This creamy apple pie ice cream is like dessert in a bowl! It combines rich vanilla ice cream with sweet apple chunks and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for warm days!
Making this treat means you get to enjoy pie and ice cream at once. Trust me, once you take a bite, you might just forget regular ice cream exists! 😄
I love serving this ice cream with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or even on top of warm pie. It’s a fun way to treat friends and family—and super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples lend a nice tartness, which I find balances the sweetness of the ice cream. Honeycrisp apples are another great option for their crispness. You can switch to any variety you enjoy, but stay away from super soft ones like Red Delicious.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the saltiness. If dairy is a concern, coconut oil can be a good plant-based substitute, just note that it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Ground spices are essential here. If you want to add more depth, consider using fresh grated nutmeg instead of pre-ground. Don’t skip these spices; they are what give this ice cream that cozy apple pie flavor!
Heavy Cream: This is key for creaminess. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but it will be less rich. A non-dairy heavy cream can also work, just check for a suitable brand.
How Do You Make a Creamy Ice Cream Base?
The base is crucial for a smooth texture in homemade ice cream. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by heating the milk and half the sugar, making sure it doesn’t boil. This step dissolves the sugar and warms the base without cooking the egg yolks prematurely.
- When combining the warm milk into the egg yolks, do it slowly while constantly whisking. This is called tempering and it helps to gradually raise the temperature of the yolks without scrambling them.
- Cook the mixture gently until it thickens. Use a wooden spoon to stir; it should take about 10-15 minutes on low heat. You’re looking for a custard that coats the spoon.
Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a beautifully creamy ice cream that sets up well in the freezer. Enjoy your homemade treat! 🍏🍦
Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), 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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 5 large egg yolks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes of active cooking time, plus an additional 8 hours for chilling and freezing. So all in all, set aside a good part of your day for preparation, cooking, and freezing to enjoy this creamy treat at its best!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Apple Pie Filling:
Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until the apples are nice and soft and caramelized. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the apple mixture cool completely.
2. Making the Ice Cream Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and half of the granulated sugar. Heat this over medium until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is warm (but not boiling). In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.
3. Tempering the Eggs:
Now, slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. After that’s combined, pour the whole mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil!
4. Finalizing the Custard:
Once thickened, remove the custard from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and pour it through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. This helps remove any small cooked egg bits. Stir in the heavy cream to add richness and smooth texture. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours until it’s fully cold.
5. Churning the Ice Cream:
Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches the soft-serve consistency.
6. Adding the Apple Pie Filling:
Gently fold the cooled, caramelized apples into the churned ice cream, distributing them evenly. This is what brings that delicious apple pie essence into your ice cream!
7. Freezing the Ice Cream:
Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container and spread it out evenly. Freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it is firm enough to scoop into beautiful bowls or cones.
8. Serving Your Homemade Treat:
Once it’s ready, scoop up your creamy apple pie ice cream into bowls or cones. You can serve it on its own or with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Dive in and enjoy the deliciousness!
This recipe offers you a creamy, cinnamon-spiced ice cream laden with tender apple pie bits—just like you saw in the photo! Enjoy every bite! 🍏🍦
FAQs About Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices for their sweetness and firmness, you can use any variety you prefer. Just keep in mind that apples with a higher moisture content, like Red Delicious, may make the filling too watery.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes, you can! After chilling the custard, pour it into a shallow dish and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a fork to break up the ice crystals until it’s fully frozen and creamy—this usually takes about 3-4 hours.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for the best flavor and texture. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel for extra flavor. Just mix them in right after churning and before the final freeze!
