Ingredients
Custard Base
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar – divided (1/4 cup + 3/4 cup)
- 3/4 – 1 cup strong coffee (espresso or cold brew), cooled slightly
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Mix-ins
- 8 oz. toffee candy, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Ice Cream Bowl: If using a KitchenAid ice cream attachment, place the bowl into the freezer for at least 15 hours ahead of time to ensure it is properly frozen for churning.
- Temper the Eggs: Whisk together the egg yolks and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Heat the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 165°F, careful not to boil. Gradually drizzle about one cup of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, add the remaining 3/4 cup sugar, and continue heating over medium heat until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, reaching 165°F.
- Brew the Coffee: Prepare your choice of strong coffee, such as espresso or cold brew. Allow the coffee to cool slightly before using.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large measuring bowl, combine the cooked custard, cooled coffee, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least four hours until the mixture is very cold.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Set up your ice cream maker or KitchenAid attachment. Start the machine before pouring in the chilled custard mixture to ensure proper churning. Let it churn for approximately 25-30 minutes, until the mixture thickens, rises, and the mixer slows down.
- Add Toffee Mix-ins: Use a rubber scraper to transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Fold in the chopped toffee candy evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze to Set: Place the container in the freezer and allow the ice cream to firm up for a couple of hours before serving. This will ensure a perfect scoopable consistency.
Notes
- For best results, ensure your ice cream bowl is thoroughly frozen before churning.
- Use strong coffee such as espresso for the richest flavor, but cold brew works well too.
- Tempering the eggs is essential to avoid scrambling and to create a smooth custard base.
- Adjust the amount of coffee to suit your taste preference, between 3/4 and 1 cup.
- The ice cream will be soft straight from the churner; freezing it further firms up the texture.
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 hours (freezing ice cream bowl) plus 15 minutes (custard prep) plus 4 hours (chilling mixture)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (custard cooking) plus 25-30 minutes (churning)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning (Ice Cream Maker)
- Cuisine: American