This Latte Ice Cream is a luxurious, creamy treat that perfectly captures the rich, bold flavour of coffee with a smooth, velvety texture. Inspired by the classic café favourite, this homemade ice cream brings together strong espresso, creamy milk, and high-protein yoghurt to create a refreshing dessert that coffee lovers will adore. It’s an innovative way to enjoy your daily caffeine fix, but with a chilled twist, making it perfect for warm days or whenever you fancy a sweet pick-me-up.
What makes this recipe truly special is its balance of indulgence and health-conscious ingredients. By incorporating high-protein yoghurt and chia seeds, it offers added nutritional benefits without compromising on creaminess or taste. The yoghurt lends a subtle tang and boosts protein content, while the chia seeds add fibre and a unique texture that enhances the ice cream’s mouthfeel. The optional use of sugar-free syrup or stevia allows you to tailor sweetness to your liking without adding unnecessary sugars, making it a great choice for those watching their sugar intake.
Whether you have a Ninja Creami, a traditional ice cream maker, or simply want to experiment with making your own frozen desserts, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable and straightforward. It requires minimal equipment and ingredients but yields a sophisticated flavour profile that rivals many store-bought coffee ice creams. The homemade version is free from artificial additives and preservatives, so you can enjoy a clean, wholesome treat anytime.
This Latte Ice Cream is a delightful fusion of dessert and coffee culture, ideal for serving after meals or as a refreshing afternoon indulgence. Its creamy texture and invigorating coffee flavour also make it a fantastic base for toppings like chocolate sauce, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Why You Will Love This Latte Ice Cream
You will love Latte Ice Cream because it masterfully blends the boldness of espresso with the smoothness of dairy and the creamy tang of yoghurt. This combination creates a well-rounded flavour that is both comforting and invigorating. Unlike traditional ice creams that can be overly sweet or heavy, Latte Ice Cream offers a refreshing balance that feels lighter but still indulgent.
Another reason to fall for this recipe is its nutritional boost. Incorporating high-protein yoghurt and chia seeds means you’re adding beneficial nutrients such as protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep you fuller for longer and support digestive health. The chia seeds also contribute a slight crunch and interesting texture that contrast nicely with the smooth ice cream base.
The recipe is highly versatile in terms of sweetness and preparation. If you prefer a sweeter treat, simply add your favourite sugar-free syrup or a touch of stevia. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based yoghurt, making it suitable for a range of dietary preferences.
Additionally, Latte Ice Cream is quick to prepare and doesn’t require complex techniques. Whether you own a Ninja Creami or an ice cream maker, the steps are straightforward and accessible for cooks at any skill level. The result is a creamy, flavourful ice cream that captures the essence of your favourite coffee shop latte in every spoonful.
Don’t forget to also check my Raspberry and Chia Cottage Cheese Ice cream
Equipment You Will Need
To make Latte Ice Cream, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment depending on your chosen method. For those using a Ninja Creami, you’ll need the machine itself along with the specific tubs designed to fit it. These tubs are handy for mixing and freezing the ingredients before processing into ice cream.
If you’re opting for a traditional ice cream maker, ensure you have a model with a churner or paddle for stirring the mixture while it freezes, which prevents large ice crystals and guarantees a smooth texture. Many ice cream makers come with a pre-freezable bowl, so remember to freeze it ahead of time according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A blender is also required if you use the ice cream maker method, as it will help to combine all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the yoghurt and coffee are evenly incorporated for a consistent flavour.
You’ll also need standard kitchen items such as measuring jugs or cups to get your liquids right, a spoon or spatula for mixing, and containers suitable for freezing if you plan to store the ice cream before or after processing.
Finally, for serving, a bowl and a spoon are all you need — but chocolate sauce or other toppings can enhance the presentation and taste.
Ingredients
- 100ml strong black coffee (espresso ideally) (3½ fl oz) – Provides the rich coffee flavour that defines this ice cream.
- 400ml preferred milk (about 14 fl oz) – Use whole, semi-skimmed, or plant-based milk depending on your preference for creaminess and dietary needs.
- 3 tablespoons high-protein yoghurt (about 45g) – Adds creaminess and protein, as well as a slight tang to balance the coffee.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (around 15g) – Contributes texture, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Optional: sugar-free syrup or stevia, to taste – Sweeten the ice cream without added sugars.
Method
Method for Ninja Creami
- Add all ingredients into your Ninja Creami tub and mix thoroughly until combined.
