Cinnamon churros have long been a favorite indulgence, often enjoyed at fairs or street vendors, with their crispy exterior and soft, warm center. But what if you could enjoy the same irresistible flavor in the form of ice cream?
Enter Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream – a creative and indulgent fusion of the crispy cinnamon-sugar churro and the smooth, creamy texture of ice cream.
This dessert gives you the best of both worlds, with each bite offering the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
Whether you’re a churro enthusiast or simply someone with a love for ice cream, this recipe will satisfy your cravings in the most delightful way.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream
If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that brings together two of your favorites, this Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream is the answer. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Irresistible Flavor: The cinnamon-sugar coated churro pieces bring a sweet, spiced flavor that perfectly complements the rich, creamy base of the ice cream. It’s a nostalgic combination that hits all the right notes.
- Crunchy and Creamy: The contrast between the crunchy churro pieces and the smooth ice cream makes every bite a delightful experience. The crispiness of the churros is maintained even when mixed into the frozen treat.
- Versatile and Fun: Whether you serve it as a sundae, on its own in a cone, or paired with chocolate sauce, this ice cream adapts to any occasion and can be dressed up however you like.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet flavor, making Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream at home is simple. With just a few steps and a bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying this indulgent dessert in no time.
What is Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream?
Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream is a decadent dessert that combines the beloved flavor of cinnamon-sugar churros with the smooth creaminess of ice cream.
The ice cream base is made with traditional ingredients like cream, milk, and sugar, but it’s flavored with hints of cinnamon and vanilla to mimic the taste of churros.
The pièce de résistance comes in the form of crispy churro pieces, fried to perfection and then added to the ice cream, adding texture and an extra punch of cinnamon flavor.
This dessert offers a perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and creamy.
The churros maintain a slight crunch even when mixed into the ice cream, providing delightful contrast to the velvety texture of the ice cream base.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream
To create your own batch of this delectable treat, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
The combination of these ingredients will ensure you get the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the cinnamon-coated churro pieces to the creamy, spiced ice cream base.
How to Make the Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream
Making Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream is a fun and rewarding process that involves a few key steps. From preparing the churro dough to churning the ice cream, each part is essential for achieving the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough
To begin, you’ll need to make the churro dough. Start by combining the following dry ingredients: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. In a separate pot, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in 1 cup of water, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Once the butter has melted and the water begins to boil, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring constantly until a dough forms.
Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes before adding in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth, slightly sticky, and easy to pipe.
Step 2: Fry the Churros
Next, heat a pot filled with vegetable oil over medium-high heat to around 350°F (175°C). While the oil heats up, prepare your cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Using a piping bag with a star tip, carefully pipe the churro dough into the hot oil, cutting them into desired lengths (about 4-6 inches). Fry the churros for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the churros from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While they’re still warm, coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that perfect crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Make the Ice Cream Base
For the ice cream base, whisk together 4 large egg yolks and 3/4 cup of sugar in a medium bowl until it’s smooth and pale. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s almost boiling but not quite.
Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove the mixture from the heat and strain it into a clean bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Incorporating the Churros into the Ice Cream
Once your ice cream base is chilled, it’s time to churn it! Pour the base into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning. Once the ice cream is nearly done, crumble the fried churros into bite-sized pieces and add them to the ice cream in the final few minutes of churning, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Freeze and Enjoy
Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Once frozen, your Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream is ready to serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream
While Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream is delicious on its own, there are many ways to elevate its presentation and flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your dessert even more indulgent:
Serve in a Cone or Bowl
For a classic ice cream experience, serve your Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream in a crispy cone or a bowl. The crunchy churro pieces already add texture, so whether you enjoy it in a cone or simply scoop it into a bowl, it’s sure to satisfy.
Create a Sundae
Transform your ice cream into an over-the-top sundae by adding toppings like hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. You can also sprinkle additional cinnamon-sugar over the top for an extra sweet kick.
Pair with Other Desserts
Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream also pairs wonderfully with other desserts. Consider serving it alongside warm chocolate cake, apple pie, or churro waffles for a sweet combination that’s perfect for special occasions.
