Recipes from Italy

  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Italian Desserts » Gelato, Sorbets & Semifreddo

    Coffee Gelato Recipe (Gelato al Caffè)

    Published: Aug 11, 2023 · Modified: Jun 17, 2025 by Silvana Nava · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    Coffee gelato (Gelato al caffè) is one of the most popular and classic timeless flavors of Italian gelato. Espresso has a deeply rooted tradition in Italian culture. Drinking an espresso after a meal is almost a ritual for many Italians.

    There are also many traditional Italian desserts made with coffee. For example, the famous Tiramisu, Italian Coffee Cream (Crema al caffè) and the simple but delicious Affogato, just to name a few.

    coffee gelato - 2

    Coffee gelato is the ice cream for coffee lovers. There is no better gelato, not only in summer, but at any time of the year when you crave a fresh dessert with the enveloping aroma of Italian espresso!

    That is why we are going to show you how to make an authentic Italian coffee gelato recipe using egg yolks, heavy cream, fresh whole milk and ristretto coffee.

    Depending on the type of coffee you use, you will get a different flavor. You can customize the taste of the coffee gelato by using a ristretto coffee for a stronger taste or a "caffè lungo" for a milder taste.

    Coffee gelato with caffe' espresso is easy to make at home. Because of its creamy texture and taste, it goes very well with gelato alla crema, fior di latte gelato and chocolate gelato.

    Now we will show you how to make the best Italian coffee gelato recipe at home, WITH or WITHOUT an ice cream maker.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Kitchen Tools and Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Variations and Tips
    • How to Serve
    • Recipe Card

    Ingredients

    coffee gelato - 7

    WITH Ice Cream Maker:

    • Prep Time: 5 Min + about 40 min in ice cream maker
    • Cook Time: 10 Min
    • Servings: 6/8 people that is about 750 g (~1 ¾ pound) of Gelato

    WITHOUT Ice Cream Maker:

    • Prep Time: 5 Min + cooling in the freezer for about 5 Hr 
    • Cook time: 10 Min
    • Servings: 6/8 people that is about 750 g (~1 ¾ pound) of Gelato

    • 4 medium egg yolks
    • 150 g (¾ cup) of granulated sugar
    • 250 ml (1  cup) of whole milk
    • 250 ml (1 cup) of heavy cream
    • 120 ml (½ cup) of ristretto coffee

    Kitchen Tools and Equipment

    Gelatiera (Ice Cream Maker)

    The most useful tool for making authentic Italian gelato is for sure an ice cream maker or Gelatiera. There are various types of Gelato makers, but the best is the one that has a compressor that cools while churning the Gelato.

    Let's have a look at some of them:

    • The best performing gelato machines are Musso ice cream makers. They are made entirely in Italy but have spread successfully throughout the world. The smaller model is made for home use but has the same features as the professional machines. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker is easy to use, perfect for professional results at home. Small, with a large, non-removable bowl. The spatula is made of stainless steel. It has a powerful and robust refrigeration system to achieve professional performance without pre-cooling.
    • Another high-performance ice cream maker is the Whynter ICM-200LS Automatic Ice Cream Maker (built-in compressor, no pre-freezing) Incredibly easy to use, you can create delicious gelato in the comfort of your own home. Ideal for entertaining, this high capacity unit makes up to two quarts of your favorite frozen dessert in a single batch.
    • Other types of gelato makers, without a compressor, plan to keep the special container of the machine in the freezer many hours ahead of time to cool the ingredients while mixing them, but its autonomy is quite short. Among these we recommend Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker which in our opinion is inexpensive and practical.
    coffee gelato - 6

    Espresso Coffee Machine

    It goes without saying that a very good creamy and concentrated ("ristretto") espresso coffee is essential for Italian coffee gelato.

