Coffee “Caramel” Ice Cream

Coffee "Caramel" Ice Cream - Healing and Eating

This dairy free coffee “caramel” ice cream is an easy vegan recipe made with coconut milk, dates, instant coffee, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle a little sea salt over the top, for a salted “caramel” flavor, or add some chopped pecans for some crunch. The dates make a healthy caramel flavor substitute, and are also used to sweeten the ice cream. I kept the coffee flavor mild (although feel free to make it strong), since this was my first time experimenting with instant coffee. I used Medaglia D’Oro Instant Espresso Coffee and I’m very happy with the way it dissolved. The amazon reviews also say it’s good for baking, which is great for bringing out the flavor of chocolate in dessert.

Although I wouldn’t consider coffee a health food, I do love the flavor of coffee in dessert. However, this recipe would taste just as delicious without the instant coffee, but I do think it adds another layer of flavor. I made the ice cream extra sweet to combat the bitter flavor of the coffee, so I’d reduce the amount of dates if you aren’t going to use the instant coffee.

Coffee "Caramel" Ice Cream
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 1 quart
Ingredients
  • 3 cups of coconut milk full fat
  • 2 tbsp instant espresso coffee (Medaglia D’Oro)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 18 medjool dates
  • (optional) ½ cup of chopped pecans (for topping)
  • (optional) a pinch of sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
  1. Combine coconut milk, instant espresso coffee, and vanilla extract in a pan over low heat.
  2. Cook until coffee dissolves and the the alcohol from the vanilla extract evaporates. Approximately five minutes. Taste test to be sure.
  3. Transfer mixture to a high speed blender.
  4. Remove pits from dates, then add dates to blender and blend on high speed.
  5. Refrigerate mixture for a couple hours at least, preferably overnight. (I did a rushed version with a few hours in the refrigerator and it worked fine).
  6. Follow directions according to your ice cream maker.
  7. When it is the consistency of soft serve, transfer to a large container and freeze overnight, or eat it all as soft serve.
  8. (optional) add chopped pecans and some sea salt when ready to serve.

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