This easy brown sugar cinnamon ice cream is a creamy treat that combines sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon flavors. It’s perfect for a hot day or any time you crave something cool!
Trust me, making ice cream at home is a fun way to impress your friends. Just mix, freeze, and enjoy! I love topping mine with sprinkles or fresh fruit—who doesn’t like a little extra joy in a bowl? 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture to the ice cream. You could use 2% or skim milk, but the creaminess will be less. I recommend sticking with whole milk or even using almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds sweetness and a nice caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, coconut sugar or maple syrup can work, but remember they will change the overall taste slightly.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice here! For a more intense flavor, consider using Ceylon cinnamon instead of the common Cassia cinnamon. If you don’t have cinnamon on hand, a mix of nutmeg and allspice can provide a nice twist.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient contributes to the ice cream’s creaminess. You might use half-and-half as a substitute, but for less creaminess, opt for a lower-fat option like evaporated milk.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Ice Cream Texture?
The key to a smooth and creamy homemade ice cream is in the chilling and churning process. Here’s what makes it special:
- Make sure your base is completely cooled before churning; this helps incorporate air and results in a creamier texture.
- Churn your mixture in the ice cream maker just until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Over-churning can lead to ice crystals forming.
- Transfer the ice cream to a container and press a piece of parchment paper on the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming while it freezes more solidly.
Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ice cream recipe will take about 15 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 2 hours for chilling in the refrigerator and 4 hours for freezing. So, in total, plan for around 6 hours to make it, but most of that is just waiting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Milk Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling. Once it’s nice and warm, take it off the heat!
2. Cool It Down:
Pour the warm milk mixture into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. This is important because it prevents chilling issues later!
3. Mix in Cream and Flavors:
After the mixture has cooled, stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all together until well combined! You want every scoop to be delicious.
4. Chill the Mixture:
Now it’s time for the fridge! Cover the bowl and chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you have time, chilling overnight will yield even better results!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Feel free to taste it at this point—it’s heavenly!
6. Freeze Until Firm:
Transfer the soft ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Spread it out, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until it’s firm and ready to scoop!
7. Scoop and Enjoy:
When the ice cream is firm, scoop it into waffle cones or bowls and dig in! Enjoy the creamy, cinnamon-spiced goodness. It’s perfect for a warm day or any time you want a sweet treat!
FAQ About Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the brown sugar with white granulated sugar, though the flavor will be less caramel-like. You could also use coconut sugar for a natural alternative, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! You can still make this ice cream without one. After mixing the ingredients, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir it with a fork to break up ice crystals until it reaches your desired texture, usually about 3-4 hours.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Your homemade brown sugar cinnamon ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. To prevent ice crystals, try to minimize air exposure by pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.
Can I Add Mix-Ins Like Nuts or Chocolate?
Yes, definitely! If you’d like to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of caramel, add them in during the last few minutes of churning in the ice cream maker to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
