This creamy brown sugar cinnamon ice cream is a delightful treat! With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a sweet and cozy flavor perfect for any day.
I love how easy this ice cream is to make—no fancy machines needed! Just mix, freeze, and scoop! It’s an instant favorite for those lazy afternoons. Yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but know it might be less creamy.
Whole Milk: Milk helps balance the richness of the cream. You can use 2% milk instead if that’s what you have on hand, but avoid skim for the best flavor.
Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep sweetness and caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar, but the flavor won’t be quite the same; adding a little molasses can help mimic the brown sugar taste.
Ground Cinnamon: This gives your ice cream a warm spice note. If you’re a fan of other spices, try adding a bit of nutmeg or allspice for a different twist!
Vanilla Extract: Always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use imitation vanilla, but the flavor will be less robust.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Texture in Your Ice Cream?
The trick to creamy ice cream starts with your base mixture. Heating the cream and milk helps dissolve the sugar, which is key. Just remember, don’t let the mixture boil! After heating, allowing it to cool before refrigerating enhances the flavors.
- Make sure the mixture is cool before churning; this helps it freeze evenly.
- Churn it until soft-serve consistency, then let it harden in the freezer. This two-step freezing really impacts creaminess!
- Don’t skip on chilling the mixture for at least 2 hours; it’s important for a smooth texture.
Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Total Time Required:
This delicious ice cream recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time in the fridge. After that, you’ll need around 20-25 minutes for churning, and then it will need at least 4 hours to freeze until firm. So, clear your schedule for a total of about 6-8 hours for the perfect scoop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Mixture:
Start by pouring the heavy cream, whole milk, and packed brown sugar into a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Gently stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves fully and the mixture feels warm, but remember, don’t let it boil! We just want it warm enough to blend everything smoothly.
2. Add Flavorings:
Once your mixture is warm and smooth, take it off the heat. Now, add in the ground cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature. This is important to ensure the ice cream has a nice texture later!
3. Chill the Mixture:
After it’s cooled, cover the saucepan or transfer the mixture to a container that you can seal. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or you can leave it overnight. The longer you chill it, the better the flavors will develop!
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
Now the fun part! Once your mixture is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn, usually for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches a smooth, soft-serve consistency.
5. Freeze Until Firm:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover it tightly. Pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your homemade brown sugar cinnamon ice cream is ready to be served! Scoop it into cones or bowls, and enjoy the creamy, cinnamon-spiced treat. You can even top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Half-and-Half Instead of Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version! However, keep in mind that using only half-and-half will result in a less creamy texture compared to heavy cream. For the best results, try to stick with heavy cream if you can!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make this ice cream. After chilling the mixture, pour it into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals, repeating this for about 3-4 hours until it reaches a creamy consistency!
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To keep it fresh and prevent freezer burn, you can place a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the ice cream before sealing the container. It will stay good for about 2-3 weeks!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to This Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in fun extras like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or nuts once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency during the churning process. Just make sure not to add too many, as they can affect the texture!
