If you’re a coffee lover, get ready to elevate your dessert game with this rich and creamy Ninja Creami Coffee Gelato. This recipe combines the bold flavor of coffee with the smooth, dense texture of traditional Italian gelato. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a delightful after-dinner treat, this coffee gelato will satisfy your caffeine and dessert cravings in one delicious scoop.
Using the Ninja Creami, making authentic gelato at home has never been easier. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a dessert that’s both refreshing and invigorating!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 24 hours
- Process Time: 5 minutes
Ninja Creami Coffee Gelato
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk 🥛
1 cup heavy cream 🥛
3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍚
4 large egg yolks 🍳
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules ☕
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
A pinch of salt 🧂
Directions
- Heat the Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Dissolve the Coffee: Add the instant coffee granules to the hot milk and cream mixture. Stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture, continuing to whisk.
- Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a container to remove any lumps. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
- Process in the Ninja Creami: Pour the chilled mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Insert the container into the machine and select the “Gelato” setting. Let the machine churn the mixture into a smooth, creamy gelato.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the coffee gelato into bowls or cones. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Recipe Video
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 25g
Flavor Variations to Try
- Mocha Gelato: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a rich mocha flavor.
- Vanilla Coffee Swirl: Swirl in some vanilla bean paste during the “Mix-in” stage for a delightful vanilla contrast.
- Hazelnut Coffee: Stir in 1/4 cup of hazelnut spread or finely chopped hazelnuts for a nutty twist.
- Caramel Coffee: Drizzle in some caramel sauce during the “Mix-in” stage for a sweet caramel coffee gelato.
Tips for the Perfect Coffee Gelato
- Slow Heating: Heat the milk and cream mixture slowly to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth texture.
- Egg Tempering: Temper the egg yolks carefully to avoid scrambling, resulting in a smooth, creamy custard.
- Chill Thoroughly: Ensure the custard mixture is thoroughly chilled before processing to achieve the best gelato texture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Gelato Too Hard: If your gelato is too hard after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Not Creamy Enough: Use the “Re-spin” function on the Ninja Creami to improve the texture if it’s not creamy enough after the first cycle.
- Flavor Too Mild: For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of instant coffee granules in the mixture.
Serving and Storing Your Coffee Gelato
Serve your coffee gelato in chilled bowls or cones to keep it from melting too quickly. It pairs wonderfully with biscotti, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed coffee beans for an added crunch.
For storing, keep the gelato in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within a week to maintain its fresh, creamy texture. When ready to serve, allow the gelato to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping.