This easy brown sugar cinnamon ice cream is a sweet treat that everyone will love! With creamy goodness and a delightful swirl of cinnamon, it’s perfect for cooling down on warm days.
I can’t help but sneak a spoonful while it’s freezing! Just mix, churn, and freeze, and soon you’ll have a yummy dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. Yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives this ice cream its rich flavor. Light brown sugar works great, but dark brown sugar adds an even deeper, molasses-like taste. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar).
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for a rich and creamy texture. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the creaminess will be reduced. Coconut cream is a good dairy-free option too!
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness but feel free to use 2% milk if that’s what you have. For a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk could also work, though the texture may vary slightly.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is the star spice here! If you want to mix things up, try using cinnamon sticks when infusing flavors, or experiment with spices like nutmeg for a different twist.
How Do You Get the Creamiest Ice Cream?
The key to a super creamy ice cream is in the chilling and churning process. Be sure to chill your mixture thoroughly in the fridge—it helps the flavors develop and leads to better texture when churning.
- Chill for at least one hour, or even overnight, for best flavor.
- When churning, don’t overload your ice cream maker. Work in batches if necessary.
- Once churned, freeze the ice cream in an airtight container. The longer it freezes, the creamier it will get!
Keep an eye on it in the freezer; homemade ice cream can become quite hard. If it does, let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving!
Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious brown sugar cinnamon ice cream takes about 10 minutes to prepare and a total of around 4-5 hours to chill and freeze. You’ll spend 1 hour chilling the mixture and about 3-4 hours in the freezer for it to firm up after churning. Perfect for a sunny day or when you need a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisking the Mixture:
Start by getting a medium mixing bowl and adding in the packed brown sugar. Then, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Add the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a whisk, mix everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the mixture is nice and smooth. This is where the magic begins!
2. Chilling the Mixture:
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. If you have the time, letting it sit overnight really helps deepen the flavors.
3. Churning the Ice Cream:
After chilling, it’s time to make ice cream! Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn it. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, and you’ll notice it thickening and becoming soft-serve in texture. Magic in the making!
4. Freezing the Ice Cream:
Now that your ice cream is churned, it’s time to transfer it to an airtight container. Spread it out evenly so it freezes well. Pop it in the freezer and let it sit for at least 3-4 hours to become firm and delicious.
5. Serving Your Ice Cream:
When you’re ready to enjoy your brown sugar cinnamon ice cream, scoop it into cones or bowls. Want to add a little something special? Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top before indulging. Enjoy the creamy, warmly spiced goodness!
FAQ: Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Can I Use Different Sugars in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of sugar. While brown sugar gives a rich flavor, you can substitute it with white sugar or a mix of white sugar and molasses for a similar taste. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No ice cream maker? No problem! Pour your mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it’s fully frozen (about 3-4 hours). This will help achieve a creamy texture without churning!
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2-3 weeks. To re-scoop, you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before you can scoop easily.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Ice Cream?
Definitely! You can mix in nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls of caramel or fudge during the last few minutes of churning for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to add too much, as it might affect the freezing process!
