Ice Cream Mexicana

Prep: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

A delicious Mexican-inspired ice cream dessert featuring Kahlua, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream, perfect for a quick treat or special occasion with rich coffee liqueur flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. Kahlua
  • 3 oz. milk
  • 1 pt. vanilla ice cream
  • 4 Tbsp. whipped cream or Cool Whip
  • 4 maraschino cherries

Instructions

  1. In a small pitcher, mix Kahlua and milk.
  2. In four cold glass dishes, scoop one-quarter of vanilla ice cream into each dish.
  3. Pour one-quarter of the Kahlua and milk mixture over each serving.
  4. Top each with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a higher quality Kahlua or experiment with other coffee liqueurs. If you want a lighter option, substitute the regular milk with almond or coconut milk. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on the whipped cream. This dessert is perfect for warm evenings and is a delightful ending to a meal featuring Mexican recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ice Cream Mexicana as a delightful dessert after a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Sizzling Salsa Dip or Red Cheese Enchiladas for a complete Mexican-themed dinner. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with crushed nuts or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to enhance the flavors. This treat is also great for summer gatherings and celebrations.

Storage & Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator without the whipped cream and cherries on top. To keep the ice cream from melting too much, cover it with plastic wrap. It can be stored for up to a day. Just reassemble the dish with fresh toppings before serving again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ice Cream Mexicana contains roughly 764 calories, with 14g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 538mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

764 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.5g 27% DV
Total Fat 15.8g 20% DV
Carbs 148.8g 54% DV
Fiber 10.6g 38% DV
Sugar 78g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 537.7mg 23% DV
Potassium 319.9mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 30.8mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 341.7mcg 38% DV
Vitamin C 15.4mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 1.7mcg 9% DV
Calcium 543mg 42% DV
Iron 6.2mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
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 a different flavor of ice cream?

Absolutely! While vanilla ice cream is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like coffee or chocolate for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the liqueur will dominate, so choose a complementary ice cream to balance the taste.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?

Yes! To make a non-alcoholic version, replace Kahlua with a coffee-flavored syrup or a mix of brewed coffee and chocolate syrup. This will give you a similar flavor profile without the alcohol, making it suitable for all ages.

How can I make this dessert more festive?

To make Ice Cream Mexicana more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top. You can also serve it in decorative glassware or layer the ice cream with different flavors for a beautiful presentation. Adding seasonal fruits like strawberries or raspberries can also elevate the look and taste.

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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