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As autumn rolls in, there’s no denying the charm of pumpkin spice.
It’s the flavor that marks the transition into sweater weather, cozy nights, and the harvest season.
This Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream recipe is the perfect treat to bring the beloved fall spice into a creamy, cold dessert.
Imagine a scoop of velvety smooth ice cream, with a warm, spiced pumpkin flavor that dances on your taste buds.
Whether you’re enjoying it after a hearty fall meal, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, this ice cream is a seasonal favorite that brings comfort with every bite.
It’s also the perfect dessert to make ahead for your Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
To achieve the best pumpkin spice ice cream, you’ll need a blend of simple, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this recipe:
Essential Ingredients
- Pumpkin Puree: The heart of this ice cream. Choose 100% pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream: A rich base that ensures your ice cream has a smooth, creamy texture.
- Whole Milk: Adds a lighter consistency without sacrificing creaminess.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference.
- Egg Yolks: These help create a custard base, making the ice cream rich and silky.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the pumpkin flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and highlight the other flavors.
These ingredients work together to create a dessert that’s both rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and sweetness.
Equipment Needed
While making ice cream from scratch requires a bit of effort, having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:
Ice Cream Maker
An ice cream maker is essential for churning your mixture into a smooth, scoopable consistency.
If you don’t have one, don’t worry—there are alternative methods for making ice cream without an ice cream maker (we’ll cover those later).
Mixing Bowls
You’ll need several mixing bowls to separate the ingredients for your custard base, as well as for combining the pumpkin and spices.
Whisk or Hand Mixer
A whisk will work for stirring the custard base, but a hand mixer can help speed up the process, especially when you’re incorporating the pumpkin puree and spices.
Saucepan
A saucepan is necessary for cooking the custard base on the stovetop. You’ll use it to heat the cream, milk, and sugar, and then temper the eggs.
Thermometer (Optional)
If you’re particular about your custard’s consistency, a thermometer can help you monitor the temperature to ensure you don’t overcook the eggs or curdle the custard.
Having these tools on hand will make creating your pumpkin spice ice cream much easier, ensuring you end up with a dessert that’s both creamy and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
Creating pumpkin spice ice cream from scratch is a rewarding process that results in a rich, flavorful dessert.
Follow these steps for the perfect homemade ice cream:
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk over medium heat.
Stir occasionally, bringing the mixture to a simmer but not a boil. While the cream and milk are warming, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a separate mixing bowl until the mixture becomes pale and thick.
Once the cream mixture is simmering, very slowly pour a small amount of it into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly (this is called tempering).
Gradually add more cream, continuing to whisk, until the egg yolks are warmed up and can be safely returned to the saucepan without curdling.
Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Use a thermometer to check the temperature—when it reaches 170°F (77°C), remove the pan from the heat.
Step 2: Add the Pumpkin and Spices
Once your custard has thickened, stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt.
The warm spices will infuse the custard with that quintessential fall flavor.
Continue to mix until everything is well combined, ensuring the custard has a smooth, creamy texture with an even distribution of pumpkin and spice.
At this point, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle layer of flavor that complements the pumpkin.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Transfer your custard to a clean bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap is touching the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.
Place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have time.
Chilling the mixture thoroughly ensures it churns more efficiently in the ice cream maker, creating a smoother texture.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
Once the custard is well-chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This usually takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.
As it churns, the mixture will become thick and creamy, taking on a soft-serve texture.
Step 5: Freeze to Set
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and spread it into an even layer.
Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
The ice cream will set to a scoopable consistency after it has fully frozen.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
To ensure your pumpkin spice ice cream turns out smooth, creamy, and full of flavor, follow these helpful tips:
Prevent Ice Crystals from Forming
One of the main goals when making homemade ice cream is to prevent ice crystals from forming, which can create an unpleasant texture.
The key to a smooth consistency is to churn the custard long enough for the mixture to thicken and freeze evenly.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, use a fork to scrape and stir the ice cream every 30 minutes during the freezing process to break up any ice crystals.
Use Fresh Spices for a Stronger Flavor
The spices in pumpkin spice ice cream are crucial to its overall flavor.
For the best results, use fresh, high-quality spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Freshly ground spices can make a noticeable difference in both aroma and taste, giving your ice cream a more vibrant, homemade flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness and Spice
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of your ice cream to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
Likewise, if you love the warmth of spice, increase the amount of cinnamon or add a touch more nutmeg.
