Buttermilk ice cream is perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Mixed with espresso flavor and luscious caramel sauce, this is one delicious frozen treat!

Espresso Buttermilk Ice Cream | The Little Epicurean
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Buttermilk is best known for making tasty waffles, fluffy pancakes and easy doughnuts. But, it also does wonders in a wide array of other foods.

It makes ranch tangy, it’s a perfect marinade for fried chicken, and it makes for delicious buttermilk pies. And now, you know that it makes great ice cream!

Buttermilk Ice Cream

During the hot summer months, it’s normal to crave fresher flavors. Perhaps something a bit more tart or a bit more lively. That’s where ice cream shines!

This buttermilk ice cream is so refreshing. It’s smooth, creamy, and full of flavor.

The combination of tangy buttermilk mixed with sweet milk, earthy espresso, and rich egg yolks creates this alluring ice cream flavor.

For another dimension of flavor, drizzle caramel into the freshly churned ice cream. Any caramel with do, even the store-bought ones found near the ice cream freezers. Pop it in the microwave for a couple seconds to make it liquid and runny before using.

However, if you are feeling adventurous (and have some extra time on your hands), I suggest making this homemade sea salt caramel.

Espresso Buttermilk Ice Cream | The Little Epicurean

What is buttermilk?

Originally, buttermilk was the liquid that remained after butter had been churned. In modern times, buttermilk is made by adding Streptococcus lactis bacteria to nonfat or low-fat milk to create that iconic sweet and tangy flavor profile.

In a pinch, you can make buttermilk by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk.

Despite its name, buttermilk is actually healthier than whole milk. Buttermilk is lower in calories and grams of fat than whole milk.

RELATED RECIPE: Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

Crunch is important! Serve this ice cream with a sprinkling of cacao nibs. If you like super dark chocolate, you’ll love cacao nibs. Nowadays, they are widely available at supermarkets and health food stores, and of course, online.

Espresso buttermilk ice cream may sound like an unusual combination, but it tastes so great together!

I personally use this compressor ice cream machine. It is a little more expensive than other ice cream machines. However, it is worth the price if you make ice cream often.

The compressor machine doesn’t require you to freeze the churning canister ahead of time, unlike most ice cream makers. Simply pour the chilled ice cream mixture into the machine and start churning.

If you make ice cream infrequently, I recommend this simpler ice cream maker. I used this one for several years before upgrading. This version requires the freezer bowl to chill in the freezer for at least 24 hours before use.

More Buttermilk Dessert Recipes

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Espresso Buttermilk Ice Cream with Caramel

Buttermilk isn't just for baked goods. It works magic in ice cream as well! With a little espresso powder and a touch of caramel, this tart and fresh espresso buttermilk ice cream is a delicious sweet treat.
Yield: about 1 quart
Servings: 8
Espresso Buttermilk Ice Cream | The Little Epicurean
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
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Equipment

  • ice cream maker

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cup low-fat buttermilk (reduced-fat)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 4 Tablespoon store-bought caramel sauce, or homemade caramel
  • cacao nibs, for topping
  • additional caramel sauce, for topping

Instructions 

  • Combine heavy cream, buttermilk, and half of sugar in a medium sized sauce pot. Set over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together remaining sugar and egg yolks. Slowly pour the hot liquid mixture over the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to distribute the heat. Mix well, then pour mixture back into sauce pot.
  • Set pot over medium heat. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir the mixture making sure to pay attention to the bottom and sides of the pan as to not burn the yolks. Continue to stir and heat the mixture until it reaches nappe consistency (thickens and coats the back of a spoon), or until it reaches a temperature of 180℉ on a thermometer. Remove from heat and add in espresso powder and salt. Stir until dissolved.
  • Cool mixture over an ice bath.
    *Alternatively, pour mixture into a plastic wrap lined sheet tray. Spread over the sheet tray and cover with plastic wrap. Let cool in the freezer for 5-10 minutes until mixture has cooled to room temperature.
  • Transfer cooled mixture into an airtight container and let mature in the fridge overnight.
  • Freeze mixture in ice cream maker according to your unit's instructions. Once the volume has increased by half and mixture has reached a soft-serve consistency, about 20-25 minutes, turn off machine.
  • Transfer ⅓ of ice cream into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Drizzle a heaping tablespoon of melted caramel sauce over ice cream. Spread another ⅓ of ice cream into container and drizzle with caramel. Add remaining ice cream on top and drizzle with remaining caramel. Cover container and let rest in the freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • Let ice cream sit out for 5 minutes before scooping. Serve with additional caramel sauce and a sprinkling of cacao nibs for crunch.

Notes

Ingredient Notes:
  • Omit espresso powder to make buttermilk ice cream.
  • Heavy cream is also labeled as heavy whipping cream
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. 

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 168mg, Sodium: 286mg, Potassium: 174mg, Sugar: 29g, Vitamin A: 846IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 119mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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12 Comments

  1. Ace (@toastedsprinkle) says:

    Oh I have been meaning to make buttermilk ice cream for ages! Maybe this will finally be the push I need. PS I have the same ice cream dishes! I bought them at a yard sale when I was about 8 for my mom thinking they were vases. Best accidental purchase ever.

    1. Maryanne Cabrera says:

      Aw, that’s so cute! Yes, I agree BEST accidental purchase. Plus, I’d probably choose ice cream over flowers any day!

  2. Raquel @ My California Roots says:

    WOW! That looks so fantastic. I’m so excited it’s ice cream season agan! PS. I love how your little wooden spoond say “spoon” on them. Just in case you forget :)

    1. Maryanne Cabrera says:

      Thanks Raquel! I thought the spoons were so cute, I had to also buy the matching forks. ;)

  3. dina says:

    it looks delicious!

    1. Maryanne Cabrera says:

      Thanks Dina!

  4. Amanda - A Cookie Named Desire says:

    Oh my gosh. I’ve always had a special love for cofee-based ice cream. Even as a young child, I would always request the coffee ice cream. This, with the buttermilk and caramel just sounds absolutely heavenly!

    1. Maryanne Cabrera says:

      Thanks Amanda! I was afraid to coffee ice cream as a kid… for some reason I thought it was only for adults! lol

  5. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says:

    I think I saw this ice cream in my dreams!! Amazing!

    1. Maryanne Cabrera says:

      Thanks Jocelyn! :)

  6. Judy Freedman says:

    OMG! I have an ice cream maker and I think I am going to have to make this ice cream this summer.

    1. Maryanne Cabrera says:

      I hope you do, Judy! It’s a fabulous summertime treat!