    • In Italy, the classic "caffettiera" is still very much in use. It's a unique item that also makes a great gift. The most popular in Italy is this Iconic MOKA Espresso Maker by Bialetti. Have a look even at this Bialetti - Moka Express Italia Collection with 3 colors for Italian flag! And match it with a great ground coffee: Illy Classico Espresso, Medium Roast.
    • Nowadays, however, many people use espresso machines at home, especially when they want to drink a concentrated coffee like the one they get in a Italian bar. There are many of them of excellent Italian manufacture. We suggest some of the best and most popular. One of the best, which makes coffee really similar to that of the bar, is the brand Gaggia , which also makes professional home machines.
    • Very good and a little less expensive is also the brand De Longhi, which makes many small models for those who do not have much space in the kitchen.

    Other Kitchen Tools

    • Making Gelato al Caffè without an ice cream maker: the result will still be good if you follow our recipe well. In this case you will need a gelato container. This is useful in any case even if you don't eat immediately all the gelato, even made with the ice cream maker.
    • Other accessories to serve your homemade gelato can be the tool to make the ice cream scoops or the handy scoops to make sundaes of gelato.

    Instructions

    coffee gelato recipe step 1

    Step 1) - To make Coffee Gelato, you first need to prepare a good strong coffee. Do not sugar it; the coffee should be bitter. Also, the coffee must be ristretto, that means short, concentrated, with an intense flavor.

    WITH ESPRESSO MACHINE: To reach the dose given in the recipe, you need to prepare 3 ristretto coffees with the espresso machine (one ristretto coffee is about 40 ml/2.7 tablespoons).

    WITH MOKA: If using the traditional Moka, use the 3-dose coffee Moka. Press the coffee well and keep the water level just below the valve.

    coffee gelato recipe step 2

    Step 2) - In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar. Beat with a whisk, preferably electric, until the mixture is thick and fluffy.

    coffee gelato recipe step 3

    Step 3) - Meanwhile, pour the milk into a saucepan and bring it almost to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes. The milk must NOT boil.

    If you have a kitchen thermometer you can check that the temperature remains at about 85°C (185°F). If you don't have a thermometer, take care to remove the saucepan from the heat if you see that the milk starts to boil.

    coffee gelato recipe step 4

    Step 4) - Now add the coffee to the hot milk.

    Then transfer the soft cream of eggs and sugar to a saucepan. Finally, slowly pour in the hot milk with coffee while keeping stirring. In this way you are pasteurizing the eggs.

    coffee gelato recipe step 5

    Step 5) - Put it back on the heat and cook for another 5 minutes, without boiling and always stirring

    Then turn off the heat and add the cold heavy cream. Mix really well. The mixture for coffee gelato is ready!

    Now you have a lukewarm mixture. If you have an ice cream maker with a compressor (that cools while churning the gelato), there is no need to cool the mixture further in the refrigerator.

    Now let's see how to make espresso coffee gelato WITH and WITHOUT ice cream maker, so keep reading!

    How to Make Coffee Gelato WITH Ice Cream Maker

    coffee gelato recipe step 6

    Step 6A) - If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and start it. It will take about 40 minutes, depending on the model. After the necessary time, your coffee gelato is ready!

    PLEASE NOTE: The best ice cream maker you can find on the market is the one with a compressor that cools while churning the gelato. This ice cream maker is very similar to the professional ones and is the one we used for this recipe.

    How to Make Coffee Gelato WITHOUT Ice Cream Maker

    If you don't have an ice cream maker, don't worry! We will show you how to make Coffee Gelato without the help of an ice cream maker. It takes longer (5 hours instead of about 40 minutes) and more work, but the result is still outstanding!

    coffee gelato recipe step 7

    Step 6B) - Pour the mixture into an gelato container and place it in the freezer for about 5 hours. Every 30 minutes you need to break up the frozen surface. Then remove from the freezer and mix for about 30 seconds using a hand whisk or an electric whisk on low speed.

    This step is necessary to avoid creating ice crystals in the gelato and to have a creamy result. Of course, this is a slightly more labor-intensive process, but it's worth it!

