This creamy brown sugar cinnamon ice cream is a sweet treat that will make you smile! With rich flavors and a touch of spice, it’s perfect for warm days when you need a cool dessert.
Making this ice cream is a breeze! Just mix your ingredients, chill, and churn. I love how it pairs well with pie or just by itself—who can resist this deliciousness? 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the ice cream will be less creamy.
Brown Sugar: Either light or dark brown sugar works well. Dark brown sugar offers a deeper flavor due to its higher molasses content. You can substitute it with white sugar, but you’d miss out on that lovely caramel note.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that delightful spice. You could also use cinnamon sticks if you want a less intense flavor—just steep them in the milk before mixing.
Whole Milk: Whole milk helps keep the ice cream creamy. If you want a non-dairy option, use coconut milk or almond milk, but this may change the texture slightly.
How Do You Achieve the Creamiest Ice Cream?
The trick to creaminess lies in properly chilling your mixture and the churning process. Here’s how to get it right:
- Ensure your mixer bowl is well-chilled before adding the mixture; this will help it churn faster and create more air, making it creamier.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for a few hours or overnight—the longer, the better! This helps the flavors meld together.
- Churn the mixture according to your ice cream maker’s instructions, and don’t skimp on time. Aim for that soft-serve texture before freezing.
Following these steps will give you a wonderfully creamy brown sugar cinnamon ice cream that’s sure to impress!
Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 2 hours to chill the mixture in the fridge and an additional 4 hours to freeze the ice cream until firm. You will have a delightful treat ready to enjoy in just a few hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
Start by taking a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
2. Add Milk:
Pour in the whole milk and whisk the mixture until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This may take a couple of minutes; don’t rush it, as it’s important for a smooth ice cream texture.
3. Combine with Cream and Vanilla:
Now, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream and the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is nicely combined, and your mixture is creamy.
4. Chill in the Fridge:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let it chill for at least 2 hours, although overnight is even better!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20 to 25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
6. Freeze Until Firm:
Transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. It’s time to freeze it! Leave it in the freezer for at least 4 hours so it can firm up properly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop the delightful brown sugar cinnamon ice cream into cones or bowls. Go ahead and dig in—this rich, sweet treat is sure to be a hit!
This easy homemade ice cream beautifully balances the sweet molasses notes of brown sugar with warm cinnamon spice, creating a creamy and comforting dessert perfect for any season. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
While you can use low-fat milk, it will change the creaminess of the ice cream. For the best texture, whole milk or a higher fat milk alternative is recommended.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
You can store homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For the best texture, consume it within the first week, as it may become icy after longer storage.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals, then let it freeze until firm.
What If I Don’t Have Ground Cinnamon?
You can substitute ground cinnamon with ground nutmeg for a different flavor profile or a blend of spices like pumpkin pie spice, but keep in mind this will alter the traditional taste of the ice cream.
