When I discovered how simple it was to make really good ice cream with just a mixer, I was tempted to get rid of my ice cream machine!
To make the no-churn ice cream, you beat heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and flavorings until it’s nice and thick, then freeze the ice cream. That’s all there is to it! 
I decided to try making my own sweetened condensed milk using maple syrup, with some guidance from this recipe from Gluten-Free on a Shoestring. The homemade sweetened condensed milk takes a while to make, but your house will smell amazing. You do have to watch it pretty closely but don’t have to stir it constantly, so it’s a good time to do some cleaning or other tasks around the kitchen.
The results are so much more delicious than canned sweetened condensed milk! The maple flavor adds a caramel note to the ice cream that goes perfectly with the chocolate and coffee. In addition to working beautifully in this ice cream, the maple-sweetened condensed milk is amazing in hot or iced coffee.
Of course, you can just make this ice cream with sweetened condensed milk from the store. Either way, this recipe is a great option for anyone who doesn’t have an ice cream machine.
If you really want to go all out, this ice cream makes a wonderful iced coffee float. I recommend chilling the glass first, then adding two or three scoops of ice cream. Pour chilled coffee on top and serve with a straw and a spoon!
Looking for another great ice cream that can also be made diary free? Try this Matcha Avocado Coconut Ice Cream.
PrintDecadent Mocha Ice Cream
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 1 quart 1x
Description
This decadent mocha ice cream combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee with a hint of maple, all without the need for an ice cream maker.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (I use Medaglia D’Oro)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 recipe maple-sweetened condensed milk, cooled (recipe below) or 1 cup store-bought sweetened condensed milk
Maple-Sweetened Condensed Milk (Yields 1 1/4 cups)
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 3 cups whole milk
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- To make the maple-sweetened condensed milk, whisk together 1 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of maple syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by half and thickened. Let it cool completely before using.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, instant espresso powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is thick and forms stiff peaks.
- Gently fold in the cooled maple-sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. Serve scoops of ice cream in chilled bowls or glasses.
Notes
For the maple-sweetened condensed milk, use 1 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of maple syrup. This homemade version adds a caramel note that enhances the mocha flavor. Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For a special treat, serve as an iced coffee float by adding scoops to chilled coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 90
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought sweetened condensed milk instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use canned sweetened condensed milk if you prefer, but making your own with maple syrup adds a unique flavor that complements the chocolate and coffee.
How long does it take to make the homemade sweetened condensed milk?
Making the homemade sweetened condensed milk takes a while, typically about 1-2 hours, during which you need to watch it closely but don’t have to stir constantly.
What is the best way to serve this ice cream as a float?
For an iced coffee float, chill the glass first, add two or three scoops of the mocha ice cream, and then pour chilled coffee on top.