    And now enjoy your homemade Italian coffee gelato!

    coffee gelato - 5

    YOU MUST ALSO TRY:

    • Lemon Gelato Recipe
    • How to Make Chestnut Gelato
    • Pistachio Gelato Recipe
    • Coffee Granita
    • Coffee Sorbet Recipe

    Storage

    One of the reasons homemade Italian gelato is so good is that it is made with fresh ingredients. Therefore, the storage time is not very long.

    That is why it's advisable to eat your coffee gelato immediately.

    Alternatively, it can be stored in the freezer in gelato containers for a maximum of 2-3 days.

    Since coffee gelato contains a watery part (the coffee), if you leave it in the freezer for too long, crunchy ice crystals will form. So in the end your coffee gelato will not be as good as when you made it.

    TIP: If the coffee gelato is too hard when you take it out of the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving.

    coffee gelato - 2

    Variations and Tips

    Coffee gelato, with its intense coffee flavor, is popular especially among adults who like the typical bitter aftertaste of coffee.

    Finding the perfect recipe for this type of gelato, however, is not easy; much depends on personal taste. Some people like a more intense flavor and some less, some like a sweeter taste and some like a more bitter taste.

    The recipe for coffee gelato that we have showed you is quite mild and suitable for even the youngest. The coffee taste is intense but not too much and sweet just right.

    If you want to get a coffee gelato with a stronger taste and darker color, add instant coffee to the mixture before putting it in the ice cream maker.

    If you want to give it an alcoholic touch, you can add 40 ml (~3 tablespoons) of coffee liqueur.

    coffee gelato - 1

    How to Serve

    Italian coffee ice cream is an excellent dessert, and can also be served to friends and family as a substitute for traditional espresso. Especially on hot and humid days, a good homemade gelato is sure to be appreciated.

    You can decorate the cups with a sprinkling of ground coffee or chocolate chips. Or serve it with crumbly waffles or a dollop of whipped cream.

    Traditionally, coffee gelato is paired with classic flavors such as chocolate gelato, fior di latte, gelato alla crema, and stracciatella gelato. It doesn't pair well with fruit flavors.

    You can make a summer dessert that tastes like tiramisu with coffee gelato.

    In a bowl, alternate layers of coffee ice cream with layers of Savoiardi cookies soaked in coffee. Decorate the top with whipped cream and sprinkle with bitter cocoa.

    coffee gelato - 3

    Recipe Card

    STEP BY STEP PHOTOS ABOVE!Have a look at my step-by-step photo instructions, variations and tips. That way, you can get it perfect the first time you try it!
    coffee gelato recipe

    Authentic Coffee Gelato Recipe

    Silvana Nava
    Coffee gelato (Gelato al caffè) is one of the most popular and classic timeless flavors of Italian gelato. Espresso has a deeply rooted tradition in Italian culture. Drinking an espresso after a meal is almost a ritual for many Italians.
    There are also many traditional Italian desserts made with coffee. For example, the famous Tiramisu, Italian Coffee Cream (Crema al caffè) and the simple but delicious Affogato, just to name a few.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Churning time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 8
    Calories 228 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 egg yolks medium
    • 150 g granulated sugar ¾ cup
    • 250 ml milk 1 cup, whole
    • 250 ml heavy cream 1 cup
    • 120 ml coffee ½ cup, ristretto