Top with Fresh Fruit
For a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ice cream, top your bowl with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, bananas, or berries. The slight tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the churros and ice cream.
Garnish with Churro Crumbs
For added texture and a beautiful finish, garnish your ice cream with extra churro crumbs or small churro pieces on top. This will give it an extra crunch and reinforce that churro flavor throughout the dish.
Enjoy your Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream in any of these creative ways and prepare to delight your taste buds with this indulgent treat!
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream
To make sure your Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream is absolutely perfect, here are some helpful tips and fun variations to consider:
Achieve the Right Churro Texture
When making your churro dough, be sure to let it cool slightly before adding the eggs. This ensures that the dough will hold its shape when frying, leading to that crispy exterior we love. Additionally, frying the churros at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) ensures they cook evenly without becoming greasy.
Customize Your Ice Cream Flavor
While cinnamon is the star of this recipe, you can easily experiment with other spices or flavors. Consider adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for a different spice profile. If you enjoy a richer flavor, a swirl of caramel or chocolate could elevate the base and add another layer of indulgence.
Make It Dairy-Free or Vegan
To make this dessert dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream and whole milk for coconut cream and almond milk. For the eggs in the custard, you can try an egg replacer or cornstarch to help thicken the base. The rest of the process remains the same, and you’ll still get a creamy, satisfying treat.
Add Mix-ins for Extra Texture
For a fun twist, mix in additional ingredients such as crushed nuts (like pecans or almonds) or small chocolate chips during the churning process. These add even more crunch and flavor, giving your ice cream a bit of a surprise in every bite.
Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you want to serve this dessert in a fun and novel way, create churro ice cream sandwiches. Use freshly made churros as the “bread” and scoop the cinnamon churro ice cream in between. It’s a delicious handheld treat that’s perfect for parties!
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of churros and ice cream, Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream combines the best of both worlds. The crunchy, sweet churro pieces pair perfectly with the rich, creamy ice cream, creating a dessert experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing treat on a warm day or a decadent dessert to serve at a gathering, this ice cream recipe is sure to impress. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can indulge in this delicious fusion at home and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dessert that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the churros ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the churros ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just make sure to coat them in cinnamon sugar right after frying. When ready to use them in your ice cream, simply crumble or chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Is it necessary to use an ice cream maker for this recipe?
While using an ice cream maker is recommended for achieving the perfect texture, you can also make the ice cream without one. After preparing the custard base, simply place it in a container and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can make a version of this ice cream without eggs. Use a dairy-free ice cream recipe that uses cornstarch or a plant-based substitute to thicken the base. The flavor will still be delicious and creamy!
4. How long will the Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream last in the freezer?
The ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to enjoy it within the first week of making it.
5. Can I use pre-made churros for this recipe?
While homemade churros are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use pre-made churros as a shortcut. Just make sure to coat them in cinnamon sugar after warming them up and chop them into small pieces before adding them to your ice cream.
Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot (for frying churros)
- 1 Ice Cream Maker
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 Piping Bag with Star Tip
- 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer
- 1 Medium Bowl (for egg mixture)
- 1 Shallow Dish (for cinnamon sugar coating)
- 1 Freezer-safe Container (for storing ice cream)
Ingredients
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Churro Dough:
- In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then add 1 cup of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until a dough forms. Let it cool for a few minutes before adding 2 beaten eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Fry the Churros:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Pipe the churro dough into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. While still warm, coat in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
Make the Ice Cream Base:
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until almost boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar. Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the combined mixture to the pot and cook over low heat until thickened.
Chill the Custard Base:
- Strain the custard into a bowl and let it cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the last few minutes, add the fried churro pieces and let them mix into the ice cream.
Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the ice cream in bowls, cones, or as a sundae with extra churro pieces and toppings of your choice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Churros can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Chill the ice cream base thoroughly before churning to achieve the smoothest texture.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the ice cream mixture and stir it every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Customize with toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, or additional cinnamon sugar for extra indulgence.
