Mocha Chip Ice Cream from Friendly's blends smooth, rich coffee-flavored ice cream with crunchy chocolate chips, delivering a refreshing balance of creamy and chocolaty indulgence.
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Freezer-safe container
- Spoon or scoop
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Ensure the instant coffee granules you use are fresh for the most vibrant coffee flavor in your mocha chip ice cream. Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate taste without adding sweetness. Whole milk and heavy cream's fat content are crucial for achieving the ice cream's rich, creamy texture. Temper the egg yolks carefully when mixing to avoid curdling and ensure a smooth custard base. Your homemade Mocha Chip Ice Cream from Friendly's copycat menu will capture the perfect harmony of robust coffee and crunchy chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, instant coffee granules, and cocoa powder; heat over medium until steaming (do not boil).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and thick.
- Gradually whisk hot cream mixture into egg yolk mixture to temper.
- Return mixture to saucepan; cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl; discard solids.
- Cover and chill custard in the refrigerator until completely cold (at least 4 hours or overnight).
- Pour chilled mixture into ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- In the last few minutes of churning, add chocolate chips.
- Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container; freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
- Scoop and serve.
Substitution
Mocha Chip Ice Cream from Friendly's copycat menu can easily be customized if you don't have instant coffee granules by using strong brewed espresso or coffee concentrate instead. When substituting, reduce the milk slightly to maintain the proper texture, ensuring the ice cream remains creamy and smooth. If semisweet chocolate chips are unavailable, chopped dark or milk chocolate works well to provide the same satisfying crunch and chocolate flavor. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk, but be aware that the texture and richness might vary. Your final ice cream mixture should be strained through a fine-mesh sieve before churning to remove any lumps and guarantee a silky consistency.
Tips
Ensure the cream mixture never boils during heating to prevent curdling, maintaining a smooth custard texture. When tempering the egg yolks, add the hot cream slowly while whisking continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs and achieve a silky base. After cooking the custard, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits, which ensures the final ice cream is silky and smooth. For the best texture, chill the custard completely before churning, and add the chocolate chips in the last few minutes of churning to evenly distribute them without melting.
Nutritions
Mocha Chip Ice Cream offers a rich source of calcium and protein from the heavy cream, whole milk, and egg yolks used in the recipe. Instant coffee granules provide antioxidants, while the semisweet chocolate chips contribute iron and magnesium, enhancing the nutritional profile. You should be mindful of the high sugar and fat content, which can affect calorie intake when enjoying this creamy dessert. Moderation is key to balancing indulgence with overall dietary goals.
Storage
Store your Mocha Chip Ice Cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent ice crystal formation. Keep the ice cream at a consistent temperature of 0degF (-18degC) or below to preserve its flavor and quality. Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations by limiting the number of times you open the container.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute instant coffee granules with espresso powder for a more intense coffee flavor or use brewed coffee concentrated by simmering to enhance the coffee notes naturally. Replace semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips depending on your sweetness preference and to add texture variety. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can replace heavy cream and almond milk can substitute whole milk, although texture might be slightly different. Consider tempering the egg yolks carefully and chilling the custard thoroughly to achieve a smooth, creamy ice cream base without icy crystals.
Allergies
Mocha Chip Ice Cream from Friendly's contains common allergens such as dairy (heavy cream, whole milk) and eggs (egg yolks), which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or egg allergies. The presence of chocolate chips may also pose risks for those sensitive to cocoa or possible nut cross-contamination during manufacturing. Always check labels carefully and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions from your dessert choices.
Why this recipe?
Mocha Chip Ice Cream at Friendly's restaurant combines the rich, bold flavor of coffee with crunchy chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance that coffee lovers crave. The smooth, creamy texture enhances the indulgent experience, making each bite satisfying and refreshing. You can recreate this unique blend at home to customize sweetness and intensity, saving money while enjoying a beloved treat anytime. Replicating this popular menu item allows you to savor a premium-quality dessert made to suit your personal taste preferences.