Cappuccino Gelato is a no churn coffee ice cream that's so good we thought we were back in Italy enjoying the smooth, creamy, sinfully good frozen dessert. Since it's no churn, 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.
We made this delicious coffee dessert for our daughter's birthday to go along with the Tiramisu Cake with Zabaglione Cream.
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe . . .
- deliciously creamy and rich
- easy to make
- a coffee lovers delight
- no special equipment needed
You can enjoy this coffee dessert in a cone, bowl, topped with a sauce, or as an affogato al caffe.
🛒 Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this coffee dessert recipe.
- heavy whipping cream -- whips up to give the ice cream body and creaminess.
- sweetened condensed milk -- adds to the richness and sweetens the dessert.
- instant espresso powder -- gives the ice cream the deep coffee flavor.
- coffee flavored liqueur -- flavors the dessert and prevents the ice cream from freezing too hard.
📋 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Whisk the vanilla and sweetened condensed milk together. Chill.
- Beat the heavy cream with and electric hand or stand mixer until stiff occurs.
- Fold the whipped cream into the vanilla-milk mixture.
- Pour into freezer containers and place in freezer.
🔪 Equipment
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- Hand or stand mixer will make whipping up the cream a breeze. I like the slow start so it doesn’t splatter.
- Two Large metal bowls or glass will do. We like to chill them so that the cream whips up faster. These bowls have a non-skid bottom which prevents them from scooting.
- Rubber spatula makes folding the whipped cream into the milk mixture easy.
- Freezer containers for ice cream or any frozen desserts. We have some just like this and they keep the ice cream from getting ice crystals.
- Sturdy Ice cream scoop for scooping up all those delicious servings of ice cream.
☕️ Coffee ice cream 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 with Tiramisu Cake with Zabaglione Cream Topping
Cappuccino Gelato an easy no churn ice cream
These type of desserts {dolci} aren't excessively sweet -- and yet 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.
A rich creamy scoop of coffee no churn ice cream
Coffee Liqueur and Cappuccino Gelato
We don't keep 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.
Affogato al caffe recipe
A famous Italian dessert is affogato al caffe which is simply a scoop of ice cream with espresso coffee.
This dessert is very satisfying after a delicious Italian meal.
For an ideal affogato al caffe simply:
- Place 1 large or 2 small scoops of ice cream (coffee, chocolate or vanilla) in a coffee cup,
2. then pour in a shot of espresso or 3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee.
3. Top with shaved dark chocolate and chopped hazelnuts. (optional)
No churn coffee ice cream and Tiramisu Cake
The first time I made the cake and coffee ice cream, I wasn't able to get any photos at all. The party and celebrating went too quickly and all that was left was dirty cappuccino gelato bowls and few cake crumbs.
We didn't mind redoing -- both recipes are easy and we love to cook.
In fact, Italians are famous for showing their love by cooking and feeding.
And next time your hankering for something sweet flavored with coffee, make sure you check out our Espresso Coffee Cookie recipe. They have just the right amount of sweetness and maple drizzle on top finishes them off perfectly/
Are you a coffee and cream lover? Then our Whipped Topped Frozen Caffè Granita will delight your taste buds. Have it for breakfast like the Italians.
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.
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.
📖 Recipe
Cappuccino Gelato - No Churn
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk), chilled
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp. Tbl. instant espresso powder disolved in ¼ cup boiling water
- ⅓ 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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Nicole
Two of my favourite things: coffee and ice cream! Bonus that it's no-churn - that's my kind of homemade ice cream. Also loving the addition of the alcohol to prevent ice crystals. I never thought of this and I will definitely have to add alcohol to my other no-churn ice cream recipes, too.
Loreto and Nicoletta
Okay, you have combined two of my favorites, cappuccino and icecrean. Love that you used some coffee liquor! The use of the condensed milk and heavy cream tells me this is just pure luxury! Your phots are beautiful!😍
Natalia
Just made this cappuccino gelato yesterday. So delicious!!! It's soft and creamy, which is just what you are looking for in a gelato. Will be one of my go-to summer dessert for sure. Thank you for sharing!
Moop Brown
I'm a big fan of coffee flavored desserts and my mouth is watering from this rich and creamy looking treat. Can't wait to try.
Cathleen
I love all things no churn so this is right up my alley. I am definitely going to give this a go, thank you so much!! 🙂
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
What a delicious and easy recipe! It’s so creamy and luscious without any of the hard work! Thank you so much for sharing!
Kate
OMG this sounds so delicious! I have printed out the recipe - it is certainly going to be our to go to recipe this summer!
Amanda Dixon
This was an absolute treat! It was so hot this weekend, so I couldn't resist making a batch. This ice cream turned out so creamy and rich with the perfect coffee flavor. The liqueur really did make for a smooth ice cream. I'll have to make another batch soon because we can't stop eating it!
Jacqueline Debono
Coffee ice-cream is one of my favourite flavours but I've never tried making it myself. Going to give this recipe a go. Your gelato looks so creamy and delicious!
