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    Home » Drinks » Creamy Sweet Coffee Ice Cubes

    Creamy Sweet Coffee Ice Cubes

    May 16, 2024 · by Valentina · 16 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Coffee ice cubes will make any cold coffee drink even better. And these will add a creamy and rich sweetness that's undeniably dreamy.

    Clear drinking glass with several creamy coffee ice cubes in it.

    Ever had an iced coffee that starts to taste watery about halfway thorough, as the ice melts?

    As coffee lovers, we don't like it when that happens. 😉 

    When you add coffee ice cubes to your coffee, the flavor will never become weaker. And when you add sweet and creamy coffee ice cubes, it becomes an iced latte of sorts. A sweet one, that's almost like dessert.

    In a way an ice coffee with these cubes is similar to Red Eye coffee drink (sometimes called Hammerhead), which is brewed coffee with a shot or two of espresso poured on top. A Red Eye made with these coffee or espresso ice cubes is in the same vein, but different because it's served cold, and that you're also adding milk and sugar.

    Jump to:
    • Three Key Ingredients
    • How to Make Them
    • Variations
    • Recipe Tips
    • How long will they last in the freezer?
    • Must-Try Dessert Recipes with Coffee
    • Creamy Sweet Coffee Ice Cube Recipe

    Three Key Ingredients

    Espresso powder in a tablespoon and sprinkled around it on wooden surface.

    (The ingredients are the same for my Creamy Coffee Popsicles, which are also a delectable treat.)

    • instant espresso powder - Espresso powder is made from darkly roasted coffee beans. I use Medaglia D'Oro Instant Espresso. You can almost always find this (or other brands) at a large grocery store. So technically, this recipe is for espresso ice cubes. If you can’t find the instant espresso powder, you can substitute it with instant coffee, but use about 50% more so the flavor is as strong as the espresso powder.
    • sweetened condensed milk - Sweetened condensed milk is cow's milk that has had at least 60% of its water content evaporated, and has sugar added to it. You can substitute it with Cream of Coconut (not coconut cream -- it's different!). You can also add about ¾ cup of granulated sugar to 14 ounces of evaporated milk or full-fat coconut milk. For both, bring the mixture to a strong simmer, then turn the heat to the lowest setting and gently simmer until it's thick, whisking on and off.
    • milk - Whole, low-fat or non-fat.

    (See recipe card below for quantities.)

    How to Make Them

    - In a large pitcher (or bowl), combine espresso powder with sweetened condensed milk and milk. Whisk until smooth.

    Milk whisked with espresso powder in a glass measuring  cup.

    - Fill about about 1 ¾ standard silicone ice cube trays with the coffee mixture. The standard silicone trays usually make 14 (1-ounce) cubes, so this recipe should yield about 2 dozen cubes.

    Green silicone ice cube tray filled with creamy coffee.

    - Freeze them for at least 6 hours, and ideally overnight. 

    Variations

    • I always pour coffee over my coffee ice cubes (never too much coffee!), but you can play around with other drinks. You can make a coffee soda by adding club soda to them. Or really, a coffee cream soda. (Even better!)
    • These ice cubes are fantastic with regular coffee, espresso or cold brew poured over them.
    • I also like experimenting with spices -- a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or nutmeg is delicious!
    • If you want to add vanilla syrup to your drink for a vanilla iced coffee, or caramel for a caramel latte, use less of the sweetened condensed milk when you make the ice so it's not too sweet.
    • Dairy free or vegan option. Use cream of coconut (again, not coconut cream!) with almond or oat milk.
    Clear drinking glass with creamy coffee ice cubes and coffee being poured into it.

    Recipe Tips

    • These coffee ice cubes are on the softer side. Use a silicone ice cube tray for easy removal. It will work in a plastic one, but they might be difficult to release.
    • Also, since they're on the soft side, it's best to cool your coffee completely before pouring it over the ice, at least to room temperature.
    • You will notice lots of tiny bubbles in the creamy coffee mixture, both as you whisk and once it's poured into the ice cube trays. This is okay and most of them will dissipate.

