This creamy ice cream is a delightful mix of brown sugar and cinnamon, making it a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug. It’s super easy to whip up at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the ice cream its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the texture will be less creamy.
Whole Milk: Whole milk contributes to a smooth ice cream base. You can substitute with 2% milk, but the ice cream will be slightly less creamy and rich.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well here. Dark brown sugar offers a more robust flavor. If you prefer, you can use granulated sugar, but you’ll miss the deeper taste and caramel notes from the brown sugar.
Ground Cinnamon: This is the star of the show! If you want to kick up the flavor, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or using cinnamon sticks instead for steeping. Just remember to remove them before churning!
How Do I Achieve the Best Creamy Texture?
Getting that perfect creamy texture can be a challenge, but with a few tips, you’ll be set! Here’s what to do:
- Be sure to chill your base mixture thoroughly before churning. A cold mixture leads to a smoother ice cream.
- Churn the ice cream according to your machine’s instructions. Over-churning can lead to an icy texture, so stick to the recommended time.
- Once you transfer the ice cream to a container, cover it well. This prevents ice crystals from forming, keeping it nice and creamy.
Feel free to experiment with the flavors, too! Adding crushed cookies or nuts during the last few minutes of churning can create fun variations. Enjoy your homemade treat!
Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active preparation time. Since the mixture needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, you should plan for a total of around 2 hours and 15 minutes to make it, plus an additional 2-4 hours for freezing to achieve the perfect consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Using a whisk or a spoon, mix everything together until combined. Heat this mixture over medium heat, making sure to stir occasionally. You want to warm it until the sugar is completely dissolved, so that it’s not boiling but is warm enough to mix well.
2. Add Cream and Vanilla:
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed. This will help create that smooth and creamy base for your ice cream.
3. Chill the Mixture:
To ensure the ice cream has a nice texture, let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. You can even chill it overnight if you’d like to prepare it ahead of time. The colder the mix, the better it churns!
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
After the mixture is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You want to churn until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. It should be light and fluffy!
5. Freeze to Firm Up:
Once the ice cream is churned, transfer it into an airtight container. This step is important to preserve its freshness and texture. Pop it in the freezer for an additional 2-4 hours so it can harden and be scoopable.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your sweet treat, scoop the ice cream into cones or bowls. Feel free to add extra toppings like caramel, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy this delicious, creamy, and cinnamon-spiced homemade ice cream!
Can I Use Another Type of Sugar Instead of Brown Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar, but keep in mind that you’ll miss out on the rich, caramel-like flavor that brown sugar provides. If you want a deeper flavor, consider using coconut sugar or a mix of white sugar and molasses.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals, doing this for about 2-4 hours until it reaches the desired consistency.
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Properly stored, it will stay good for about 2-3 weeks. To keep it fresh and prevent ice crystals, be sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Ice Cream?
Definitely! You can fold in your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, or crushed cookies, during the last 5 minutes of churning. Just be careful not to overdo it to maintain the smooth texture of the ice cream!
