Apple Ice Cream
Apple ice cream is a creamy and refreshing dessert that brings the flavor of fresh apples, warm spices, and smooth creaminess into every scoop. This homemade ice cream is a perfect treat to enjoy on a cool day, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness from the apples, enriched by cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s easy to make with just a few basic ingredients, and with the help of an ice cream maker, you’ll have a smooth and velvety dessert in no time!
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker – 1 (required for churning)
- Saucepan: 1 (for cooking apples and the cream mixture)
- Whisk: 1 (for combining ingredients)
- Mixing Bowls: 2 (for apples and ice cream base)
- Measuring spoons & cups (1 set)
- Airtight Container: 1 (for storing ice cream)
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks optional, for custard base
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Place them in a saucepan with the lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat for about 5–8 minutes, until the apples are soft and the mixture becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
Make the Ice Cream Base:
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm.
- If using egg yolks, whisk them in a separate bowl. Gradually pour a little of the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Slowly pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
- Continue cooking over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly, enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Combine the Apples with the Ice Cream Base:
- Once the apple mixture has cooled, fold it into the chilled ice cream base. You can pulse the apples for a smoother texture or leave some chunks for a rustic feel.
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically about 20–30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it firms up to your desired consistency.
Serve:
- Scoop and enjoy! Serve on its own, in a cone, or with toppings such as caramel sauce, nuts, or apple pie.
Notes
- Apple Variety: The type of apple you choose impacts the flavor of your ice cream. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance, while sweeter apples like Fuji will give you a gentler sweetness. Feel free to mix varieties for depth of flavor.
- Vegan Version: For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the heavy cream and whole milk, and use a plant-based sweetener.
- Custard Base: Using egg yolks will give you a richer, creamier ice cream, but you can skip this step for a lighter base.
- Texture Tip: You can blend the apple mixture for a smooth consistency or leave some chunks for extra texture.