Our daughters birthday has come and gone but the delicious memory of the Cappuccino Gelato and Tiramisu Cake with Zabaglione Cream that we made for her is still vivid in our minds and palates. The coffee ice cream was so good we thought we were back in Italy enjoying the smooth, creamy, sinfully good frozen dessert. It’s no churn so it’s easy and quick to make. You can be spooning some of the rich decadent treat into your mouth in no time at all.
For this recipe you will need: heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, instant espresso powder, coffee flavored liqueur.

Cappuccino Gelato Backstory
Every year we let our kids pick out their birthday dinner and dessert. This was the first time in many years that I didn’t make the Italian Cream Cake for Michelle’s birthday.
This year her dessert request was for the Tiramisu Cake and the Cappuccino Gelato. Michelle wanted to sample something a little different. A very wise choice we have to admit.
I do have to apologize — some of the photos may be fuzzy in places. We had to hurry and get everything packed for the trip out of town to deliver the goodies.


Cappuccino Gelato an easy no churn ice cream
These desserts {dolci} aren’t excessively sweet — but we believe they satisfy any dessert lover.
The dark Italian coffee balances out the sweetness of the sweetened condensed milk. The coffee liqueur adds flavor to the creamy cappuccino gelato. but it also helps to prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard.
Why use a flavored liqueur?
Not only does the liqueur add to the taste of the coffee ice cream, it also helps to prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard and forming ice crystals.
Think of the liqueur as a sort of anti-freeze.
If you don’t want to use a liqueur you can use flavorless vodka.


Coffee Liqueur and Cappuccino Gelato
We didn’t have a coffee flavored liqueur on hand so we just bought a small sample type bottle at the liquor store. That size turned out to be the perfect amount for this recipe.
The basic no churn recipe is so easy and versatile my mind is spinning with ice cream flavor varieties. Any flavor you can think of they’ll have a liqueur that will match it.
Do I have to use alcohol?
No, you don’t have to use anything alcoholic if you prefer not. We like to use it because it does enhance the flavor and does help to keep it from freezing too hard. Just let the ice cream soften up a bit before scooping some out – you should be fine.
Next month our oldest son is having a birthday and we already have his ice cream flavor request — we’ll definitely post it but for now we’ll leave it as a surprise.


No churn coffee ice cream and Tiramisu Cake
This time I was able to get a photo of a sliced piece of Tiramisu cake. Before the Tiramisu and coffee ice cream left our house, we cut into the cake.
We carefully pried a piece out of the pan, shot the staged piece, then gently slid the square back into the pan. The cream topping was easy to smooth over and a little sprinkle of cocoa no one was the wiser!
Of course, I’d already told the birthday girl I was going to do it. She didn’t care — she was getting her “just” desserts!
We enjoy cooking, but even more so for special occasions. There is a lot of thought and love that goes into the process.
Italians are famous for showing their love by cooking and feeding.
La cucina è il cuore della casa { The kitchen is the heart of the house}.
If you like easy no churn gelato you will also like…
We plan on adding a few more amazing flavors this coming season.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
YOU MAY NEED…
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A sturdy ice cream scoop like this one is just what you need. We found an old-fashioned one a long time ago and use it regularly. But this one should get you through many scoops of delicious no churn ice cream.
Cappuccino Gelato No Churn Ice Cream Recipe
This is such an easy recipe for making coffee flavored ice cream you’ll wonder why you never made it before. It is so delicious, rich and creamy. A frozen dessert that is fantastic any time of year but especially during the hot summer months. Serve this at your next gathering and just expect a standing ovation. We’ll just keep it our secret as to how easy it is to make.




