Apple Pie Ice Cream combines the comforting flavors of freshly baked apple pie with the smooth, creamy texture of homemade ice cream. This recipe features tender caramelized apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy snickerdoodle cookies, making each bite a delicious and unique treat. Perfect for any time of year, this ice cream tastes like apple pie à la mode in a bowl, offering both comfort and indulgence in every scoop.
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Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Ice Cream
Apple Pie Ice Cream stands out as a one-of-a-kind flavor that you might not find in stores. The inclusion of caramelized Honeycrisp apples provides a sweet and slightly tart base, while the snickerdoodle cookies give it the comforting crunch of pie crust. This combination offers a rich texture and a variety of flavors that make this ice cream truly special. Additionally, with no eggs required, it’s an easy, no-cook ice cream recipe that delivers a smooth and creamy texture every time.
Ingredients for Apple Pie Ice Cream
Creating this indulgent ice cream requires simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
• Butter: Adds richness and a slight nutty flavor when cooking the apples.
• Brown Sugar: Brings warmth and depth to the caramelized apples, complementing the sweet ice cream base.
• Honeycrisp Apples: These apples are perfect for cooking—they hold their shape and provide a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Infuses both the apples and the ice cream base with a cozy, spiced aroma.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the creamy foundation of the ice cream.
• Whole Milk: Balances the cream, ensuring a smooth and scoopable texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and contributes to the overall smooth texture.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• Snickerdoodles: These cookies add a crunchy, cinnamon-flavored element, mimicking the texture of pie crust.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to customize your Apple Pie Ice Cream or accommodate dietary preferences, here are a few swaps you can make:
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and almond milk to replace the heavy cream and whole milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the snickerdoodles for gluten-free cookies or even a crushed graham cracker crust for a different texture.
• Tart Apples: Try Granny Smith apples if you prefer a more tart flavor in your ice cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Apple Pie Ice Cream from scratch is easier than you think. Follow these steps to enjoy a homemade frozen treat:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir to combine.
- Add the diced apples and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, stirring to coat the apples. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the apples become tender. Remove from heat and refrigerate until chilled.
- In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, and the remaining cinnamon. Whisk for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the ice cream mixture into the bowl of your ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 25 minutes).
- In the last two minutes, add the chopped snickerdoodle cookies, allowing them to mix evenly.
- Spoon half of the ice cream into a shallow container or loaf pan. Top with half of the apple mixture. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and apples. Use a knife to swirl the apple mixture through the ice cream.
- Cover the ice cream with plastic wrap or wax paper and freeze for at least 4 hours until solid. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for easy scooping.

Tips & Tricks
• Chill Everything: For the best texture, ensure your ice cream base and ice cream machine bowl are very cold before churning. If needed, chill the base in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using it.
• Watch the Apples: If the apple mixture is still warm when added to the ice cream base, it could melt the ice cream, so always make sure it is at room temperature or colder.
• Avoid Over-Churning: Once your ice cream reaches the consistency of soft-serve, stop the churning process. Over-churning can lead to ice crystals forming, which affects texture.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Apple Pie Ice Cream pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and sides:
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
• Apple Compote: Enhance the apple flavor with a warm compote of sautéed apples.
• Crunchy Add-ins: Toasted pecans or walnuts add extra crunch and richness.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of ground ginger or a splash of bourbon for a spiced-up adult version.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Pie Ice Cream
Apple Pie Ice Cream is the perfect homemade dessert for any occasion, bringing the beloved flavors of apple pie into a cool and creamy treat. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a midweek treat, this ice cream is sure to delight. The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy ice cream, and snickerdoodle cookies makes this dessert stand out. Homemade ice cream never tasted so good, so dive into this comforting dessert today!
Storage and Serving Tips
Store your Apple Pie Ice Cream in an airtight container with parchment paper pressed directly onto the surface to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to a month in the freezer, though you’ll likely finish it much sooner! Serve with a side of warm pie or enjoy on its own for a sweet treat.
