This creamy apple pie ice cream brings together sweet apples and warm spices for a delicious treat. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🍏🍦
Making this ice cream is super fun! Just mix the ingredients, freeze, and enjoy. I love topping mine with extra caramel for that perfect crunch. Who can say no to apple pie, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. If you prefer sweeter ice cream, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well too. You can even mix different varieties for extra flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here, as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil can be a great substitute for cooking the apples.
Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar adds more depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, use light brown sugar or even granulated sugar in a pinch. Just note that it will be less rich.
Nuts: I love adding walnuts for crunch, but you can skip them if you have nut allergies or don’t like nuts. Heartier oats or cookie crumbles could also give a lovely texture!
Heavy cream & Whole milk: Keep it rich with heavy cream and whole milk. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond milk, though the texture may change a bit.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Apples for Ice Cream?
Cooking the apples is crucial for developing flavor. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with medium heat in a large skillet, and melt the butter.
- Add in the diced apples along with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir regularly.
- Cook until the apples are soft and a nice caramel color, around 8-10 minutes. Be patient—this step is where the delicious taste comes from!
- Let your filling cool before adding it to the ice cream to avoid melting the base.
This method brings out a beautiful sweetness and a hint of spice, making it the star of your apple pie ice cream!
Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples (such as 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
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Time Needed
This delicious apple pie ice cream takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 4 hours for freezing time. So, in just a short while, you can be scooping up this yummy treat!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes until the apples are tender and have caramelized nicely. Once cooked, remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
2. Toast the Nuts (If Using)
While the apples cool, toast the walnuts or pecans. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped nuts, and toast them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re nice and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning! Once they’re toasted, set them aside to cool.
3. Make the Ice Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates the creamy base for your ice cream!
4. Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, and you want it to reach a soft-serve consistency.
5. Add Apple Pie Filling and Nuts
During the last few minutes of churning, add the cooled caramelized apple mixture and the toasted nuts (if using) into the ice cream maker. This will help mix the apples and nuts evenly throughout the ice cream.
6. Freeze
Once the ice cream has finished churning, transfer it to an airtight container. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream. Freeze it for at least 4 hours or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
7. Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and savor the delicious flavors of apple pie in this creamy dessert! You can also drizzle it with caramel sauce for an extra treat!
This homemade apple pie ice cream is a delightful combination of tender spiced apples and crunchy nuts swirled together in a creamy and comforting cinnamon-spiced base. Perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Apple Pie Ice Cream Recipe
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. Mixing different varieties can also enhance the taste and texture of your ice cream!
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing. It should stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks!
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! To make this ice cream without a machine, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up any ice crystals until it’s fully frozen and creamy!
How Can I Customize the Flavor?
You can easily customize the flavors! Add extra spices like ginger or cardamom, fold in some caramel or butterscotch sauce, or even mix in chocolate chips for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless!
