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Cinnamon Apple Pie Ice Cream

Ruth M. Moran
Creamy cinnamon ice cream loaded with tender apple pieces and crunchy graham cracker crust bites.
This cozy dessert combines the flavors of apple pie and ice cream in a soft, indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Freezing Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Homemade
Servings 6

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.
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