- Freeze the mixture in the tub until fully set.
- Process the frozen mixture in the Ninja Creami using the sorbet setting for a creamy, smooth finish.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, if desired.
Method for Ice Cream Maker
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions until set and creamy.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugars: 4g (varies with added sweeteners)
- Fibre: 3g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Tips for Making This Latte Ice Cream
To make this Latte Ice Cream, use freshly brewed espresso for the best coffee flavour. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works well too, but try to avoid instant coffee, which can taste bitter.
When blending the ingredients, ensure the yoghurt is smooth and free from lumps to achieve a silky ice cream texture. If you prefer a richer ice cream, use whole milk or a creamy plant-based milk alternative like oat milk.
Chia seeds absorb liquid and swell, so allow the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes before freezing if you want a more uniform texture without too many crunchy bits. If you prefer a smoother mouthfeel, you can soak the chia seeds beforehand or blend the mixture longer.
For those who prefer sweeter ice cream, start with a small amount of sugar-free syrup or stevia and adjust to taste. Remember, it’s easier to add more sweetness later than to fix an overly sweet mixture.
When using the Ninja Creami, follow the manufacturer’s freezing instructions carefully to ensure the ice cream sets properly. Overfreezing or underfreezing can affect texture and processing.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings such as shaved dark chocolate, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavour and presentation.
How to Best Serve this Latte Ice Cream
This Latte Ice Cream is perfect served on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce adds a decadent touch, creating a classic mocha flavour combination. You might also consider topping it with crushed biscotti or amaretti biscuits for a delightful crunch.
For a sophisticated twist, serve alongside a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon, or scatter over some toasted coconut flakes. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can add a vibrant contrast in both flavour and colour.
This ice cream also works well as a component in more elaborate desserts. Try serving it with an espresso brownie or alongside an affogato, where hot espresso is poured over the ice cream for an indulgent treat.
If you’re serving this at a gathering, consider offering a selection of toppings such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel sauce to let guests customise their portions.
Customise This Latte Ice Cream
This Latte Ice Cream lends itself well to personalisation. For a vegan version, substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use a plant-based yoghurt. Adjust the coffee strength to your liking, adding more espresso for a bolder flavour or less for a milder coffee note.
To change up the texture, try swapping chia seeds for ground flaxseed or omit them entirely if you prefer a smoother ice cream. If you like your ice cream sweeter, experiment with different natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, but remember this will affect the nutritional content.
You can also add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warming flavour twist. For an extra indulgent treat, swirl in some caramel or chocolate sauce before freezing.
For a caffeine-free alternative, replace the coffee with decaffeinated espresso or a strong brew of rooibos tea, which adds a unique flavour without the stimulant effect.
Don’t forget to also check my Raspberry and Chia Cottage Cheese Ice cream
How to Store this Latte Ice Cream
Store Latte Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. To maintain the best texture, allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
If the ice cream becomes too hard or icy after storage, you can place it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to soften gently, or let it sit out a little longer. Avoid refreezing melted ice cream as this will cause texture degradation.
For longer storage, it’s best to keep the ice cream in shallow containers to speed up freezing and thawing times, which helps preserve creaminess.
Conclusion
Latte Ice Cream is an elegant and refreshing dessert that perfectly captures the essence of your favourite coffeehouse beverage in a cool, creamy form. Its blend of rich espresso, creamy milk, and tangy yoghurt makes it a delightful treat that’s both indulgent and nutritious.
The simplicity of the recipe and the versatility of the ingredients allow you to tailor the ice cream to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or available equipment. Whether you use a Ninja Creami or a traditional ice cream maker, the process is straightforward and rewarding.
This recipe offers an innovative way to enjoy coffee beyond the cup and is perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sweet, chilled treat that’s a little different. Serve it with chocolate sauce or your favourite toppings for a dessert experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
You can see this recipe on instagram: 
Latte Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 100ml strong black coffee (espresso preferred)
- 400ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 3 tbsp high-protein yoghurt (approx. 45g)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (approx. 15g)
- Optional: sugar-free syrup or stevia, to taste
Instructions
Ninja Creami:
- Combine all ingredients in the Creami tub and mix well.
- Freeze until solid.
- Process using the sorbet setting.
- Serve immediately with toppings, if desired.
Ice Cream Maker:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into your ice cream maker and churn per manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve with toppings or freeze until firm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Carbohydrates: 20gProtein: 10g
