Cinnamon Ice Cream

10 Comments 5

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe

Cinnamon Ice Cream is a sweet, rich, vanilla custard ice cream spiced with enough cinnamon to linger after each bite.

Overhead horizontal shot of cinnamon ice cream served in a white bowl with a gold spoon

Until about 10 years ago, I’d never even heard of cinnamon ice cream, but once a friend mentioned it, it was stuck in my mind and I had to try making it the very next morning.

I’ve been making this ice cream ever since, and it’s become a fall favorite for all of us. Topping a warm dish of peach cobbler with a scoop of cold cinnamon ice cream is such a perfect pairing, you simply have to try it!

Save The Recipe

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email and I’ll send this recipe right to your inbox! Plus, I’ll send you new recipes every week!

And it’s every bit as amazing over an old fashioned apple crisp or this Christmas cranberry pie.

Custard Ice Cream

This is a custard ice cream with eggs requiring a few minutes at the stove and the patience to let the ice cream base chill before freezing. That said, it is worth it. Let me reiterate that just in case you missed it.

This ice cream is completely worth the extra effort.

Vertical shot of cinnamon ice cream served in a white bowl with a floral hand towel and a gold spoon

Cinnamon Ice Cream

Simmering the cinnamon and vanilla bean with the cream brings out a deeper flavor. While the eggs provide a richer, creamier vanilla ice cream base than cream and sugar on their own.

For any special occasion, this ice cream can not be beat! That said, I often make a Philadelphia-style cinnamon ice cream that is also delicious, and can be made in five minutes. While not quite as rich or creamy as this recipe, the quick and easy cinnamon ice cream is also a hit every time we’ve served it to guests.

Overhead shot of milk/cinnamon/etc. in sauce pan

French Ice Cream

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

  • milk
  • sugar
  • cinnamon stick
  • vanilla bean
  • kosher salt
  • egg yolks
  • heavy cream
  • ground cinnamon
Adding milk to sauce pan

Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe

Combine the milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla bean pod in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat.

Whisk together and heat it until it is very hot, but not boiling. This should take about 5 minutes.

Overhead shot of ingredients in sauce pan

While the milk is warming, add the egg yolks to a large mixing bowl and whisk them vigorously, for 2 minutes, until they are lighter in color.

Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean pod from the hot milk and discard.

Adding hot milk to whisked eggs

Place the whisked eggs next to the stove and slowly drizzle in about ⅓ cup of the hot milk while constantly whisking. Repeat with another ⅓ cup of the hot liquid.

Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture into the saucepan with the remaining milk, while stirring with a spoon.

Adding egg mixture to sauce pan

Stir and cook it for about 2-3 minutes, until the liquid is thick enough to coat the spoon.

Set a mesh strainer over a glass bowl and carefully strain the custard.

Adding heavy cream to glass bowl

Add the heavy cream and the ground cinnamon to the bowl and stir it together.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, preferably until it is cool.

Whisking ground cinnamon into mixture in glass bowl

Pour into the ice cream machine and process according to your machine’s instructions.

When the ice cream is finished it will be soft serve consistency. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and chill for a few hours for firmer ice cream.

Overhead shot of cinnamon ice cream in white bowl

Custard Ice Cream Recipe

While 5-minute ice cream recipes are my most frequently made ice creams, I do make a handful of custard ice cream recipes with eggs that are well worth the extra effort.

Rum Raisin Ice Cream is full of rum-soaked raisins mixed in custardy vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum. This recipe is a little bit old school and a whole lot of creamy delicious.

Cinnamon Ice Cream French Custard Style recipe by Barefeet In The Kitchen

Irresistibly rich, Coffee Ice Cream is a dessert that captures the morning joy of a freshly brewed cup of your favorite java. It’s perfect at any time of day.

Captain Crunch Ice Cream is a whimsical treat that captures the essence of childhood breakfasts in a delightful homemade ice cream. 

This Creamy Blueberry Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate Chunks has been my weakness for many years now. The chef at our favorite Phoenix restaurant shared it with me when we were moving to Ohio and I make it every chance I get now.

When you combine the smooth richness of homemade ice cream with berries or a berry sauce, the result is always a refreshing, creamy treat – and this Blueberry Gelato doesn’t disappoint.

Fresh Lemon Sorbet is a light and refreshing treat that is a terrific addition to any meal.

Get New Recipessent to your inbox!
We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Vertical shot of cinnamon ice cream served in a white bowl with a floral hand towel and a gold spoon

Cinnamon Ice Cream – French Custard Style

5 from 1 vote
This is a sweet vanilla custard ice cream spiced with enough cinnamon to linger after each bite. 
Pin Print Review
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • cups milk
  • ¾ cups sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 vanilla bean scraped with pod reserved
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 egg yolks
  • cups heavy cream
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Combine the milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla bean pod in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk together and heat it until it is very hot, but not boiling. This should take about 5 minutes.
  • While the milk is warming, add the egg yolks to a large mixing bowl and whisk them vigorously, for 2 minutes, until they are lighter in color.
  • Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean pod from the hot milk and discard. Place the whisked eggs next to the stove and slowly drizzle in about ⅓ cup of the hot milk while constantly whisking. Repeat with another ⅓ cup of the hot liquid.
  • Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture into the saucepan with the remaining milk, while stirring with a spoon. Stir and cook it for about 2-3 minutes, until the liquid is thick enough to coat the spoon.
  • Set a mesh strainer over a glass bowl and carefully strain the custard. Add the heavy cream and the ground cinnamon to the bowl and stir it together. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, preferably until it is cool.
  • Pour into the ice cream machine and process according to your machine's instructions. When the ice cream is finished it will be soft serve consistency. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and chill for a few hours for firmer ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal · Carbohydrates: 30g · Protein: 3g · Fat: 27g · Saturated Fat: 19g · Cholesterol: 100mg · Sodium: 23mg · Potassium: 92mg · Sugar: 28g · Calcium: 104mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!

{originally published 5/8/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/3/23}

recipe adapted from and with thanks to The Pioneer Woman

Overhead shot of cinnamon ice cream in white bowl with gold spoon; the words "Cinnamon Ice Cream" are superimposed over the image

Filed under: , ,

Share this Article

PinYummly

Related Posts

Mary Younkin

Mary Younkin

Hi, I’m Mary. I’m the author, cook, photographer, and travel lover behind the scenes here at Barefeet In The Kitchen. I'm also the author of three cookbooks dedicated to making cooking from scratch as simple as possible.

Reader Interactions

10 Comments Leave a comment or review

    Rate & Comment

    Rating




  1. Jenn C says

    I love custard style ice cream, but find that I lack the patience it takes when it comes to time actually make it! lol This might be worth finding that patience!!! 🙂

  2. Cheryl says

    The recipe calls for sea salt, but it doesn’t appear anywhere in the instructions. Am I missing something? When does it get added?

  3. Erin says

    I’m curious why the heavy cream gets added at step 4. Would it be possible to add it at the beginning and cook it with the milk and spices?

  4. Lystessa says

    This came out delightful! I mixed in strawberries and nectarines as well and it made enough to fill my little ice cream machine twice, completely full each time. I want to try whipping the cream next time to see if I can get some extra loft after folding it in. Thanks for the recipe!5 stars