Indulge in the cozy flavors of homemade Cinnamon Apple Pie Ice Cream, a creamy, spiced treat packed with tender apples and crunchy graham cracker pieces.
This dessert offers a satisfying balance of healthy fats from cream, natural sweetness from fruit, and fiber from apples, making it a comforting yet slightly nutritious choice.
Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for everyday indulgence or meal-prep friendly dessert options.
Cinnamon Apple Pie Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Ice cream maker (2-quart recommended)
- 1 Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup Biscoff spread
- 2 egg yolks whisked
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
For the Apple Mix-In:
- 2 large apples peeled and diced into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ 6- ounce graham cracker pie crust broken into pieces (or use cooked pie crust)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: Start by combining 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of whole milk, and 1 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. As the mixture begins to warm, you’ll notice it becoming slightly thickened and fragrant. Once it starts to gently simmer, add ½ cup of Biscoff spread. Stir continuously until the spread melts fully into the creamy mixture, creating a smooth, spiced base.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks until they are smooth and slightly frothy. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once combined, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture, stirring rapidly to fully incorporate. Add the remaining ¾ cup heavy cream and ½ cup milk to the mixture and stir until perfectly smooth.
- Add Flavoring and Chill the Base: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. These ingredients enhance the warm, comforting flavor of your ice cream. Cover the mixture and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow it to cool completely, ideally for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling the base ensures a smoother texture during churning.
- Sauté the Apples: While the ice cream base chills, prepare the apple mix-in. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly bubbling, add 2 peeled and diced large apples. Sauté the apples until they start to soften and release their natural juices, about 5–6 minutes. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Continue cooking on low heat for another 2–3 minutes until the apples are tender, lightly caramelized, and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow the apples to cool completely before adding them to the ice cream.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: While the apples are cooling, set up your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the bowl is properly frozen if required, and the machine is clean and ready for churning. Having a chilled ice cream base and prepared ice cream maker ensures smooth, creamy ice cream with no icy texture.
- Churn the Ice Cream Base: Pour the fully chilled ice cream base (do not add the apples yet) into the ice cream maker. Turn on the machine and allow it to churn according to your manufacturer’s instructions. The base will slowly thicken and take on a creamy, airy texture as air incorporates into the mixture. Churning typically takes about 20–25 minutes in a 2-quart machine.
- Add Apples and Graham Cracker Pieces: About 2–3 minutes before the end of the churn cycle, gently fold in the sautéed, cooled apple pieces and ½ of a 6-ounce graham cracker pie crust broken into bite-sized pieces. Allow the ice cream maker to incorporate these mix-ins evenly throughout the base. This step ensures every bite contains the perfect combination of creamy ice cream, tender apple bits, and crunchy crust pieces.
- Freeze for Firm Texture: Once the ice cream reaches a soft, thick consistency, you can enjoy it immediately for a creamy, soft-serve style treat. For a firmer, scoopable texture, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.This allows the flavors to meld and the ice cream to fully set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the warm cinnamon aroma, tender apple pieces, and crunchy crust bites in every spoonful. Optionally, you can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra crushed graham crackers for added texture. This dessert is perfect for everyday indulgence, entertaining, or a cozy night in.
Notes
- Use small diced apples to avoid icy chunks in the ice cream.
- Biscoff spread can be substituted with peanut butter or cookie butter for a different flavor profile.
- Graham cracker crust pieces can be replaced with pre-baked pie crust pieces if preferred.
- For softer ice cream, enjoy immediately after churning. For firmer texture, freeze overnight.
- Ensure the ice cream base is fully chilled before churning to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste; more can enhance the warm spiced flavor.
- Keep the apples slightly firm while cooking—they will continue softening in the ice cream.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Creaminess
The key to creamy, luxurious ice cream lies in proper chilling and tempering.
Always ensure the ice cream base is fully cooled before churning, as a warm mixture can lead to icy or grainy textures.
When adding the eggs, temper them carefully by slowly incorporating some of the warm cream into the yolks before combining everything.
This prevents curdling and creates a silky, smooth consistency.
For best results, sauté the apples just until tender; overcooked apples can become mushy and disrupt the texture contrast with the crunchy crust pieces.
Lastly, using small, evenly-sized ingredients ensures every bite is balanced and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
Cinnamon Apple Pie Ice Cream is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of desserts and toppings.
Serve it in a bowl with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Add a drizzle of caramel or a handful of toasted pecans for extra richness and texture.
For a fun twist, layer it in a waffle cone or alongside warm apple pie for a classic apple pie à la mode.
It also works beautifully as a dessert for gatherings—simply scoop into small cups for easy portioning at parties or holiday meals.
Storage Tips For Longevity
To preserve the perfect flavor and texture, store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer.
Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the lid; this prevents ice crystals from forming.
The ice cream will remain fresh and scoopable for up to 2 weeks.
For easier serving, remove the container from the freezer 5–10 minutes before scooping.
Avoid frequent temperature changes, as repeated thawing and refreezing can affect the creaminess and overall texture of the dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of apples?
Yes! Sweet and slightly tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best. Avoid very soft apples like McIntosh, as they can become mushy during cooking and alter the texture of the ice cream.
2. Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely. Pour the chilled ice cream base into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for the first 2–3 hours to break up ice crystals. Fold in the apples and graham crackers halfway through.
While the texture may be slightly less creamy, it will still taste delicious.
3. Can I make this ice cream ahead of time?
Yes! This ice cream can be made a day or two in advance. Prepare the base, sauté the apples, and churn or freeze as directed. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties or special occasions.
4. Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
You can replace heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk or other plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be creamy and flavorful.
5. How do I prevent the ice cream from getting icy?
Ensure the ice cream base is fully chilled before churning, and fold in small, evenly-sized apple pieces. Cover the ice cream surface directly with parchment or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals.
Additionally, avoid frequent thawing and refreezing, as this can compromise creaminess.
