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 (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.
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.