If you adore cozy fall flavors and crave something cool and comforting, this Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, spiced pumpkin goodness swirling in every bite, capturing all the warmth of autumn without needing a stove or oven. Whether you’re a longtime fan of pumpkin or dipping your toes into pumpkin spice for the first time, this recipe creates a smooth, velvety treat that feels indulgent and homemade all at once. Get ready to fall in love with pumpkin in a whole new way that’s simply irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic that happens when these ingredients mingle. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that creamy texture, rich flavor, and signature autumn spice profile.
- Pumpkin puree: Provides the vibrant color and earthy sweetness that’s the heart of the ice cream.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and a silky mouthfeel.
- Whole milk: Balances the richness of the cream to keep it light yet satisfying.
- Brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm aromatic notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that classic spice taste pumpkin lovers crave.
- Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that brightens the flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Lends a subtle nutty warmth to the mix.
- Ground cloves: Imparts a hint of bold spice, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates the sweetness and balances the spices perfectly.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Pumpkin and Spices Together
Start by combining your pumpkin puree with brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed and the sugar begins to dissolve for that even sweetness throughout your ice cream.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Ingredients
Once your spiced pumpkin base is smooth, stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until fully combined. This mixture is where the magic happens — the cream and milk enrich the pumpkin’s flavor and create the luscious texture you expect from ice cream.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Cover your bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you can wait. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and will give you a smoother texture when it’s churned later, making this step oh-so-worth-it.
Step 4: Churn Your Ice Cream
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 20 to 25 minutes. Watching the transformation from liquid to creamy frozen delight is always exciting, and soon you’ll be inches away from enjoying your first scoop!
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3 to 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. A little patience here ensures you get the perfect firmness and texture in every bite.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top or add a few toasted pecans for crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scattering of mini chocolate chips can take your Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe to next-level indulgence, making it look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts like apple pie, gingerbread cookies, or even a simple shortbread biscuit. Their warm, spiced flavors complement the cool creaminess, creating a beautiful contrast on your palate that’s pure comfort food bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe in a cinnamon-sugar rimmed glass or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive touch. You can even layer it in parfait glasses with granola and whipped cream for an elegant fall-inspired dessert that will impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, scoop them into an airtight container and press a piece of parchment paper on the surface to prevent ice crystals. Proper storage keeps your Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe tasting fresh for days.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes well for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to thaw it for a few minutes at room temperature before scooping to regain the perfect creamy texture.
Reheating
While ice cream isn’t meant to be reheated, letting it soften slightly at room temperature before serving is always a good idea. This gives you that lovely creamy coil and makes scooping easier without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! While an ice cream maker gives the creamiest texture, you can stir the mixture every 30 minutes as it freezes to mimic churning the ice crystals out. It takes a bit more time and attention but works well in a pinch.
Is there a dairy-free way to enjoy this ice cream?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream and milk for full-fat coconut milk to keep things creamy while making the recipe dairy-free. The coconut adds a subtle richness that complements the pumpkin spices beautifully.
Can I add mix-ins to this Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe?
Definitely! Crushed gingersnap cookies, toasted pecans, or mini chocolate chips are fantastic mix-in options that add texture and extra bursts of flavor at the end of churning or in the last few minutes.
How long should I chill the ice cream base before churning?
At least 2 hours is recommended, but overnight chilling is even better. This resting time helps thicken the base and deepens the flavor, ensuring that every scoop of your Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe is delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze the ice cream a day or two ahead. Just remember to take it out a few minutes before serving for easy scooping and the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe is one of those magical treats that perfectly captures the spirit of fall in every spoonful. It’s creamy, fragrant, and bursting with cozy spices, yet so refreshing that you’ll want to savor it all year long. Share it with friends, enjoy it on a quiet evening, or turn any day into a celebration of autumn’s best flavors. I promise, once you try this recipe, pumpkin ice cream will never be just a seasonal whim again!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe offers a creamy, flavorful frozen dessert perfect for fall. Made with real pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, it delivers rich autumnal flavors balanced with the sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla. Churned in an ice cream maker for a smooth texture and easy to customize with dairy-free alternatives or mix-ins, this homemade pumpkin ice cream is a delightful treat for any pumpkin lover.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- â…› teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Add dairy and vanilla: Pour in the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined into a uniform mixture.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This step ensures the flavors meld together and the base is sufficiently chilled for churning.
- Churn the ice cream: Once chilled, transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20 to 25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze until firm: Spoon the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze it for 3 to 4 hours or until it firms up to your preferred consistency.
- Scoop and serve: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to make serving easier and creamier.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk.
- Add crushed gingersnaps, chopped pecans, or mini chocolate chips at the end of churning for extra texture and flavor.
