Name: No-Churn Caramel Apple Crisp Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 5 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced; 2 tbsp salted butter; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 2 tsp cinnamon; 2 cups heavy cream; 14 oz sweetened condensed milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 5 graham crackers, separated; Caramel sauce for drizzling (quantity as desired)

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Introduction

This no-churn caramel apple crisp ice cream brings the cozy flavors of autumn into a creamy, frozen treat. With sautéed cinnamon apples, crunchy graham crackers, and rich caramel drizzle, it’s an easy dessert that feels homemade without needing an ice cream maker.

A close-up view of a scoop of chunky ice cream being lifted by a metal ice cream scooper, showing two visible layers: a creamy off-white ice cream base mixed with small brown specks and pieces of golden brown cookie or biscuit chunks evenly spread throughout, with swirls of caramel sauce marbled lightly on the surface beneath and around the scoop, all set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled & diced
2 tbsp salted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups heavy cream
14 oz condensed milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
5 graham crackers, separated
Caramel drizzle (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Step 1: In a pan over low-medium heat, combine diced apples, butter, light brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until apples are softened and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Gently fold in the condensed milk, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, cooled sautéed apples, and 3 crushed graham crackers. Mix carefully to combine without deflating the cream.
Step 4: Transfer about half of the ice cream mixture into a loaf pan. Sprinkle 1 crushed graham cracker sheet and drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the layer. Repeat with the remaining ice cream mixture, another crushed graham cracker sheet, and more caramel drizzle on top.
Step 5: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and freeze for 4-5 hours, or until the ice cream is fully set.
Step 6: Remove from freezer and let the ice cream thaw for a couple of minutes before scooping. Serve and enjoy your homemade caramel apple crisp ice cream!

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier contrast with the caramel and cinnamon.
For extra crunch, add toasted chopped pecans or walnuts along with the graham crackers.
Substitute caramel drizzle with homemade salted caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
Gently fold the ingredients to keep the whipped cream light and airy, avoiding heavy mixing.

Storage

Store the ice cream covered in the freezer for up to 1 week to maintain freshness. To re-soften slightly before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Stir gently if ice crystals form for better texture.

How to Serve

The image shows two large scoops of creamy ice cream with a light beige color, mixed with small chunks of golden cookie pieces and swirls of caramel that add texture and depth. The ice cream has a smooth, slightly melting texture with visible bits of cookie crumbs scattered throughout. It is held in a metal container, with the focus on the front scoop, highlighting its rich, creamy surface and the rough cookie bits embedded inside. The background surface is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to keep attention on the ice cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, feel free to use any firm apple variety. Honeycrisp adds sweetness and juiciness, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples also work well and offer different flavor profiles.

Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?

No, this recipe is designed to be no-churn, meaning you can make it without an ice cream machine. Simply whip the cream and fold ingredients together before freezing.