This recipe is flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Make it Ahead of Time
Homemade ice cream needs time to set properly in the freezer.
To ensure your pumpkin spice ice cream is ready for serving, make it at least 4 hours ahead of time, preferably the day before.
This gives the ice cream plenty of time to freeze and develop a perfect scoopable consistency.
Add Fun Mix-ins for Extra Flavor
While pumpkin spice ice cream is delicious on its own, consider adding a few mix-ins to elevate it further.
Chopped candied pecans, caramel swirls, or a dash of bourbon can add an extra layer of flavor that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
Stir in your mix-ins during the last few minutes of churning for even distribution.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
Pumpkin spice ice cream is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways.
While it’s delicious on its own, you can elevate it with a few creative serving ideas.
Classic Scoop in a Bowl
The simplest way to serve your pumpkin spice ice cream is by scooping it into a bowl.
You can top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup for an added touch of sweetness.
For an extra indulgence, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a few crushed graham crackers for that pumpkin pie vibe.
Serve with Fall Desserts
Pumpkin spice ice cream is a perfect accompaniment to other autumn desserts.
Try pairing it with a warm slice of pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or even a caramelized pear tart.
The cold, creamy ice cream balances out the richness of these desserts and creates a satisfying contrast in temperature and texture.
In an Ice Cream Sandwich
For a fun twist, scoop the ice cream between two soft cookies (think oatmeal, gingerbread, or even chocolate chip) to create a pumpkin spice ice cream sandwich.
It’s a perfect treat for fall gatherings and makes for a fun, portable dessert option.
With a Warm Beverage
Enjoy your pumpkin spice ice cream alongside a warm drink, such as a spiced latte or hot apple cider.
The combination of hot and cold, along with the complementary spices, makes for a cozy, comforting experience on crisp fall days.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice ice cream is the ultimate autumn indulgence, combining the rich, creamy texture of homemade ice cream with the warm spices that define the season.
Whether you enjoy it on its own, with a fall dessert, or in an ice cream sandwich, it’s a treat that brings the flavors of fall to life in every bite.
This homemade recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your taste, allowing you to create the perfect ice cream for your next gathering.
So, grab your ingredients, fire up your ice cream maker, and treat yourself to this seasonal delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe.
Just make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
2. Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
An ice cream maker helps create a smooth and creamy texture, but you can still make the ice cream without one.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, simply place the mixture in a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut milk or almond milk.
Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the ice cream.
4. How long does the pumpkin spice ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade pumpkin spice ice cream can last for up to 1-2 weeks in the freezer if stored in an airtight container.
For best results, consume it within this timeframe for optimal flavor and texture.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to make the ice cream a day or two ahead of time.
The extra freezing time allows the flavors to fully develop, and it ensures the ice cream is perfectly set when you’re ready to serve.
Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker – 1 unit
- Saucepan – 1 unit
- Mixing Bowls – 2 units
- Whisk – 1 unit (or Hand Mixer)
- Thermometer (optional) – 1 unit
- Spatula (1 unit)
- Airtight Container – 1 unit (for storing ice cream)
Ingredients
- 1 cup 240 ml Heavy Cream
- 1 cup 240 ml Whole Milk
- ¾ cup 150 g Granulated Sugar
- 4 large Egg Yolks
- 1 cup 240 g Pumpkin Puree
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1½ teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is simmering, but not boiling. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a separate mixing bowl until the mixture turns pale and thick. Slowly add a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking to temper the eggs. Gradually add more of the warm milk, continuing to whisk until fully combined. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard reaches 170°F (77°C) and thickens. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Add the Pumpkin and Spices
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the custard is smooth and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning or sweetness if desired. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
- Transfer the custard to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, making sure it touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
- Once chilled, pour the custard into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and churn the ice cream until it reaches a soft-serve consistency (about 20-30 minutes).
Step 5: Freeze to Set
- Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Notes
- Storage: Store the pumpkin spice ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks for the best taste and texture.
- Consistency Tip: To avoid ice crystals, churn the ice cream until it is fully thickened and smooth. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture and stir it every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk to make this recipe dairy-free. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- Customization: Add mix-ins like candied pecans, a swirl of caramel, or a splash of bourbon during the last few minutes of churning for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice based on your preference for more or less spice.
