Apple Pie Ice Cream

This homemade apple pie ice cream is creamy, sweet, and filled with apple cinnamon, caramel apple flavor, and bits of fresh apples. It's a no-churn ice cream that's simple to make and works as one of the best fall apple desserts. This is an easy, healthy fall dessert that is gluten-free and great for a crowd. Pin this apple ice cream now so you'll always have a cozy fall treat ready to share!
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Why is this the best apple pie ice cream recipe

This sweet and creamy dessert is delicious! Everyone loves ice cream, and most of us love apples, and the combination makes this recipe a big hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, nearly every bite contains chunks of juicy cinnamon apples and caramel sauce, so you can be sure everyone will have a flavor-filled treat.

The ingredients for this easy recipe are readily available, common, and inexpensive. You probably have most of the simple ingredients already in your pantry, and a quick trip to the grocery store will provide the remaining one or two.

This is a simple recipe. Apple pie ice cream has only 9 ingredients to make the best homemade ice cream recipe!

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This is an easy recipe. There are just a couple of easy steps: cook the apples, whip the cream, mix the ice cream, and freeze. That's really all there is to it. You can easily have this ice cream prepped and in the freezer in under 15 minutes. Plus, all you need is a hand-held mixer. No ice cream maker is required!

This fall apple dessert makes just the right amount. One batch yields approximately six servings, making it perfect for most families. If tightly wrapped, homemade ice cream can be stored for at most a couple of weeks, so it helps that this recipe doesn't make a ton of extra. Nothing will go to waste!

What you'll need to make apple ice cream

Equipment

• Saucepan - You'll need to cook the apples to soften them.
• Large bowl - You will need to whip the heavy cream, and this takes quite a bit of bowl space.
• Electric mixer - You need to beat the heavy cream to form stiff peaks twice. You can do this with a whisk if necessary, but it requires considerable time and effort. Better to use a mixer and save yourself the work.
• Ice cream pan - You can also use a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan. If you do that, make sure you wrap your ice cream tightly in plastic wrap before putting it in the freezer.

Ingredients

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See the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all measurements and nutritional information.

• Large apples - You can use any variety, but I prefer a sweeter, cozier flavor, so I pick Honeycrisp or Jonagold. You can also use Granny Smith apples or Pink Lady apples, both of which work well with this ice cream.
• Brown sugar - The molasses in brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth that makes the ice cream taste more like a pie filling than plain white sugar would.
• Cornstarch - This thickens the apple mixture.
• Cinnamon - This pairs perfectly with apples and balances out their tartness.
• Heavy cream - This is the foundation of all no churn ice cream recipes. You can't make this recipe without heavy cream.
• Whole milk - This makes the ice cream smooth and cuts some of the fat from the cream. Without milk, your ice cream would have a greasy texture.
• Vanilla bean paste - I only use vanilla bean paste. It is made with concentrated vanilla extract that is mixed with crushed up vanilla beans. It has a stronger and more rich vanilla flavor than extract does, but if extract is all you have, you can use an equal amount.
• Caramel sauce - Drizzles of caramel sauce add an extra indulgence to the ice cream, and have a gooey sweetness.
• Graham crackers - This ingredient mimics a pie crust. If you are gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or leave them out.

How to make apple pie ice cream

1. Add the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, the cornstarch, and cinnamon to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes. Then, set aside and let cool completely, or at least 15 minutes.
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2. Once the apples are cooled, combine the heavy cream and ½ cup of brown sugar then beat with your electric mixer on high until thick peaks form, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the milk and vanilla bean paste to the heavy cream mixture and beat again until thick, about 2-3 minutes.
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4. Fold in the apples and then pour the mixture into your ice cream pan.
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5. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce on top of the ice cream mixture and then use a knife to swirl it into the ice cream mixture.
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6. Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers on top and drizzle the remaining caramel over the graham cracker crumbs.
7. Place in your freezer for at least 6 hours.
8. Once completely frozen, let the ice cream thaw for about 20 minutes before topping with additional caramel sauce and serving.
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Substitutions & variations

You can use other fruits that are in season, such as peaches or pears, both of which have a softer texture and will need less cooking.

The brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey, but you will lose the richness from the molasses (which is in the brown sugar already), so you may lose some flavor.

Make a variation of spices! Pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice would pair well with this ice cream.

Stir in chunks of baked apple crisp topping or mix in toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds for added crunch.

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Storing leftovers

An ice cream container is ideal for this recipe, because it's airtight and made for the freezer. If you don't have one, use a freezer-safe loaf pan to make the ice cream to start with, and it will work for storing leftovers.

Press a piece of plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the lid. This prevents ice crystals.

If you're not using an airtight container, be sure to wrap the loaf pan tightly in a couple layers of plastic wrap.

The freezer temperature should be at 0°F or colder for better texture.

Homemade ice cream can be stored in an airtight container for as long as 2-3 weeks or in a loaf pan for 1 week. After that, ice crystals will form, the texture will change, and the flavor will dull.

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Check out more delicious no-churn ice cream flavors:

• Black Cherry Ice Cream Recipe
• Cheesecake Ice Cream
• Homemade Oreo Ice Cream Pie
• Cookie Dough Ice Cream
• Red Velvet Ice Cream with Cream Cheese
• Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
• Rocky Road Ice Cream
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
• Pineapple Ice Cream Recipe - Disney Dole Whip
• 13 Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes
• Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream - This one requires a machine.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe with a Machine

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