If you’re craving a classic comfort food dessert with a twist, this Apple Pie Ice Cream is your perfect solution. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Apple Pie Ice Cream is the ultimate indulgence that perfectly combines the flavors of homemade apple pie and the smooth, creamy texture of ice cream. With the comforting taste of caramelized apples, warm cinnamon, and the crunch of snickerdoodle cookies, this dessert offers a unique twist on a classic favorite. Whether served at a family gathering, after dinner, or simply as a sweet treat, this homemade ice cream is sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple process, making Apple Pie Ice Cream from scratch is a delightful way to enjoy a seasonal dessert all year long.
Treat yourself to this delicious homemade treat today, and enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie with every scoop.
FAQs about Apple Pie Ice Cream
Can I make Apple Pie Ice Cream without an ice cream machine?
Yes, you can make this recipe without an ice cream machine! Simply follow the “no-churn” method where you pour the ice cream mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for the first two hours to incorporate air and prevent ice crystals from forming. Add the snickerdoodle cookies during the last stirring to avoid sogginess.
What other types of apples work well for this ice cream?
While Honeycrisp apples are a great choice for their sweetness and firm texture, you can also try Granny Smith apples for a more tart flavor, or Gala apples for a sweet, softer bite. Any apple variety that holds its shape when cooked will work well in this recipe.
How can I make Apple Pie Ice Cream dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of this Apple Pie Ice Cream, replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk. Ensure that the snickerdoodle cookies you use are also dairy-free. These substitutions will provide a rich and creamy texture without any dairy.
How should I store Apple Pie Ice Cream?
Store your Apple Pie Ice Cream in an airtight container with a piece of wax paper or parchment paper pressed onto the surface. This prevents freezer burn and helps maintain the ice cream’s creamy texture. It can be stored for up to a month in the freezer, but it’s best enjoyed within the first few weeks for the freshest taste.
More Relevant Recipes
- Snickerdoodle Cobbler: This delightful dessert features the familiar cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodle cookies in a soft, cobbler-style form. Perfect for those who love the taste of cinnamon combined with a warm, gooey texture, similar to the snickerdoodle cookies in Apple Pie Ice Cream.
- Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble: For a wholesome twist on apple desserts, this breakfast apple crumble is packed with fiber and natural sweetness from apples and oats. It’s a great alternative for those who love the flavor of apples and cinnamon but want a lighter, morning treat.
- Brown Sugar Chai Cake: This aromatic chai cake is infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, bringing the cozy flavors of apple pie and autumn into a soft, moist cake. Ideal for spice lovers, it’s an easy way to enjoy the comforting taste of fall all year round.

Apple Pie Ice Cream
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Pie Ice Cream combines the comforting flavors of freshly baked apple pie with the smooth, creamy texture of homemade ice cream. This recipe features tender caramelized apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy snickerdoodle cookies, making each bite a delicious and unique treat. Perfect for any time of year, this ice cream tastes like apple pie à la mode in a bowl, offering both comfort and indulgence in every scoop.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced into ¼ inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups snickerdoodles, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir to combine.
- Add the diced apples and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, stirring to coat the apples. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the apples become tender. Remove from heat and refrigerate until chilled.
- In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, and the remaining cinnamon. Whisk for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the ice cream mixture into the bowl of your ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 25 minutes).
- In the last two minutes, add the chopped snickerdoodle cookies, allowing them to mix evenly.
- Spoon half of the ice cream into a shallow container or loaf pan. Top with half of the apple mixture. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and apples. Use a knife to swirl the apple mixture through the ice cream.
- Cover the ice cream with plastic wrap or wax paper and freeze for at least 4 hours until solid. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for easy scooping.
Notes
- Use quality ingredients for the best taste and texture.
- Ensure the apple mixture is cooled to room temperature before adding it to the ice cream to avoid melting the base.
- Chill the ice cream mixture and ice cream machine bowl before churning for a smooth, creamy texture.
- If you don’t have an ice cream machine, follow the no-churn method: freeze the ice cream and stir every 30 minutes for the first two hours to avoid ice crystals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churned ice cream
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 735
- Sugar: 61g
- Sodium: 279mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 79g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 142mg