Cappuccino Gelato - No Churn
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk), chilled
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp. Tbl. instant espresso powder disolved in 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1/3 cup coffee flavored liqueur -- we used Patrón Dark Coffee Liqueur with cocoa or use Kahlua.
Instructions
- Pour the sweetened condensed evaporated milk into a large bowl and add the expresso and the liqueur. Whip the ingredients together until well mixed. Put in the refrigerator to stay cool.
- Pour the heavy whipping cream into a chilled bowl. Whip the cream starting off with low and working up to high. Once the whipping cream start to hold its shape stop beating. If you overheat you'll end up with butter.
- With a spatula fold the whipped cream into the cold flavored sweetened condensed milk. Keep folding in until it is completely mixed. Put the bowl into the freezer for about 30 to 45 minutes. Using the mixer, whip up the ice cream for a minute. Pour into freezer safe containers and freeze for 6 hours before serving.
Notes
- Makes 2 pints
Nutrition
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Sylvia | Grace for a Gypsy says
Oh my gosh, this sounds so delicious! I am going to pin this so I can share it with my daughters next time we get together! Thanks for linking up with us at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 41
Candi Randolph says
This sounds so delicious, and simple to make, too. I thought the photos were beautiful. Pinned it for future reference! #blogginggrandmotherslinkparty41
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
Congrats! Your post is FEATURED at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 39!
Dana says
This gelato looks so so so creamy! I love coffee after a special meal, but here in NC, it gets too hot for a hot cuppa at times. Especially if dining outside. This is the perfect way to end a meal; coffee and dessert in one!
Tracy says
Wow, I want to have a birthday in your house!! That gelato looks perfect. I love the cappuccino flavor – especially since it means my husband will stay away from it! More for me! 😉
Jenni LeBaron says
This sounds absolutely delicious, Marisa! I also love that it comes together with only 4 ingredients and so little fuss! This sound completely creamy and delightful.
Sandra says
Gelato is so delicious and thrilled that this is a no churn recipe! The bottle of kaluha in my cabinet has been sitting too long, so perfect timing!
Candi Randolph says
This looks amazing! And it’s simple enough to prepare without churning. I love coffee with a passion so the flavors are perfect! Pinning for later…
Marisa Franca says
We feel the same way, Candi! Hope you make it. I know you’ll enjoy it. xoxo
Daniela says
I love that this gelato doesn’t require any churning! That’s my kind of ice cream 🙂 The flavor combination sounds delicious; I also like to put a bit of liqueur in my homemade ice creams. As you explained, it helps them to stay creamy and soft, but I also find that it adds a little something extra that people really appreciate. Great recipe!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Daniela! Whoever discovered no-churn ice cream — I’d love to give them a big thank you hug.
Tina says
What a fabulous idea with the liqueur. I never thought to add it but you’re right, it would soften it up a bit. We also have a tradition where my hubby chooses his birthday dinner. For him it’s deep-fried shrimp with tarter sauce. I’m saving this, it looks too good not to try.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Tina! Love the idea of birthday dinners. xoxo
Sarah - The Fit Cookie says
I love coffee flavored desserts, this one sounds incredible!! I love the idea of using liqueur to help prevent ice crystals from forming. I haven’t tried that yet, but I need to since my homemade ice cream can often get ice crystals in it.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Sarah! The liqueur does help the ice crystals from forming. Let me know how it turns out.xoxo
Gloria says
I love making homemade ice cream. I have not tried gelato. I love the coffee flavour happening here. This is right up my alley. Perfect for the patio on a warm summer day.
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
Sounds YUMMY! And like you said in your newsletter – “The best part of this recipe is that you don’t need any fancy schmancy equipment!” Shared x 3 ♥
Marisa Franca says
Thank you so much, Dee!! Sending a big hug!! 🤗
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Barbara! Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I’m so glad you like the gelato — that is one of my weaknesses. Love cold creamy desserts. Un abbraccio forte!
Heather says
This looks amazing!! I can’t wait to try it… over and over and over again…!!! Perfect!
Marisa Franca says
You’ll be looking for more flavors to make — you can stick any of your favorite flavors to the base.
Oana @AdoreFoods says
I love a good no churn gelato recipe! Never tried cappuccino gelato but for sure will do!
Marisa Franca says
It is really good — coffee and dessert at the same time.
Michelle says
Wow no churn, looks so creamy!
Marisa Franca says
It is creamy and delicious!
Platter Talk says
We’ve never made gelato but this post is going to change that and soon! Beautifully done!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do.
Ciao Florentina says
Wow, perfection !! I could use this right now ! drooling ..
Marisa Franca says
Thank you! We certainly feel the same way that is why we hurry and give it to the kids and grandkids 🙂
Faye Wilkerson says
What a great idea buying the small bottle of liqueur. I like to try new recipes, but hate to buy a whole bottle just for one recipe.
Marisa Franca says
Yes it is a good idea! We don’t like having ( or paying for ) big bottles of liqueur that we may use once in a blue moon. We were at the liqueur a while back and we saw all those little bottles — what a great idea to just get a sample.
Hillary Reeves says
No churn? That’s my kind of recipe! So yummy.
Marisa Franca says
I agree and what is so great once you have the basic — you can do anything you want!!