    How long will they last in the freezer?

    Most frozen coffee ice cubes will last for many months in the freezer -- however, they will be best for up to a month, especially with the addition of milk and sugar.

    Must-Try Dessert Recipes with Coffee

    • Espresso Chocolate Sauce
    • Kahlúa Espresso Gelato
    • Kona Coffee Kahlúa Brownies
    • Upside Down Fresh Fig Coffee Cake
    • No-Bake Espresso Ganache Cheesecake

    I love having these sweet and creamy coffee cubes at the ready for a hot day when I want a perfect iced coffee. It's my favorite!

    I hope you love them as much as I do!

    Clear drinking glass with several creamy coffee ice cubes in it.

    Creamy Sweet Coffee Ice Cube Recipe

    Valentina K. Wein
    Coffee ice cubes will make any cold coffee drink even better. They’ll add a creamy and rich sweetness that’s undeniably delicious.
    *Please note that all but 5 minutes of the prep time is inactive, freezing time.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Freezing Time 6 hours hrs
    Total Time 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 93 kcal

    Equipment

    • ice cube trays (silicone is best)
    • whisk

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
    • 1½ cups milk (whole, low-fat or non-fat)
    • 3½ tablespoons instant espresso powder

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium-sized mixing bowl or large pitcher (at least 1 quart), whisk the sweetened condensed milk with the milk and espresso powder.
    • Divide the mixture among between about 1½ standard-sized ice cube trays and freeze until solid, about 6 hours, and ideally overnight.

    NOTES

    Nutritional information only an estimate.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 166mg | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 110IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Keywords best frozen desserts, coffee drinks
    Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marissa

      July 14, 2022 at 9:57 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a fun idea, Valentina! Typical ice cubes really do water down iced coffee drinks and this is the perfect solution. I can also imagine myself just popping a cube in my mouth for an afternoon pick me up, lol!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 19, 2022 at 4:35 pm

        Thanks, Marissa. Oh, I done that, for sure. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    2. angiesrecipes

      July 15, 2022 at 1:54 am

      They are very practical! And would be great for ice lollipops too!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 19, 2022 at 4:35 pm

        Yes, I agree. Thanks, Angie. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    3. Nadira Shaikh

      July 16, 2022 at 1:00 am

      It's So hot and Summer in Dubai nowadays, and these coffee ice cubs will increase the flavour of my Cold Coffee. Thanks for sharing this Such a great recipe.

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 19, 2022 at 5:10 pm

        Thank you, Nadira! Hope you love them -- especially in the heat. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    4. Liz

      July 17, 2022 at 7:41 am

      What a delicious addition to iced coffee! Just what I need on a hot day!!!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 19, 2022 at 4:41 pm

        Exactly. I'm so with you. Thanks, Liz. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    5. Kim Lange

      July 18, 2022 at 5:48 am

      5 stars
      I totally love this idea! I've got to send this recipe to both of my sisters! They love coffee and this frozen treat idea is awesome!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 19, 2022 at 4:42 pm

        Hi Kim! Thanks for sharing my recipe. Hope you (and your sisters!) love them. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    6. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

      July 18, 2022 at 7:17 am

      Brilliant! And yes, watery iced coffee is no fun. I love that these are creamy!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 19, 2022 at 4:54 pm

        Thank you, Jeff. Enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    7. Chef Mimi

      July 19, 2022 at 4:53 am

      Oh my, this is so luscious and decadent! Thank you!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 19, 2022 at 4:54 pm

        Thank YOU, Mimi! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    8. 2pots2cook

      July 20, 2022 at 12:41 am

      5 stars
      Love it! I just cannot imagine a world without coffee so any idea to enjoy it makes me happy! Thanks dear!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 22, 2022 at 10:59 pm

        Thanks, Davorka. I feel the same way about coffee. 100%! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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