This Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream is a creamy treat that combines the flavors of sweet apples and warm spices. It’s like dessert and ice cream had a delicious baby!
Making it is a breeze! Just mix up some ice cream base, add in cooked apples and spice, and freeze away. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about this one all summer long! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness. Fuji also works well if you prefer something sweeter! If you’re out of fresh apples, you can use store-bought apple pie filling as a quick substitute.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: I recommend using heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can swap half the heavy cream with half-and-half or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer, you can replace it with coconut sugar or even white sugar, though the taste may vary slightly.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices give classic apple pie flavor. You can add more or less based on your taste. If you adore warm spices, try adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a twist!
How Do I Ensure My Ice Cream is Creamy and Not Icy?
One common challenge when making ice cream is achieving the right creamy texture. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Chill the ice cream base thoroughly; overnight is best. This helps create a smoother texture.
- When churning, don’t overdo it! Stop once it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Over-churning can lead to ice crystals forming.
- Freeze the ice cream in a shallow container to help it firm up more evenly.
Following these steps will help you serve a delicious, creamy apple pie ice cream you’ll love!
Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and cooking, plus chilling time of at least 2 hours (or overnight is best). Then, it takes about 30 minutes to churn the ice cream. Finally, give it about 4 hours to freeze until firm. Total time is around 6 hours, but most of it is hands-off!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Apple Pie Filling:
Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and caramelized, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
2. Make Ice Cream Base:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Apples with Ice Cream Base:
Once the apple mixture has cooled down, stir it into the ice cream base. Make sure the apple pieces and the syrup are evenly distributed throughout the mixture—this will be the flavor magic!
4. Chill Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor blend, chilling it overnight is even better!
5. Churn Ice Cream:
After it’s chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually about 20-30 minutes.
6. Freeze Until Firm:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours or until it is firm and ready to scoop.
7. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones. Experience the delightful combination of creamy texture and the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie in every delicious bite!
This recipe yields a delectable ice cream filled with tender apple chunks and swirls of cinnamon spice—just like classic homemade apple pie! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji apples are great choices, you can use any apple variety you enjoy. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may change the final flavor slightly, so adjust your sugar if needed.
Is There a Dairy-Free Version of This Recipe?
Yes! For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk or any other plant-based milk. Just make sure to choose a non-dairy milk that’s unsweetened for the best results!
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best consumed within two weeks, but it can last up to a month. To re-scoop, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up any ice crystals, and then let it freeze until firm.
