The one word I’d use to sum up spring here in Rhode Island so far is rainy. I think we’ve only turned on our sprinkler system two times total, which is awesome because it means my water bill for the summer isn’t going to be nearly as insane as usual. I even ended up bringing my container herbs and veggies inside for a few days last week because I was afraid they were going to drown with all the rain we were getting!
There have only been maybe two or three days that were really, really hot. And of course those were the days I decided it would be a good idea to make ice cream. I guess that part makes total sense – eating ice cream in 90-degree weather is always a good idea! But trying to photograph it before it turns into a soupy mess? Nearly impossible.
I probably had 100 pictures of this ice cream; I think I tried to photograph it three separate times before getting a few I liked. I probably could have saved myself a lot of time and frustration if I’d just turned on the a/c and let the house cool down first π
I just really wanted this ice cream to look as good as it tastes and trust me when I tell you, it is insanely good! Even though I don’t drink coffee, coffee ice cream is right up there with mint chocolate chip as a contender for favorite flavor. I’ve tried a few homemade coffee ice cream recipes, and while this is technically mocha and not coffee, it is still by far the best. I share a ton of treats with my mom but this ice cream drew rave reviews unlike anything I’ve given her in a long, long time.
There’s so much to love about this recipe. First, it’s super simple. As much as I adore custard-based ice cream recipes made using egg yolks they’re definitely more time consuming. There’s no cooking at all here – just whisk together a few ingredients, chill and churn! The ice cream is flavored with instant espresso powder as well as cocoa powder and it though it definitely has a subtle chocolate flavor, the coffee shines through stronger. The original recipe noted that this would be one of those homemade ice creams that gets super hard in the freezer so to prevent that and add a little more flavor I threw in some Kahlua too! Alcohol doesn’t freeze so even just a small amount keeps the ice cream a little softer – you’ll be able to scoop this directly from the freezer without a problem. Just for fun, a few chopped Oreos are thrown into the mix here too. I love adding texture to my ice cream but you could skip the cookies entirely or even go with another mix-in like chocolate chips. Whatever you do, if you’re a fan of coffee ice cream you have to make this ice cream – you will love it!
Mocha Madness Oreo Ice Cream
barely adapted from King Arthur Flour
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon Kahlua
1 cup chopped Oreos
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, espresso powder, and cocoa powder until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla, and Kahlua until incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (or overnight, which is what I did).
Freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream reaches soft serve consistency, add the chopped Oreos and continue churning until incorporated, another minute or two. Store in an airtight container in your freezer.
Makes about 1 quart
I will be getting my ice cream maker this week. This looks like the one to try first!! Can’t wait
Looks so good and your photos are awesome! The ice does not even look like it is melting!! I love the mocha flavor!
It’s no secret that I love ice cream and this one knocked it out of the park. Smooth, creamy, great mocha flavor and I highly recommend not skipping the oreos. I will definitely be making this over the summer! Thanks for sharing Tracey!
It’s raining like crazy here in Montreal too! It’s such a lousy summer, weather wise, so far! I WILL make this though! Forget the rain, I want cold sweetness! Also, your Mom’s comment is the cutest π
This has been on my long list of King Arthur recipes. I will definitely have to make it as soon as I get some Jo Jo Cookies!
YUM! These pictures are perfect! I don’t know why I haven’t made more ice cream yet this year. I think July is going to be official ice cream month up in here! π
I’ll keep the Kahlua but toss out the espresso haha. And I know what you mean! I photographed a milkshake last night and it was more like just flavored milk by the time I got to it.
umm….holy cow.
I don’t care how many photo shoots you had that ice cream looks CRAZY AMAZING and I looove Oreo’s mmmm
This ice cream does look amazing. And great flavors, Tracey!
oh my… this looks fantastic!! ice cream-cookie-chocolate-heaven!! Love it!!
I love cookies ‘n cream ice cream. It’s one of my go-to ice cream flavors. π I can’t wait til the day I get an ice cream maker so I can make ice cream.
I am SO glad you finally got your shot because that ice cream looks AMAZING. seriously…mocha oreo is basically music to my ears.
This ice cream looks absolutely incredible!!! I need this in my life!
amazing…straight out of an ice cream shop! this is a must make this summer π
I am coffee-dessert obsessed, and my husband is oreo-obsessed. This ice cream is the best of both worlds. Definitely making this soon!
Woahhh… This ice cream looks absolutely amazing. And, having attempted to photograph some ice cream last week (with much less success, I might add), I can say that your ice cream photos look fabulous. Love it!
Ugh ice cream is such a pain to take pictures of. Your pictures are fabulous though!
I want to eat this all the time.
Great pics, and the ice cream looks divine! Can’t wait to try this over the summer π
I’ve made this twice and it’s awesome! I love making eggless ice cream recipes. I added some coffee liqueur too, but used chopped chocolate instead of Oreos. I’m sure the Oreos would be delicious though!
I have a custard base chilling in the fridge right now – you have definitely turned me onto making my own ice cream!
Mocha AND Oreos? Yes please! I’ve got this on my ice cream to-do list.
HOld me back. Oreos and coffee. and cocoa. This is a REALLY good one and I m going to make it on Sunday.
Oh yum! This is pure perfection in a bowl, love this π
B would love this. I need to make IC today, this is the one.
I made this a few weeks ago and it was delicious! The Kahlua really makes it unique tasting and I like how it keeps the ice cream from freezing rock solid. I will be making this again tonight, actually. One of my favorite flavors now!