Brian Jones says
I have been kicking around the notion of making up some no churn Ice Cream and this coffeee wonder may have puched me over the edge, sounds wonderful.
Marisa Franca says
You simply can’t believe how easy it is to make — I just revised and made a sugar free one. Let me know if you do make one.
Molly Kumar says
Love coffee flavored gelato with extra extra toppings 🙂 Your recipe looks yummy and easy.
Marisa Franca says
It is so simple you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t do it before 🙂 I love making it and giving it away.
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
This is one of my favorite flavors. I do have an ice cream maker and use it often!
Razena | Tantalisemytastebuds.com says
I love that you use condensed milk for this gelato… what could I substitute for liquer though since I don’t use alcohol?
Marisa Franca says
You don’t have to use alcohol, it just prevents it from getting really hard. There is a product called Guar Gum that can be used in your mix. You have to be sure you mix it up really well in the beginning of your recipe. I haven’t used it but I know that it is sometimes used in ices to prevent them from getting as hard as a brick. I don’t think it takes very much. Let me know how your ice cream turns out.
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
Coffee and gelato together are heaven, and I’m so happy this a no-churn recipe!
Cassandrea @ chewsandbrews.ca says
Oh yeah! I love gelato and coffee and having the two together as one – yum!
foodlovinfamily says
This looks amazing. I love chocolate/coffee combo. Thanks for sharing!
Marisa Franca says
If you like more chocolate you could always put more in.
Chris @ SimpleFood365 says
Wonderful! This is headed to the “must try” list!!
Marisa Franca says
Let me know how you like it. Thank you for commenting.
Patti @ CooksRecipeCollection.com says
Cappuccino Gelato! All I can say is Yum! Must Try!
Marisa Franca says
Better this way than a cappuccino in a cup. Love that smooth taste.
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
no churn is like a magic word, must try!
Niels @ Have Another Bite says
yes please! I love how easy this is and anything with cappuccino goes for me. Pinned it!
shernell says
Are you kidding me ? I was just watching an episode of the Sharks and they were talking about coffee and how it’s the number one used substance in the world. I love your recipe and I will be making it. Thanks for sharing. Bless.
Renee says
The Tiramisu Cake looks delicious, but the gelato looks amazing and is calling my name. I’m pinning so I don’t loose the recipe 🙂
Noor says
WOW! This looks so yummy and delicious, and such an easy recipe too!
Tina Marie says
I’ll take a bowl of this now, please. 🙂 It really looks delicious.
Marisa Franca says
I’d like a bowl of it now — my kids ate it all 🙁
Sarah says
I can’t get over how amazing this sounds! This is so easy it’s too good to be true!
Marisa Franca says
It is good and true! 🙂
Leslie says
I don’t have the space for one more large piece of equipment, so I’ll have to try this recipe. Cappuccino gelato sounds like the perfect dessert. Can’t wait to try this one!!!
Marisa Franca says
The neat part about this ice cream is you can make any flavor you like — so many flavors and so little time!
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo says
Espresso and coffee liqueur in ice cream? Yes please!
Byron Thomas says
You had me at cappuccino! 🙂 I love this recipe – it’s super easy and the results looks phenomenal!
Marisa Franca says
Poor hubby thought by not having an ice cream maker we wouldn’t be tempted– HA HA! Where there’s a will there’s a way. Thank you for stopping!
Simply Suzannes at Home says
Hi Marisa!
Ok . . . I’m dying here!! Cappuccino gelato AND tiramisu! Oh. my. gosh! Your daughter is one lucky girl :0)
I am seriously so anxious to try your no churn recipes! This one sounds amazing . . . and right up my alley, as I LOVE coffee!
I might have to add chopped chocolate espresso beans, too ;0) YUM!
I smiled when I read that you cut a piece of cake for photographing, and then pieced it back. I’ve done that before!
I hope you’re having a relaxing Sunday!
Big hugs!
Suzanne
Marisa Franca says
What we won’t do for a photo :-)I think the coffee beans sound delicious!! I saw that done in a regular ice cream machine. Sweet with a caffeine kick!! Can’t beat that. Big hugs back!
Nagi@RecipeTinEats says
Oooh! Cappucino is one of my favourite ice cream flavours, I can’t believe I never thought to make a no churn version! 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Hubby thought to protect us from the temptation of ice cream by not buying an ice cream machine. Heh! heh! heh! This recipe lets you make any variety you want. I’ve even seen a cereal based one. Let me know which flavor you decide to make.
Food Blogger Club says
This no churn gelato looks so easy to make! We absolutely love it!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you! The recipe is so versatile my mind is constantly trying to come up with variations!
PattY says
Do you have anything for newly diagnosised diabetic …my husband loves ice cream and grieves for the loss of it….help!
Marisa Franca says
Right off hand I wish I did. I’ll check around and see if there is any kind of ice cream you can make that a diabetic can enjoy. I’ll get back with you.
Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen says
How we love anything tiramisu, I have never made a no churn gelato, but I will be trying yours. Thanks.
Diane P. says
Okay, Marisa—–you’ve found my weakness—–gelato! This recipe looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it, and it looks so easy. Four ingredients—that’s it??? I don’t even have to drag my Kitchen Aid ice cream maker attachment out of the basement! Abbracci and Baci per te!!
Jovina Coughlin says
How did you know cappuccino is my favorite flavor? Such an easy way to make it. Definitely have to try this. Looks luscious.
Marie says
Seriously? This is so easy, I can do this! I don’t have an ice cream maker, can’t wait to try it!
Alicia@ Eco Friendly Homemaking says
Oh my goodness this looks absolutely delicious!!!!!