Skip the store-bought ice cream and indulge in this incredibly simple, yet unbelievably delicious homemade apple ice cream! This recipe is perfect for those hot summer days or any time you crave a refreshing and healthy dessert. It's surprisingly quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience the delightful sweetness of apples transformed into a creamy, dreamy ice cream – all from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala recommended), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste, adjust for apple sweetness)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Apples:
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the apples are very soft and easily mashed, about 15-20 minutes. This step creates the base of your delicious apple ice cream.
Step 2: Blend and Cool:
Once the apples are cooked, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Then, using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the apple mixture until completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using). Allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding. This ensures a smoother, better-textured ice cream. You can speed this up by placing the bowl in an ice bath.
Step 3: Incorporate Cream and Milk:
In a separate bowl, gently whisk together the heavy cream and whole milk. Once the apple puree has cooled, gradually whisk the cream mixture into the apple puree. This slow incorporation prevents the mixture from becoming lumpy.
Step 4: Freeze:
Pour the apple ice cream mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid. For a smoother texture, churn the mixture every 30-45 minutes during the initial freezing period. Alternatively, you can use an ice cream maker to achieve a perfectly smooth texture.
Tips for the Best Apple Ice Cream:
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
- Sugar Adjustment: Taste the cooked apples before blending and adjust the sugar accordingly, depending on your preferred sweetness and the sweetness of the apples you used.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Incorporate chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Vegan Apple Ice Cream: Substitute the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk for a delicious vegan version.
- Spiced Apple Ice Cream: Increase the cinnamon, and add other warm spices like cloves or ginger.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients for precise information.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-5g
This easy apple ice cream recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious homemade dessert that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delightful treat as a refreshing summer dessert or a comforting winter indulgence. It's a versatile recipe that offers endless possibilities for customization and experimentation, making it a staple in your collection of best recipes.