Pumpkin Expresso Ice Cream

This ice cream, without a doubt, is one of the best ice creams I’ve ever made.  It’s super creamy and full of all the flavors you’d expect to find in a pumpkin spice latte.  I love how the espresso and pumpkin both stand out and how the fall spices add subtle background flavors to the ice cream.  You might think that the ice cream would be slightly gritty because of the amount of espresso and spices, but I can assure you it’s not.  If you like pumpkin spice lattes, you will love this ice cream.


Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups half and half or whole milk
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
4 egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin purée

Makes about 1 1/2 qt

Method

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the heavy cream, half and half, espresso powder and spices and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light in color and falls from the beaters in ribbons.
• Remove one cup of liquid from the cream mixture and gradually pour into the egg yolk mixture, beating the entire time, to temper the eggs. Add tempered egg mixture back to the saucepan and whisk well. Add the pumpkin purée and continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the custard has thickened and coats the back of a wooden spoon.
• Transfer the custard to a large mixing bowl, preferably one with a pour spout, and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap against the surface of the custard. Chill for at least two hours, or overnight. Freeze the custard in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Once the ice cream has reached soft serve consistency, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 3-4 hours, or until ice cream has hardened. To make the ice cream easily scoopable, allow it to sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving.