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Cinnamon Ice Cream

Cinnamon Ice Cream

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Cinnamon ice cream is a creamy, spiced delight that brings warmth and richness to every bite. Perfect on its own or paired with desserts like apple pie, this custard-based recipe combines toasted cinnamon with velvety cream for a luxurious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (preferably Ceylon for a sweeter flavor)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups heavy cream, divided
  • 6 large egg yolks

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Cinnamon

In a small, dry skillet over low heat, toast the ground cinnamon for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. This step enhances the spice’s flavor.

Step 2: Warm the Milk Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, salt, toasted cinnamon, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat over medium heat while whisking to dissolve the sugar and evenly incorporate the cinnamon. The mixture should be hot but not boiling.

Step 3: Prepare Ice Bath and Strainer

While the milk mixture warms, place a bowl over an ice bath and pour in the remaining cup of heavy cream. Set a fine mesh strainer on top of the bowl.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture to the yolks while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Gradually pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.

Step 5: Thicken the Custard

Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula. The mixture is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and leaves a clean line when you run your finger through it.

Step 6: Strain and Chill

Pour the thickened custard through the strainer into the chilled cream in your prepared bowl. Stir to combine and cool over the ice bath. Once cooled to room temperature, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Churn and Freeze

Process the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions (about 25 minutes). Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Serve scoops in bowls topped with crushed graham crackers or caramel sauce. Pair it with warm desserts like apple pie or peach cobbler for a perfect match.

Tips & Tricks

  • Toasting cinnamon enhances its flavor but avoid overheating as it burns quickly.
  • Temper eggs slowly to prevent scrambling; whisk constantly during this step.
  • Use Ceylon cinnamon for a sweeter, more refined flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. To prevent freezer burn, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping for easier serving.