Boil Milk: In a pot, mix milk with instant coffee, vanilla extract and half the sugar, and heat until almost boiling.
1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon instant coffee, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 1/2 tablespoons sugar
Prep Yolks: Whisk yolks in a bowl, then mix in cornstarch and the remaining sugar.
2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Temper Eggs: Gradually add a few tablespoons of hot milk to the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Repeat until all milk is incorporated.
Thicken Cream: Return mixture to the pot and cook on low/medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and bubbles (2-4 minutes).
Off Heat Whisking: Once thick, remove from heat and whisk for another minute.
Add Butter: Stir butter into the mixture until melted and integrated.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Taste and Adjust: Taste the cream and add more sugar or vanilla if needed.
Chill: Cover with plastic wrap touching the cream's surface to avoid crust formation. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate.