This Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream is a sweet treat everyone will love! It’s creamy with a warm hint of cinnamon and rich brown sugar that makes it super special.
You’ll be the star of summer parties with this simple recipe. Just mix, freeze, and scoop—it’s almost too easy! I like to enjoy mine topped with a sprinkle of nuts. Yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This is essential for a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the creaminess will be reduced.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth of flavor with its molasses content. If you don’t have it, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar taste. Alternatively, coconut sugar works well for a healthier option.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives that lovely warm flavor. If you want to change it up a bit, try using cinnamon sticks while heating or even add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
Vanilla Extract: This enhances the overall flavor. You can swap it with pure almond extract for a different twist, but use it sparingly as it’s stronger.
How Do I Ensure My Ice Cream is Smooth and Creamy?
The key to making sure your ice cream has a smooth texture lies in the chilling and churning process. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After cooking the mixture, let it cool slightly before chilling in the fridge. The colder it is when you pour it into the ice cream maker, the creamier it will be.
- Be sure to churn the mixture enough. Refer to your ice cream maker instructions but generally aim for about 20-25 minutes.
- After churning, freeze the ice cream until it’s fully firm. This setting time helps it hold its shape when scooping!
Remember, patience is key! Letting it freeze long enough means you’ll get that perfect scoop. Enjoy your homemade treat!
Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Time Estimate:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator, and then about 4 hours to freeze after churning. So, total, you’re looking at roughly 6 hours to enjoy this sweet treat from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat while stirring continuously. You want it to be hot enough for the sugar to dissolve completely, but be careful not to let it boil!
2. Let It Cool:
Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is warm, remove the saucepan from heat. Allow it to cool for a few minutes at room temperature.
3. Mix in the Cream and Vanilla:
After cooling a bit, stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Chill the Mixture:
Now it’s time to chill! Cover the mixture and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is important for getting the ice cream to the right texture.
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn it, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes until you achieve a soft-serve consistency.
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Spread it out evenly and cover it tightly. Let it freeze for at least 4 hours until it’s firm and ready to scoop.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream is now ready to be enjoyed! Scoop it into waffle cones or bowls, and relish the delicious creamy, cinnamon-spiced flavor with each bite.
This recipe creates a rich, creamy ice cream with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and the deep sweetness of brown sugar—perfect for an easy homemade treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use almond milk or oat milk. Keep in mind that the creaminess might be slightly reduced, but it will still taste delicious! Just ensure you’re using unsweetened varieties for the best flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Make sure to press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming. It should stay fresh for about 2 weeks.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to This Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Stir in extras like crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or cookie pieces during the last few minutes of churning. This is a great way to customize your ice cream and add fun textures to each scoop!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! You can still make this ice cream without a machine. Just pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish, and every 30 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork for about 3-4 hours until it’s frozen and creamy. This helps break up ice crystals for a smoother texture.
