This easy brown sugar cinnamon ice cream is creamy and has a lovely sweet-spicy flavor. It’s perfect for hot days and only takes a few simple steps!
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a spoonful before it’s even frozen! 🍦 It’s a fun treat to make with the kids, and it’s super simple—just mix, chill, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brown Sugar: This is the star of the show! Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with white sugar, but the taste won’t be as deep. You can also mix brown sugar with a little molasses to mimic the flavor.
Heavy Cream: It gives that luscious, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but keep in mind it may not be as smooth. Coconut cream is a tasty dairy-free alternative!
Whole Milk: This helps balance the cream’s richness. You can use low-fat milk if needed, but it may alter the ice cream’s creaminess. For a non-dairy option, almond or oat milk can work, but again, the texture will change a bit.
Cinnamon: The cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness. If you want something different, you could use nutmeg for a spicier flavor or even pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
Vanilla Extract: This enhances the ice cream’s overall flavor. If you can’t find it, you could use a bit of vanilla bean paste or leave it out, but it definitely adds a nice touch!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture?
Getting that creamy texture is key, especially in homemade ice cream. Start by heating the ingredients just enough to dissolve the sugar—don’t boil! That helps maintain creaminess.
- Once mixed, chill the base thoroughly. Cold mixtures churn better, leading to a smoother ice cream.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a pan, freeze for about an hour, then stir it every 30 minutes until it’s fully frozen. This method prevents large ice crystals, keeping it creamy.
Lastly, be patient during the freezing step. The longer it sits in the freezer (after churning), the firmer and creamier it becomes!
Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream will take about 10 minutes to prepare the mixture, but don’t forget to allow for chilling time of at least 4 hours or overnight. After churning, it will need an additional 2-4 hours in the freezer to firm up. So, total time is about 6 hours (including chilling and freezing) before you can enjoy your delicious creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
Start by combining the brown sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Stir everything together gently until well mixed.
2. Heat the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the mixture heats up, making sure the sugar dissolves completely. You want it to get warm but not boiling, so keep an eye on it!
3. Add Vanilla:
Once the sugar has dissolved and everything is nicely blended, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra burst of flavor!
4. Chill the Mixture:
Let the mixture cool down to room temperature. Then, cover it and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. This step is super important for achieving that creamy texture!
5. Churn the Ice Cream:
After it’s chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to your machine’s instructions, typically around 20-25 minutes. It should reach a soft-serve consistency.
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container and freeze it for an additional 2-4 hours. This will help it get firmer and scoopable!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your ice cream is nice and firm, scoop it into bowls or cones. Enjoy the warm aroma of cinnamon combined with the sweet, buttery flavor of brown sugar in this creamy, delightful treat!
FAQs for Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Can I Use Light Brown Sugar Instead of Dark Brown Sugar?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar! It will give your ice cream a slightly lighter flavor, but it will still be delicious. Just ensure it’s packed well in the measuring cup for the right sweetness.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make ice cream without one. Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it well with a fork to break up the ice crystals, repeating this process until it’s firm and creamy, usually about 2-4 hours.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even pieces of cookie dough during the last few minutes of churning for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure not to overload it so that the base still freezes well!
How Long Does This Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
This ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, as it may become hard after being frozen for a while!
