferences.

Key Ingredients for Whipped Coffee Ice Cream Sundaes

Base Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: A rich dairy product that provides smooth and creamy texture to the ice cream.
  • Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety ice cream base.
  • Egg Yolks: Provide a luxurious custard foundation and contribute to the ice cream's smooth consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and helps create a soft texture.
  • Instant Coffee Powder: Delivers a deep, intense coffee flavor throughout the dessert.
Whipped Cream Topping:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light and airy topping with rich texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
Garnish and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Sauce, Caramel Sauce: Provide additional flavor layers and decorative elements.
  • Chopped Almonds: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the sundae.
  • Whole Coffee Beans: Offer a decorative and intense coffee accent.
  • Maraschino Cherry: Serves as a classic and colorful sundae topping.

How to Build a Whipped Coffee Ice Cream Sundae

Step 1: Create Chilled Preparation Station

Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Place a clean bowl inside this ice bath to quickly cool down the custard later.

Step 2: Brew Coffee Cream Base

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Heavy cream
  • Whole milk
  • Instant coffee powder

Heat the mixture over medium heat until steaming and almost simmering. Stir occasionally to dissolve the coffee completely.

Step 3: Whip Egg Yolk Mixture

Whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture turns pale and develops a creamy texture.

Step 4: Temper Egg Mixture

Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling and create a smooth base.

Step 5: Cook Custard

Return the entire mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Rapid Cool Custard

Strain the custard into the prepared ice bath bowl. Stir occasionally to cool quickly and stop the cooking process.

Step 7: Chill Custard

Refrigerate the custard for at least 3 hours or overnight until completely cold.

Step 8: Churn Ice Cream

Use an ice cream maker to churn the cold custard according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.

Step 9: Freeze Ice Cream

Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 hours to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 10: Whip Coffee Cream Topping

In a chilled mixing bowl, combine:
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Instant coffee powder
  • Powdered sugar

Whip the mixture until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 11: Build Decadent Sundae

Scoop the coffee ice cream into serving glasses.

Step 12: Drizzle and Decorate

Pour chocolate and caramel sauces over the ice cream.

Step 13: Add Whipped Cream Flourish

Top with a generous dollop of coffee whipped cream.

Step 14: Final Garnish

Sprinkle chopped almonds and whole coffee beans on top. Add a maraschino cherry for the perfect finishing touch.

Step 15: Serve and Savor

Dive into this luxurious coffee-infused dessert immediately while it’s fresh and cold.

Tips for Serving the Perfect Coffee Sundae

  • Chill Thoroughly: Ensure the custard is completely cold before churning to achieve a smoother, creamier ice cream texture.
  • Prevent Curdling: Temper egg yolks slowly by adding hot cream gradually while whisking constantly to create a silky-smooth base.
  • Boost Coffee Flavor: Use high-quality instant coffee powder or espresso powder for a more intense and rich coffee taste.
  • Customize Texture: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the ice cream and whipped cream a day in advance to save time and allow flavors to develop fully.

Custom Takes on Whipped Coffee Ice Cream Sundaes

  • Mocha Brownie Sundae: Replace almonds with brownie chunks and add a chocolate brownie layer between ice cream scoops for extra richness.
  • Espresso Caramel Crunch: Mix crushed espresso beans and toffee bits into the churned ice cream for added texture and intense coffee flavor.
  • Cold Brew Affogato Style: Pour a shot of cold brew coffee over the ice cream scoop just before serving, creating a classic Italian-inspired dessert.
  • Salted Hazelnut Coffee Sundae: Swap almonds with toasted hazelnuts and drizzle salted caramel sauce for a sophisticated flavor profile.

Best Pairings for Whipped Coffee Ice Cream Sundaes

  • Savor Aromatic Coffee Companions: Elevate Your Coffee Ice Cream Experience
  • -Pair with Bold Espresso Martini: Complement the rich coffee notes with a sophisticated cocktail featuring vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur, creating a harmonious flavor symphony that intensifies the dessert's depth.
  • -Match with Dark Chocolate Truffles: Select high-quality dark chocolate truffles with 70% cocoa content to enhance the coffee's robust intensity, providing a luxurious contrast between creamy ice cream and intense chocolate.
  • -Serve Alongside Almond Biscotti: Introduce crisp Italian almond biscotti as a textural counterpoint, allowing the crunchy cookie to highlight the smooth ice cream's silky texture while adding complementary nutty undertones.

Smart Storage for Whipped Coffee Ice Cream Sundaes

  • Transfer the whipped coffee ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and preserve its creamy texture.
  • Keep the ice cream in the coldest part of the freezer, maintaining a consistent temperature around 0°F to maintain optimal flavor and prevent ice crystal formation.
  • Enjoy the homemade ice cream within 1-2 weeks for the best taste and quality, as prolonged storage can affect its original smooth consistency.
  • Cover the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap before sealing the container to create an additional barrier against air exposure and potential freezer odors.

Answers to Your Whipped Coffee Sundae Questions

  • What makes instant coffee powder important in this recipe?

Instant coffee powder provides a concentrated coffee flavor without adding extra liquid, ensuring the ice cream and whipped cream maintain a rich, smooth coffee taste without compromising texture.

  • Can I use fresh brewed coffee instead of instant coffee powder?

No, fresh brewed coffee contains too much moisture and will alter the consistency of the ice cream and whipped cream, potentially making them watery and preventing proper freezing and whipping.

  • Is an ice cream maker necessary for this recipe?

While an ice cream maker produces the smoothest texture, you can still make this recipe by hand-churning the custard in the freezer, though the result will be less creamy and more icy in consistency.

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Whipped Coffee Ice Cream Sundae Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (including chilling and freezing times)
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Silky smooth whipped coffee ice cream sundae whispers Italian espresso dreams with creamy, dreamy layers of cool indulgence. Rich coffee-infused gelato swirls promise sweet comfort that will sweep you into a delightful dessert adventure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp instant coffee powder

Coffee Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp instant coffee powder
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar

Sundae Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup chocolate sauce
  • 2 tbsp caramel sauce
  • 4 whole coffee beans
  • 2 tbsp chopped almonds
  • 1 maraschino cherry

Instructions

  1. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water, then place a clean bowl inside for cooling the custard later.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and instant coffee powder. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s steaming and just about to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the coffee.
  3. Whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until pale and creamy.
  4. Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
  5. Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F).
  6. Immediately strain the custard into the prepared bowl in the ice bath. Stir occasionally to cool quickly and prevent further cooking.
  7. Refrigerate the custard for at least 3 hours or overnight until completely chilled.
  8. Churn the cold custard in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
  9. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 hours to firm up.
  10. For the coffee whipped cream, combine heavy whipping cream, instant coffee powder, and powdered sugar in a chilled mixing bowl.
  11. Whip the cream mixture until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  12. To assemble the sundae, scoop the coffee ice cream into serving glasses.
  13. Drizzle chocolate and caramel sauces over the ice cream.
  14. Top with a generous dollop of coffee whipped cream.
  15. Garnish with chopped almonds, whole coffee beans, and a maraschino cherry.
  16. Serve immediately and enjoy the decadent coffee-infused dessert.

Notes

  • Chill your equipment like bowls and whisks for smoother whipping and faster cream formation.
  • Use fresh, high-quality instant coffee powder for more intense coffee flavor and rich aroma.
  • Stabilize whipped cream by adding a pinch of cornstarch to prevent rapid deflation and maintain texture.
  • For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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