This Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream combines the creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream with sweet, spiced apple chunks. It’s like fall in a bowl!
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up. Perfect for those hot days when you want something sweet and breezy. Just grab your ingredients, and let the fun begin! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness and crunch. If you prefer, feel free to swap in Fuji or Braeburn apples, which are also delicious!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the apples. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give that warm apple pie flavor. If you’d like a little twist, try adding a pinch of allspice or even some cardamom for depth.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These are key for a creamy texture. If you’d like a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or use a plant-based cream like coconut cream, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do You Get the Apples Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the apples right is crucial for the best ice cream texture. You want them tender, but still holding shape, so they add a nice bite in the ice cream. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat and let the butter melt before adding your apples.
- Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t stick or burn. You’re looking for a soft and caramelized texture in about 8-10 minutes.
- Let the apples cool completely before adding them to your ice cream base; this prevents the ice cream from melting.
This method gives your ice cream those lovely, warm apple pie tastes without overcooking the apples. Happy making!
Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spiced Apples:
- 2 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the apples and ice cream base, plus about 20-25 minutes to churn in an ice cream maker. Finally, you’ll need to freeze the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it set properly. In total, plan on around 5 hours for prep and freezing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spiced Apples:
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add in the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook everything together for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to be tender and caramelized. When done, remove them from heat and set aside to cool completely.
2. Make the Ice Cream Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to stir everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will ensure your ice cream base is smooth and sweet!
3. Churn the Ice Cream:
Next, pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, usually churning for about 20-25 minutes until the mixture becomes a soft-serve consistency.
4. Add the Apples:
During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the cooled spiced apple mixture into the ice cream. This way, the apple chunks will be evenly distributed throughout your ice cream, giving every bite that delicious apple pie flavor!
5. Freeze to Firm Up:
Once you’ve added the apples, transfer the softened ice cream into an airtight container. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to firm up properly. This is the hardest part, waiting for the ice cream to set!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready, scoop the homemade apple pie ice cream into bowls or cones. Serve it up and get ready for smiles all around! Enjoy the delightful flavors of apple pie in creamy ice cream form—perfect for any season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any apples you love. Fuji, Braeburn, or even Gala apples can work well. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may change the flavor slightly.
How Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make this ice cream by pouring the mixture into a shallow container and placing it in the freezer. Stir every 30-45 minutes for about 3-4 hours until it reaches your desired consistency.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftover apple pie ice cream in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the freezer. For the best texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to make it easier to scoop.