Alex
I've never made ice cream with sweetened condensed milk! I know it's a common method but I've never tried it. But I want to now! I don't even like coffee but love coffee ice cream.
Erin
1/3 cup of Kahlua! I love it. And I love how few ingredients this has. I can't wait to give it a try! I have no idea where the ice cream maker bowl is right now so this is perfect for us.
Lauren Michael Harris
This looks amazingly creamy! I love how simple it is to make and the fact that I won't have to share this gelato with my kids!
Dee | Grammy's Grid
CONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at #AThemedLinkup 24 for Travel and Vacation (open until August 17) from my previous linkup for Dessert Recipes.
Michelle
Beautiful food photography.
I would like a praline topping on my ice cream - please!
Sylvia | Grace for a Gypsy
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
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
Congrats! Your post is FEATURED at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 39!
Dana
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
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
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
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
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
We feel the same way, Candi! Hope you make it. I know you'll enjoy it. xoxo
Daniela
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
Thank you, Daniela! Whoever discovered no-churn ice cream -- I'd love to give them a big thank you hug.
Tina
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
Thank you, Tina! Love the idea of birthday dinners. xoxo
Sarah - The Fit Cookie
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
Hi, Sarah! The liqueur does help the ice crystals from forming. Let me know how it turns out.xoxo
Gloria
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
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
Thank you so much, Dee!! Sending a big hug!! ????
Marisa Franca
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
This looks amazing!! I can't wait to try it... over and over and over again...!!! Perfect!
Marisa Franca
You'll be looking for more flavors to make -- you can stick any of your favorite flavors to the base.
Oana @AdoreFoods
I love a good no churn gelato recipe! Never tried cappuccino gelato but for sure will do!
Marisa Franca
It is really good -- coffee and dessert at the same time.
Michelle
Wow no churn, looks so creamy!
Marisa Franca
It is creamy and delicious!
Platter Talk
We've never made gelato but this post is going to change that and soon! Beautifully done!
Marisa Franca
Thank you and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do.
Ciao Florentina
Wow, perfection !! I could use this right now ! drooling ..
Marisa Franca
Thank you! We certainly feel the same way that is why we hurry and give it to the kids and grandkids 🙂
Faye Wilkerson
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
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
No churn? That's my kind of recipe! So yummy.
Marisa Franca
I agree and what is so great once you have the basic -- you can do anything you want!!
Brian Jones
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
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
Love coffee flavored gelato with extra extra toppings 🙂 Your recipe looks yummy and easy.
Marisa Franca
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
This is one of my favorite flavors. I do have an ice cream maker and use it often!
Razena | Tantalisemytastebuds.com
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
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
Coffee and gelato together are heaven, and I'm so happy this a no-churn recipe!
Cassandrea @ chewsandbrews.ca
Oh yeah! I love gelato and coffee and having the two together as one - yum!
foodlovinfamily
This looks amazing. I love chocolate/coffee combo. Thanks for sharing!
Marisa Franca
If you like more chocolate you could always put more in.
Chris @ SimpleFood365
Wonderful! This is headed to the "must try" list!!
Marisa Franca
Let me know how you like it. Thank you for commenting.
Patti @ CooksRecipeCollection.com
Cappuccino Gelato! All I can say is Yum! Must Try!
Marisa Franca
Better this way than a cappuccino in a cup. Love that smooth taste.
Claudia | Gourmet Project
no churn is like a magic word, must try!
Niels @ Have Another Bite
yes please! I love how easy this is and anything with cappuccino goes for me. Pinned it!
shernell
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
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
WOW! This looks so yummy and delicious, and such an easy recipe too!
Tina Marie
I'll take a bowl of this now, please. 🙂 It really looks delicious.
Marisa Franca
I'd like a bowl of it now -- my kids ate it all 🙁
Sarah
I can't get over how amazing this sounds! This is so easy it's too good to be true!
Marisa Franca
It is good and true! 🙂
Leslie
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
The neat part about this ice cream is you can make any flavor you like -- so many flavors and so little time!
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo
Espresso and coffee liqueur in ice cream? Yes please!
Byron Thomas
You had me at cappuccino! 🙂 I love this recipe - it's super easy and the results looks phenomenal!
Marisa Franca
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
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
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
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
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
This no churn gelato looks so easy to make! We absolutely love it!
Marisa Franca
Thank you! The recipe is so versatile my mind is constantly trying to come up with variations!
PattY
Do you have anything for newly diagnosised diabetic ...my husband loves ice cream and grieves for the loss of it....help!
Marisa Franca
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
How we love anything tiramisu, I have never made a no churn gelato, but I will be trying yours. Thanks.
Diane P.
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
How did you know cappuccino is my favorite flavor? Such an easy way to make it. Definitely have to try this. Looks luscious.
Marie
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
Oh my goodness this looks absolutely delicious!!!!!