Coffee Sherbet

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 6

A refreshing coffee-flavored frozen treat with rich cream and bold coffee notes, perfect for coffee lovers and hot days, offering a smooth, creamy texture with invigorating flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
  • 4 teaspoons instant coffee powder
  • dash of salt
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, gelatin, coffee powder, and salt in a saucepan. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cold water.
  2. Stir over low heat until the gelatin dissolves.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Add milk, cream, and vanilla, and mix well.
  5. Pour mixture into a 6-cup refrigerator tray.
  6. Cover and freeze until firm.
  7. Remove from freezer to a chilled mixer bowl.
  8. Break into chunks.
  9. Beat until smooth but still mushy.
  10. Return to the tray, cover, and freeze until firm.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, simply increase the instant coffee powder to taste. Ensure you dissolve the gelatin completely to avoid any lumps in your sherbet. If you want to experiment, try adding a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult twist to this dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve coffee sherbet in chilled bowls for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh berries. For a more substantial treat, consider serving it alongside slices of rich chocolate cake or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for a summer afternoon or after a hearty meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover coffee sherbet in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last for up to two weeks. To enjoy it again, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, or microwave for a few seconds if it’s too hard. This will help restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coffee Sherbet contains roughly 432 calories, with 11g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (61% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.

432 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.5g 21% DV
Total Fat 14.7g 19% DV
Carbs 63.6g 23% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 355.4mg 15% DV
Potassium 2852.1mg 61% DV
Cholesterol 45.3mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 166mcg 18% DV
Vitamin C 1.3mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 3% DV
Calcium 143mg 11% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% DV
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh brewed coffee instead of instant coffee powder?

Yes, you can substitute brewed coffee for instant coffee powder, but you'll need to adjust the sugar and liquid proportion accordingly. Use about 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee and reduce the milk by the same amount. This will enhance the coffee flavor while maintaining the dessert's texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk. For the whipping cream, use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a store-bought non-dairy whipping cream. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of coffee sherbet that everyone can enjoy.

How long does it take for the sherbet to freeze completely?

Generally, it takes about 4-6 hours for the coffee sherbet to freeze completely in a standard home freezer. However, for the best results, you can let it freeze overnight. Just ensure it's covered well to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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