Description
This Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream is a creamy, spiced delight that perfectly blends the comforting warmth of pumpkin pie with the refreshing chill of ice cream. It’s an irresistible treat that captures the essence of autumn in every scoop, reimagined for a delightful frozen experience.
Ingredients
Creamy Base
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 1/2 cups whole milk
Sweeteners & Flavor
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup pumpkin pie filling (pre-spiced and sweetened)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins
6 graham crackers (broken up, or oatmeal cookies)
Instructions
Prepare Your Pumpkin Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, half and half, whole milk, pumpkin pie filling, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure all sugars are dissolved by stirring well. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture completely in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight. A cold base is crucial for optimal churning.
Churning the Creamy Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Once the pumpkin base is thoroughly chilled, pour the entire mixture into your ice cream maker’s frozen bowl. Follow your machine’s specific instructions and churn for about 20-25 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches the consistency of soft-serve. This process incorporates air and prevents large ice crystals, ensuring a smooth texture.
Layering in the Pie Goodness
During the last few minutes of churning, or after transferring the soft-serve consistency ice cream to a freezer-safe container, gently fold in the broken graham crackers or oatmeal cookies. These additions provide a delightful textural contrast, mimicking a pie crust.
Freezing for Ideal Texture
Transfer the soft pumpkin pie ice cream from the ice cream maker into an airtight container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before securing the lid to prevent ice crystal formation. Place the container in the coldest part of your freezer for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing it to firm up to a scoopable consistency.
Notes
For the creamiest ice cream, ensure all your ingredients, especially the base mixture and your ice cream maker’s bowl, are thoroughly chilled. Chill the base for at least 4 hours, or overnight, and freeze your ice cream maker bowl for a full 24 hours. Colder ingredients lead to faster freezing and smaller ice crystals, resulting in a smoother texture.
While pumpkin pie filling is already spiced, if you desire a deeper spice flavor, you can add an extra pinch of ground cinnamon or a tiny dash of freshly grated nutmeg to the base mixture before chilling.
Preventing freezer burn is key to maintaining a smooth texture. Always press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before putting on the lid of your airtight container.
Patience is a virtue when freezing. Allow the ice cream to firm up completely (4-6 hours minimum, or overnight) for the best scoopable texture.
Variations: For a vegan option, substitute dairy products with full-fat canned coconut cream (use only the thick cream, chilled overnight) and a plant-based milk. Check the pumpkin pie filling label for strict vegan requirements. For a no-churn method, whip heavy cream separately, then fold it into the chilled pumpkin mixture with the other ingredients, and freeze without an ice cream maker.
Serving suggestions: Enhance your pumpkin pie ice cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, mini chocolate chips, or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin pie, fall dessert, homemade ice cream, no-churn ice cream, spiced ice cream, autumn treat