Are you ready for a taste sensation that'll transport you straight to a Spanish fiesta? Forget everything you think you know about ice cream because this Churro Ice Cream recipe is about to redefine your dessert expectations. Imagine the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon, the satisfying crunch of churros, all swirled into a luxuriously smooth and creamy ice cream. Sounds heavenly, right? This easy recipe is perfect for a quick homemade dessert, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to a delicious, healthy-ish indulgence. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Churro Crumble:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Making the Churro Crumble:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don't overmix. The batter will be slightly thick.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each crumble.
- Golden Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the churro crumbles are golden brown and slightly crispy. Let them cool completely.
Making the Ice Cream:
- Chill the Bowl: Place your ice cream maker bowl in the freezer at least 24 hours before you plan to make the ice cream. This is crucial for optimal freezing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the sugar is dissolved.
- Churn it Up: Pour the mixture into your chilled ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Add the Crunch: Once the ice cream is almost fully churned, gently fold in the cooled churro crumbles.
- Freeze for Firmness: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to firm up completely.
Tips for Churro Ice Cream Success:
- Don't Overmix the Churro Batter: Overmixing will result in tough churros. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the churro crumbles are completely cool before adding them to the ice cream; otherwise, they'll melt and make the ice cream watery.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the amount of sugar in the ice cream base.
- Get Creative with Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for a unique flavour profile.
Delicious Variations:
- Chocolate Churro Ice Cream: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the ice cream base for a richer, chocolatey twist.
- Caramel Churro Ice Cream: Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished ice cream for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Nutty Churro Ice Cream: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the churro crumble for added texture and flavour.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and serving size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator online and input your specific ingredients and quantities. However, expect a high calorie and fat content due to the heavy cream and churros. This recipe is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
This Churro Ice Cream recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Its simple yet sophisticated flavor profile, combined with the satisfying crunch of the churro crumble, makes it an unforgettable dessert experience. Enjoy!