Finding the perfect coffee drink to beat the summer heat can feel like an endless quest. Between juggling work deadlines and trying to stay cool, sometimes a regular iced coffee just doesn’t cut it – especially during those sluggish afternoon hours when you need both a caffeine kick and something to satisfy your sweet tooth.
That’s where this iced coffee with ice cream comes in: it’s refreshingly cold, gives you that much-needed energy boost, and feels like a treat without the fuss of heading to a coffee shop. Plus, you can easily make it with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Coffee Float
- Quick and easy – This coffee treat comes together in just 5 minutes – perfect for those moments when you need a cool pick-me-up without any fuss.
- Simple ingredients – You only need three basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen – coffee, milk, and ice cream.
- Customizable treat – You can easily switch up the flavors by using different ice cream varieties or adding syrups to make it exactly how you like it.
- Cafe-style drink – Save money and skip the coffee shop – this homemade version tastes just as good as your favorite cafe’s version, but costs much less.
What Kind of Ice Cream Should I Use?
For this coffee treat, regular vanilla ice cream is your best bet, but the quality really matters. Look for ice cream labeled as “traditional,” “premium,” or “French vanilla” – these tend to have a higher fat content and fewer air bubbles whipped in, which means they’ll melt more smoothly into your coffee without getting watery. Regular vanilla works better than fancy flavors here since it lets the coffee shine through while adding just the right amount of creamy sweetness. If you’re shopping at the store, check the ingredient list – the shorter it is, the better, and you want to see real vanilla listed rather than just “natural flavors.”
Options for Substitutions
This cool coffee treat is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can switch up:
- Cold strong coffee: You can use cold brew coffee, regular brewed coffee that’s been chilled, or even instant coffee mixed with cold water. If using instant, make it a bit stronger than usual since the ice cream will dilute it.
- Whole milk: Any type of milk works here! Try 2%, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that plant-based options might make the drink a little less creamy.
- Vanilla ice cream: While vanilla ice cream gives that classic flavor, you can have fun with other flavors too. Coffee, chocolate, or caramel ice cream would be tasty options. For a dairy-free version, coconut or almond milk ice cream works well – just make sure to pick a flavor that goes well with coffee.
- Ice cream topping: The topping scoop is totally optional, but if you want something different, try whipped cream, coconut whip, or a dollop of coffee-flavored ice cream instead.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest mistake when making iced coffee with ice cream is using hot or warm coffee, which will quickly melt your ice cream and leave you with a watery, lukewarm drink – instead, brew your coffee ahead of time and chill it completely in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Another common error is adding too much milk right away, as the melting ice cream will naturally create a creamy texture – start with less milk than you think you need, as you can always add more later to adjust the consistency.
For the smoothest results, let your vanilla ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before mixing it in, and if you’re adding a scoop on top, make sure to serve and enjoy immediately before it melts completely into the coffee.
A quick pro tip: freeze coffee into ice cubes beforehand instead of using regular ice – this way, your drink won’t get diluted as the cubes melt.
What to Serve With Iced Coffee with Ice Cream?
This indulgent coffee drink pairs perfectly with breakfast pastries or afternoon treats! A warm, flaky croissant or buttery scone makes for an excellent complement to the cold, creamy coffee. If you’re serving this as an afternoon pick-me-up, try it with a slice of coffee cake or a couple of chocolate chip cookies – the combo of coffee and cookies is always a winner. For a lighter option, some fresh berries on the side can add a nice balance to the sweetness of the ice cream coffee.
Storage Instructions
Prepare Coffee Base: You can make the coffee ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just store it in an airtight container or pitcher – this makes it super convenient when you’re craving a cold coffee drink!
Assembly Tips: This drink is best enjoyed right after making it since it contains ice cream. The ice cream will melt and change the consistency if left sitting too long. I recommend preparing individual servings when you’re ready to drink them rather than making a big batch.
Quick Tip: If you want to have this ready to go in the morning, measure out your coffee and milk the night before and keep them separate in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just combine everything with fresh ice cream for the perfect morning treat!
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-5 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 7-9 g
- Fat: 20-25 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold strong coffee
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream (for blending, preferably Tillamook French Vanilla)
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (for topping)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (use organic whole milk for extra creaminess)
Step 1: Prepare the Blended Coffee Ice Cream Mixture
Begin by pouring cold coffee into the glass jar of a blender.
Add the desired amount of milk and 1/2 cup of ice cream.
Secure the lid on the blender tightly, and blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
Once blended, set the mixture aside while you prepare the serving glass.
Step 2: Assemble the Coffee Ice Cream Float
Take a tall glass and place a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom.
This will serve as the decadent base for your float.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Gently pour the blended coffee ice cream mixture over the scoop of ice cream in the glass.
The liquid will surround the ice cream, creating a delightful layered effect.
Grab a spoon or a straw and enjoy your delicious homemade coffee ice cream float!
