This simple brown sugar cinnamon ice cream is creamy and sweet with a hint of spice. It’s perfect for warm days or whenever you need a treat!
Honestly, this ice cream is so good that I can’t help but go back for seconds (okay, sometimes thirds!). It’s easy to whip up and oh-so-delicious.
I love serving it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top—it adds an extra touch of yum! Plus, you don’t need an ice cream maker; just mix, freeze, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy cream: This ingredient gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you could use half-and-half instead, but the ice cream may not be as creamy.
Whole milk: Whole milk adds creaminess too. You can substitute it with 2% milk, but the ice cream may become a bit icy and less creamy.
Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar is essential for its deep flavor. You can use white sugar in a pinch, but it won’t have that rich taste. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar.
Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon gives a warm flavor. If you like it spicy, you can add a little more! For a twist, consider using cardamom or nutmeg.
How Do I Ensure My Ice Cream Is Creamy and Smooth?
A big part of making sure your ice cream has that perfect creamy consistency is in the mixing and freezing. Here are some tips:
- Heat the cream and milk gently to dissolve the sugar fully.
- Chill the mixture completely before churning. This helps it freeze better.
- Don’t over-churn in the ice cream maker; just until it reaches soft-serve texture.
- After churning, freeze it for at least 4 hours to firm it up.
These steps will help you end up with a delicious batch of ice cream that’s smooth and delightful!
Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy ice cream recipe will take about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. You’ll need an additional 2 hours in the fridge to chill the mixture and at least 4 hours in the freezer for it to firm up. So overall, just a little planning ahead is needed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Add the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. It’s best to whisk everything together to combine the ingredients well.
2. Heat the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently. You want to warm it up until the brown sugar has fully dissolved, which will take about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil!
3. Add the Vanilla:
Once the mixture is warm and sugar is dissolved, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract to add that lovely aroma and flavor.
4. Chill the Mixture:
Let the mixture cool to room temperature first—this is important! Once it’s cool, cover it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best results) until it’s thoroughly chilled.
5. Churn Your Ice Cream:
Once chilled, take the mixture out of the fridge and pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow your machine’s instructions and churn for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. So exciting!
6. Freeze Until Firm:
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours to let it firm up perfectly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to indulge, scoop your creamy brown sugar cinnamon ice cream into cones or bowls. Don’t forget to enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and cinnamon with every scoop!
There you have it! An easy and delicious homemade ice cream that’s a total treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk, but keep in mind that the ice cream may be less creamy. For the best results, use whole milk or a combination of whole milk and half-and-half if you want to lower calories while maintaining some creaminess.
How Long Will 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. However, for the best flavor and texture, try to enjoy it within the first week!
Can I Add Mix-Ins Like Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even cookie pieces during the last few minutes of churning for extra flavor and texture.
What Should I Do if My Ice Cream Is Too Hard After Freezing?
If your ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will soften it up just enough to make serving easier!
