Ingredients
For the Shake
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (300 g) vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) brewed espresso, cooled
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm note)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks (for topping)
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramelized Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar
Equipment
- Blender
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Culinary torch or oven broiler
- Heatproof shallow dish (for caramelizing sugar)
- Tall glasses for serving
- Straw or spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramelized Sugar Topping:
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine granulated sugar and brown sugar.
- Heat over medium heat (or microwave in 15-second bursts), stirring until the sugars melt into a smooth caramel, about 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour the melted sugar onto a heatproof shallow dish lined with parchment paper, spreading it thinly. Let it cool and harden for 10 minutes.
- Break the hardened caramel into small shards for garnish. Set aside.
- Blend the Shake:
- In a blender, combine milk, vanilla ice cream, cooled espresso, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Blend on medium-high speed until smooth and frothy, about 30–45 seconds. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Prepare the Glasses:
- Optionally, chill the serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes for a frosty effect.
- Pour the shake into tall glasses, filling about 3/4 of the way to leave room for topping.
- Add Whipped Cream:
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream on top of each shake, creating a thick layer.
- Garnish with Caramelized Sugar:
- Sprinkle a few caramel shards over the whipped cream for a crunchy crème brûlée effect.
- Optionally, use a culinary torch to lightly caramelize the whipped cream’s surface for extra flavor (be cautious not to melt the shake).
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve with a straw or spoon, encouraging the drinker to enjoy the caramel shards and whipped cream with each sip.
Tips
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase espresso to 1/3 cup (80 ml), but reduce milk to maintain consistency.
- If you don’t have a culinary torch, place the caramelized sugar under an oven broiler for 10–15 seconds to achieve the brûlée effect (watch closely to avoid burning).
- For a non-caffeinated version, substitute espresso with decaf coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 7 g
Serving Size
- Makes 2 servings (about 12 oz/350 ml each)