    Instructions
     

    • First need to prepare a good strong coffee. Do not sugar it; the coffee should be bitter. Also, the coffee must be ristretto, that means short, concentrated, with an intense flavor.
    • WITH ESPRESSO MACHINE: To reach the dose given in the recipe, you need to prepare 3 ristretto coffees with the espresso machine (one ristretto coffee is about 40 ml/2.7 tablespoons).
    • WITH MOKA: If using the traditional Moka, use the 3-dose coffee Moka. Press the coffee well and keep the water level just below the valve.
    • In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar. Beat with a whisk, preferably electric, until the mixture is thick and fluffy.
    • Meanwhile, pour the milk into a saucepan and bring it almost to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes. The milk must NOT boil. If you have a kitchen thermometer you can check that the temperature remains at about 85°C (185°F). If you don't have a thermometer, take care to remove the saucepan from the heat if you see that the milk starts to boil.
    • Add the coffee to the hot milk.
    • Then transfer the soft cream of eggs and sugar to a saucepan. Finally, slowly pour in the hot milk with coffee while keeping stirring. In this way you are pasteurizing the eggs.
    • Put it back on the heat and cook for another 5 minutes, without boiling and always stirring
    • Then turn off the heat and add the cold heavy cream. Mix really well. The mixture for coffee gelato is ready!

    HOW TO MAKE COFFEE GELATO WITH ICE CREAM MAKER

    • If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and start it. It will take about 40 minutes, depending on the model. After the necessary time, your coffee gelato is ready!

    HOW TO MAKE COFFEE GELATO WITHOUT ICE CREAM MAKER

    • Pour the mixture into an gelato container and place it in the freezer for about 5 hours.
    • Every 30 minutes you need to break up the frozen surface. Then remove from the freezer and mix for about 30 seconds using a hand whisk or an electric whisk on low speed.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 100gCalories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 96mgSugar: 21gVitamin A: 644IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 0.3mg
    Keyword coffee gelato recipe
    Tried this recipe?Mention @recipesfromitaly or tag #recipesfromitaly!

    More Gelato, Sorbets & Semifreddo

    • gianduia gelato recipe
      Gianduia Gelato (Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream)
    • Italian coffee sorbet recipe
      Italian Coffee Sorbet Recipe
    • pumpkin gelato recipe
      Pumpkin Gelato Recipe – Creamy Italian Fall Dessert
    • zabaglione gelato recipe
      Zabaglione Gelato Recipe
    10.3K shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Comments

    1. Steve says

      March 20, 2025 at 2:27 am

      5 stars
      Delicious…….used a little more ristretto……superb.

      Reply
    2. Laura Bundschuh says

      August 25, 2024 at 5:48 am

      5 stars
      I made this tonight and the flavour was amazing, however the texture came out with some ice crystals forming throughout and is overall not as creamy as other gelato I've made. I used a simple spinning ice cream maker. I suppose the water in the espresso could attribute to the texture being less creamy - any way to avoid this?

      Reply
    3. Websister says

      May 30, 2024 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      I made this one month ago for dessert for friends. It was perfect! Just the right amount of coffee flavour paired with the smooth creaminess was a real hit! Making it again today .

      Reply
      • Janice says

        August 04, 2024 at 6:10 pm

        5 stars
        Sorry am I just to assume that milk means cream also

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Barbara & Silvana

    CIAO! Barbara & Silvana here! We are the authors of these amazing Italian recipes. Living in Italy, they are part of our culture, tradition and everyday life. And we want to share them with you all, straight from Italy! Learn more about us! Read our story!

    Italian Summer Recipes

    • shrimp pasta salad with zucchini and lemon
      Shrimp Pasta Salad with Zucchini and Lemon
    • apricot cake recipe with fresh apricots
      Italian Apricot Cake Recipe (with Fresh Apricots)
    • blueberry risotto
      Blueberry Risotto (Italian Risotto with Fresh Blueberries)
    • pasta with ricotta and lemon
      Easy and Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta (Ready in 10 Minutes!)
    See more Italian Summer Recipes →

    Popular Recipes

    • authentic italian tiramisu recipe
      Authentic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
    • authentic carbonara recipe
      Traditional Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
    • authentic italian gelato recipe
      How to Make Authentic Italian Gelato at Home
    • limoncello recipe
      Limoncello Recipe – Make Authentic Italian Limoncello at Home
    See more Popular Recipes →

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • About us
    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 recipesfromitaly.com is a website of the company CIUMBIA S.A.S. - VAT 12138380964 - Milano

    10.3K shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.