This Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream will make your taste buds dance! It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with delicious apple pie flavors. Think warm apples, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg all in one scoop.
Making this treat is as fun as eating it! Just mix everything and churn it up. I love to top it with extra apple bits and a dash of caramel sauce. Who can resist that? 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Utilize Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness. You can also experiment with Honeycrisp or Braeburn. If you’re short on fresh apples, canned apple pie filling can work in a pinch!
Butter: Unsalted is recommended for precise flavor control. However, if you’re out, feel free to use salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe a little.
Cream: Heavy cream gives that rich, smooth texture. If you’re looking to cut calories, you could use half-and-half, but the texture will be less creamy. Alternatively, coconut cream can provide a dairy-free option.
Graham crackers: These add delightful crunch. You can swap them with crushed cookies, like vanilla wafers or even a crushed pie crust for a pure pie feel!
How Do I Get the Apples Just Right?
Getting those apples cooked to perfection makes a huge difference. You want them tender but still slightly firm so they hold their shape. Here’s how to ensure the best results:
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat and melt the butter before adding the apples and spices.
- Keep an eye on them; cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Test them by tasting—stop cooking when they’re just soft.
- Let them cool completely before adding to your ice cream; this prevents melting your base!
Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (such as 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
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers or pie crust pieces for texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ice cream recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation. You’ll also need to chill the mixture for 1-2 hours (or overnight for the best results) and freeze it for at least 4 hours after churning. In total, you can expect to spend about 5-6 hours including chilling and freezing time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Apples:
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender but still maintain some firmness. Remove from the heat and allow the apple mixture to cool completely.
2. Mix the Ice Cream Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until the sugar fully dissolves. Next, stir in the heavy cream until everything is well mixed and creamy.
3. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the ice cream base and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours. If you can let it chill overnight, the flavor will be even better!
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
Once your mixture is nicely chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and churn until you reach a soft-serve consistency, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
5. Add the Cooked Apples:
During the last few minutes of churning, gently add the cooled cooked apples (and the crushed graham crackers or pie crust pieces if you’re using them) to the mixture. This will give your ice cream a delightful texture and flavor.
6. Freeze and Serve:
Transfer the ice cream into an airtight container and freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it firms up completely. When you’re ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping. Enjoy scooping your delicious homemade apple pie ice cream into bowls or cones!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Absolutely! While this recipe is focused on apples, you can try using pears or even a mix of fruits like peaches or cherries. Just adjust the spices accordingly to complement the fruit’s natural flavors.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to press a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container to help prevent ice crystals from forming.
Can I Make This Recipe Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this for about 2-3 hours until it’s creamy and frozen.
How Can I Make This Ice Cream Vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, almond milk instead of whole milk, and coconut oil instead of butter. Ensure that the sugar is also vegan-friendly!
