Cafe au Lait Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: PT0M Total: 24 h 20 m Intermediate
Cafe au Lait Ice Cream
Cafe au lait is the quintessential New Orleans coffee experience, traditionally made with dark roast coffee and chicory blended with steamed milk. This drink became a cornerstone of Creole morning rituals, especially when paired with beignets at the French Market or enjoyed on gallery-covered balconies. Chicory was added during coffee shortages but became beloved for its distinctive earthy flavor. This ice cream captures the comforting warmth and sophistication of New Orleans coffee culture with vanilla, heavy cream, and strong coffee.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 2 tbsp strong coffee or espresso, cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp chicory coffee (if available)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend, xanthan gum, and salt in pint container.
  2. Blend protein shake (or milk) with cooled coffee, chicory coffee, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
  3. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  4. Process on LITE ICE CREAM setting in your ice cream maker. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why isn't my ice cream setting properly?

A: Make sure you freeze the mixture for the full 24 hours until completely solid before processing. If it's still too soft after processing, refreeze for a few hours before serving.

Q: Can I taste the xanthan gum?

A: No, xanthan gum is flavorless and just helps give the ice cream a smooth, creamy texture. Use the exact amount specified—too much can make it gummy.

Tips and Techniques

Make sure that coffee is good and strong! And if you can find chicory coffee, it’ll give you that authentic New Orleans taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • chicory coffee: regular strong coffee or espresso
  • vanilla protein shake: whole milk or half-and-half
  • monk fruit/erythritol blend: regular sugar

Equipment Needed

  • Ice cream maker with LITE ICE CREAM setting
  • Blender or mixing container
  • Pint-sized freezer-safe container

Historical Context

Cafe au lait is the quintessential New Orleans coffee experience, traditionally made with dark roast coffee and chicory blended with steamed milk. This drink became a cornerstone of Creole morning rituals, especially when paired with beignets at the French Market or enjoyed on gallery-covered balconies. Chicory was added during coffee shortages but became beloved for its distinctive earthy flavor. This ice cream captures the comforting warmth and sophistication of New Orleans coffee culture.