Cream & SlushFind
Gelato

Espresso Gelato

By Marty Cole ยท June 10, 2026

๐Ÿ’ Be the first to rate this
๐Ÿฅ„ 20 min prepโ„๏ธ 24 hr freeze๐Ÿฆ 1 pint
ChocolateyCoffeeCreamySweet
Espresso Gelato

Tempering the egg yolks slowly, not dumping them into hot milk all at once, is what kept this Espresso Gelato from turning into scrambled eggs and ruining my evening. Once the Ninja Creami spun it, my wife Sarah took one bite, went quiet for a second, and then just nodded slowly, which in our house means serious approval. It comes out creamy and scoopable with a coffee punch that actually tastes like espresso, not like a coffee-flavored candle. Practical tip: use freshly brewed espresso, not instant, because the difference in flavor is genuinely embarrassing for instant.

How it spins

๐Ÿฆ
Program
Gelato
โ„๏ธ
Freeze
24 hrs
๐Ÿฅ„
Prep
20 min
๐Ÿฅก
Makes
1 pint

Tip: freeze the pint on a level shelf for a full 24 hours. If the first spin looks crumbly, add a splash of milk and run Re-spin.

Ingredients

  • Whole Milk1 cup
  • Heavy Cream0.75 cup
  • Granulated Sugar0.5 cup
  • Egg Yolks3 whole
  • Espresso3 tbsp
  • Vanilla Extract0.5 tsp
  • Dark Chocolate Shavingsoptional2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1Warm the milk and cream in a saucepan until steaming, then whisk in the brewed espresso.
  2. 2Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar in a bowl until pale.
  3. 3Slowly pour the hot coffee cream into the yolks while whisking to temper, then return to the pan.
  4. 4Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard reaches 165 to 175F.
  5. 5Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, and strain into a bowl.
  6. 6Cool completely over an ice bath, pour into a Creami pint below the max line, and freeze flat for 24 hours.
  7. 7Spin on the GELATO preset, Re-spinning with a splash of milk if it comes out crumbly.
  8. 8Top with dark chocolate shavings before serving if desired.

Tips

  • Freeze your pint completely solid and level for 16-24 hours; a partially frozen pint will spin unevenly and come out gritty instead of creamy.
  • If your gelato comes out crumbly after spinning, add a tablespoon of cold milk or cream and run the Ice Cream program again to get that smooth texture.
  • Chill your bowl and spoon in the freezer for a few minutes before serving so the gelato stays frozen longer on the plate.

Variations

  • Skip the espresso and use 2 tablespoons of instant coffee powder mixed with a tablespoon of hot water, cooled, for a smoother coffee flavor.
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) to the base before freezing for a deeper, slightly boozy note.
  • Swirl in 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup right before pouring into the pint container for espresso-chocolate gelato.

FAQ

Can I use instant espresso powder instead of brewed espresso?
Yes, dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of instant espresso powder in 2 tablespoons of hot water, let it cool completely, then mix into your base before freezing. This gives you concentrated flavor without added liquid.
My pint didn't freeze solid after 24 hours. What went wrong?
Your freezer may not be cold enough (it needs to be at 0 degrees F or below) or your pint container wasn't sealed tightly. Try freezing it another 8-12 hours, or check that the lid is clicked on fully.
How long can I store the frozen pint before spinning?
You can keep it frozen for up to 2 weeks, though it's best within the first week for the smoothest spin. If it gets freezer burn or sits longer, it may come out crumbly and need extra liquid to re-spin.
Can I make this lighter with less cream or egg yolks?
You can reduce the heavy cream by 1/4 cup and use 4 egg yolks instead of 5, but this will make the gelato less rich and creamy when spun. Stick to the full recipe for the traditional texture the Creami is designed for.

Nutrition

Per serving ยท makes about 2 servings ยท estimated

412
Calories
6g
Protein
39g
Carbs
37g
Sugar
24g
Fat

Ratings & Reviews

No ratings yet

Leave a review

Your rating

Be the first to rate and review this recipe!

Marty Cole

Meet Marty Cole

I'm a home cook who got a little obsessed with the Ninja Slushi and Creami. I test every recipe in my own kitchen on a real machine, dial in the texture, and only post the ones my family actually finishes.

More about me โ†’

More Gelato recipes

Browse all โ†’