Homemade Apple Pie Gelato

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Pie Gelato is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie but wants something lighter and creamier. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples creates a flavor profile that’s just as delicious as the traditional dessert, while the creamy texture of gelato elevates it to a whole new level. The added bits of caramelized apple and buttery pie crust crumble throughout make each spoonful feel like you’re getting a bite of the real thing. This gelato is a fun and inventive way to enjoy a classic dessert, making it the perfect sweet treat for the fall season, or any time you want something indulgent yet refreshing.

Ingredients

For the apple base:

• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the gelato base:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the crumble:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preparing the apple base:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture becomes syrupy.
2. Once the apples are tender, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool completely. You can use a fork or potato masher to break the apples into small pieces for more texture.

Preparing the gelato base:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and slightly thickened.
3. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture into the eggs, stirring continuously.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to chill completely.

Preparing the crumble:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cold butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Spread the crumble mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Let it cool completely.

Assembling the gelato:

1. Once the apple mixture and custard are both cooled, fold the apple mixture into the custard base until evenly combined.
2. Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
3. During the last few minutes of churning, add the cooled crumble to the gelato, allowing it to mix through and add some texture.
4. Transfer the gelato to an airtight container and freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until it firms up.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 30 minutes (plus chill time for the base)
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 4-6 hours (including freezing)

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use coconut milk and coconut cream in place of the dairy and substitute the eggs with a plant-based thickening agent like arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
• Different spices: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or cloves to add more warmth to the flavor.
• Caramel swirl: Add a caramel swirl by drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the gelato during the churning process.
• No ice cream maker: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish, freeze it, and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the gelato in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To ensure the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
• Reheating: Gelato is best enjoyed frozen and doesn’t require reheating. Let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust for the crumble?

Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust for the crumble if you’re short on time. Simply bake it until crisp, then break it into small pieces to use in the gelato.

2. Can I use other fruits in this gelato?

Yes! You can swap the apples for pears, peaches, or berries for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to cook them down similarly to the apples for the best texture.

3. How do I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the cooled mixture into a shallow pan, place it in the freezer, and stir every 30 minutes until it becomes creamy and thick (about 4-6 hours).

4. Can I make this gelato without eggs?

Yes, you can make a custard-free version by using a mixture of milk and cream with cornstarch as a thickening agent. You may need to adjust the sweetness and flavor slightly.

5. Can I add more crumble for extra texture?

Absolutely! You can add as much crumble as you like for extra texture and crunch. Just be sure to mix it in at the end of churning so it maintains its crispiness.

6. How can I get the gelato to be creamier?

To achieve an even creamier texture, use a higher-fat content cream (like double cream) or add a bit of full-fat coconut milk for extra richness.

7. How long should I churn the gelato for?

Churn the gelato for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Keep an eye on it as you churn to avoid over-churning.

8. Can I add a caramel swirl to this gelato?

Yes! Drizzle caramel sauce into the gelato during the last few minutes of churning, or swirl it in manually once it’s finished churning.

9. How long can I store the gelato in the freezer?

You can store the gelato for up to 2 weeks. For the best texture, enjoy it within the first few days.

10. Can I make this gelato without the crumble?

Yes, you can omit the crumble if you prefer a smoother gelato. It will still have the delicious apple pie flavor, but without the added texture.

Conclusion

Homemade Apple Pie Gelato is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic apple pie in a cool, creamy, and refreshing way. With its combination of spiced apples, buttery crumble, and rich gelato base, this dessert brings comfort and indulgence in every scoop. Whether you’re serving it at a fall gathering or simply treating yourself, this apple pie gelato will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy it as a sweet ending to a meal or on its own for a delightful frozen treat!

Homemade Apple Pie Gelato

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Homemade Apple Pie Gelato combines the rich flavors of classic apple pie with the smooth, creamy texture of gelato. Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples, it’s a delightful frozen twist on a beloved fall dessert, complete with buttery crumble pieces.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chill time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 4-6 hours (including freezing)
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Churned
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
   
   1/4 cup brown sugar
   
   1 teaspoon cinnamon
   
   1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
   
   1 tablespoon lemon juice
   
   1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   
   2 cups whole milk
   
   1 cup heavy cream
   
   3/4 cup granulated sugar
   
   4 large egg yolks
   
   1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   
   1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   
   1/4 cup all-purpose flour
   
   2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
   
   2 tablespoons brown sugar
   
   Pinch of salt

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until apples soften and become syrupy. Let it cool completely.

1. In another saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually add warm milk mixture to egg yolks, stirring constantly. Return to saucepan and cook over low heat until custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, add vanilla and cinnamon, and cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until it forms crumbs. Spread mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Let cool.
3. Once both the apple mixture and custard are cooled, combine them. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn until soft-serve consistency (20-25 minutes). Add cooled crumble during last few minutes of churning.
4. Transfer gelato to an airtight container and freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until firm.

Notes

1. For a vegan version, use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of dairy, and substitute eggs with a plant-based thickening agent like arrowroot powder.
2. Add a caramel swirl for extra indulgence.
3. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow pan and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until creamy.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg