A Guide to Seasonal Ice Cream Flavours – What’s Hot This Autumn

Last Updated on October 3, 2024 by Cherie

Discover Autumn ice cream flavours in our guide. From pumpkin spice to apple pie, indulge in the tastes of the season!

As Autumn arrives in the UK, we say goodbye to the warmth of Summer, well, the promise of the warmth of Summer and welcome the gorgeous colours of Autumn.

Despite the change in weather, the shorter days, and colder nights, Autumn is my favourite season for its colours. One of my favourite quotes is ‘October is my favourite colour’ – Unknown.

Of course, October isn’t a colour, however, the colours of October are stunning!

In this article we will detail the amazing range of fruits available during Autumn and how these can be used to make deliciously warm and comforting homemade ice cream. We’ll also share a favourite recipe of ours, a Roasted Marshmallow Ice Cream.

If you prefer to go straight to the recipe, you can click on the following link, or read along to find out more in our article – A Guide to Seasonal Ice Cream Flavours: What’s Hot This Autumn.
Jump to Roasted Marshmallow Ice Cream Recipe

Seasonal Ice Cream Flavours

Seasonal ice cream flavours are an exciting part of any foodie lover’s calendar. They provide an opportunity to celebrate the changing seasons and enjoy the delicious flavours associated with each season.

Ice cream is often associated with Summer, enjoyed to cool down and find refreshment from the heat; refreshing sorbets and zesty fruit-flavoured ice creams help us beat the heat.

Autumn is an exciting season regarding ice cream flavours. Autumn ice cream flavours require a different approach. It’s a warming, cosy, comforting ice cream time of the year. Autumn in the UK provides a great opportunity to explore seasonal and cosy ice cream flavours that resonate with the season.

In this article, we’ll suggest a selection of seasonal ice cream flavours that capture the essence of Autumn. These flavours not only indulge the senses but also infuse the spirit of Autumn into your ice cream dessert experience.

Let’s take a look at some Autumn-inspired ice cream flavours that are sure to get you in the mood for the season.

1. Apple Cider Ice Cream: Celebrate the apple harvest season with apple cider ice cream. It combines the sweetness of apples with the warm, comforting flavours of cinnamon and nutmeg.

2. Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: Pumpkin spice is a quintessential autumn flavour. A pumpkin spice ice cream, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, is perfect for the season.

3. Maple Pecan Ice Cream: Maple syrup is often associated with autumn, and combining it with roasted pecans creates a delicious ice cream with a balance of sweet and nutty flavours.

4. Salted Caramel Apple Ice Cream: This flavour combines the sweet and slightly tart taste of apples with the richness of salted caramel, creating a harmonious and indulgent experience.

5. Gingerbread Ice Cream: Gingerbread is a classic autumn treat. A gingerbread ice cream can include ginger, molasses, and even bits of gingerbread cookies for a rich and nostalgic taste.

6. Cranberry-Orange Ice Cream: Embrace the fruits of autumn with a cranberry-orange ice cream. The tartness of cranberries combined with the zesty sweetness of oranges is a perfect contrast.

7. Roasted Marshmallow Ice Cream: As the nights get cooler, a roasted marshmallow ice cream can bring a campfire-like experience to your dessert (See below for the recipe).

8. Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream: Brown butter adds a nutty richness to ice cream, and when combined with pecans, it’s a decadent treat for autumn.

9. Chai Latte Ice Cream: Chai lattes are popular during the colder months. Capture the essence of a warm chai latte in ice cream form with aromatic spices and tea flavours.

10. Fig and Honey Ice Cream: Figs are in season during autumn, and their earthy sweetness pairs beautifully with the mellow taste of honey.

These flavours can be served in various forms, either scooped in cones or bowls, sandwiched between cookies, or as part of ice cream sundaes with autumn-inspired toppings like caramel sauce, spiced nuts, and spiced apple compote.

Flavours of Autumn: The Taste of Comfort

Autumn, also known as Fall in some parts of the world, not only brings with it a beautiful display of colours, but also an array of flavours that equally warm the soul.

As the leaves turn from green to rich shades of orange, yellow, and red, nature’s transition mirrors the shift in our palates.

Flavours like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice come to mind, bringing thoughts of crackling fires and warm cosy snug jumpers. Apples are harvested in Autumn, providing their sweet and slightly tart notes, perfect for pies and crisps. And don’t forget the rich, velvety taste of hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows, that turns chilly evenings into a heartwarming experience.

These autumnal flavours evoke a feeling of comfort and warmth.

Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Spice, Oh My!

These 3 incredible spices each have their own unique flavour profile and are frequently used together. They are always associated with Autumn and Autumn festivities. Let’s look at them individually:

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is a warm, earthy spice that is often associated with autumn due to its cosy and comforting aroma and taste. It adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavour to a variety of autumn treats, like apple pies, pumpkin spice lattes, and spiced cider. The warm notes of cinnamon evoke the feeling of warmth during the cooler months.

Nutmeg:

Nutmeg is another spice that’s closely linked to autumn cuisine. Its rich, nutty flavour and warm aroma make it a popular choice for recipes like pumpkin pie, spiced cookies, and eggnog. Nutmeg’s inclusion in autumn dishes enhances its depth and richness, making it a staple spice for autumn-inspired foods.

Mixed Spices:

Mixed spices, often in the form of pumpkin spice blends, are a combination of various warm and aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. These blends are a hallmark of autumn, adding a burst of flavour to everything from baked goods to hot beverages. The harmonious blend of mixed spices captures the essence of the season and is a key component of autumnal recipes.

These spices are associated with Autumn because of their ability to infuse dishes with a sense of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia, making them a perfect complement to the season’s festivities.

The Fruits of Autumn

Autumn is a season of harvest time, with nature delivering its amazing array of fruits and vegetables.

Among the top picks of the autumnal harvest are apples and pumpkins. Apples, with their crisp, sweet-tart flavour, and pumpkins, with their robust and earthy flavour, are two quintessential Autumn fruits, providing a feeling of warmth and colour.

Apples:

Apples are synonymous with autumn, evoking memories of orchard adventures, cider pressing, and homemade pies. As the trees shed their fruits, apples come to the forefront of seasonal treats. Their crisp texture and sweet, slightly tangy flavour inspire the creation of apple pies, crumbles, tarts, cider, and sauces.

Apples capture the spirit of the season, reminding us of harvest festivals and the simple joy of picking fresh fruit on a crisp autumn day. Plus apples are incredibly good for us too, hence that old adage ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’

Check out our article – Spiced Apple Homemade Ice Cream: A Twist on a Classic Pie Favourite – for a delicious Spiced Apple Pie inspired Ice Cream

Pumpkins:

Pumpkins, come in many shapes, sizes and colours, but it’s the vibrant orange hue of the Pumpkins we all associate with this time of the year which makes Pumpkins the ultimate autumn symbol.

These versatile gourds find their way into endless seasonal recipes and festivities, from pumpkin pies and soups to decorative jack-o’-lanterns. Pumpkins are integral to Autumn featuring in both Halloween and Thanksgiving traditions.

Their sweet, earthy flavour and ability to transform into both sweet and savoury dishes make them a cherished part of autumn’s culinary landscape.

Check out our article – Autumnal Perfection: Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe – for a delicious Spiced Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe.

Autumnal Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

We’ve listed a few homemade ice cream recipes above, our favourite being Spiced Pumpkin Ice Cream. Click on the link to find out how you can also create this delicious, homemade recipe.

Another favourite and incredibly fun homemade ice cream we love to make is Toasted Marshmallow Homemade Ice Cream.

The trick and treat is to toast the marshmallows just enough, so you infuse that smoky flavour, but not too much that you burn the marshmallows, and then you incorporate the roasted marshmallows into your ice cream. The result is very tasty and a lot of fun, triggering that familiar taste of marshmallows toasted (often burned) on the campfire!

Roasted Marshmallow Ice Cream

Here’s a recipe and method for our roasted marshmallow ice cream;

Ingredients:

• 240ml whole milk
• 480ml double cream
• 120g granulated sugar
• 5ml (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 150g mini marshmallows
• 4 large egg yolks

Instructions:

1. Start by preheating your oven’s grill.
2. Place the mini marshmallows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are evenly spread out. Put the baking sheet under the grill for a short time until the marshmallows turn golden brown and slightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. This step imparts the roasted marshmallow flavour to your ice cream.
3. Remove the toasted marshmallows from the grill and allow them to cool.
4. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, 240ml of double cream, and 60g of sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until it begins to simmer. Once it simmers, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining 60g of sugar until they are well combined.
6. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
7. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook it over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature; you want it to reach about 77°C (170°F) or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool. Then, refrigerate it for a few hours or until it’s cold.
9. Once the mixture is chilled, stir in the remaining 240ml of double cream and a pinch of salt.
10. Churn the ice cream base in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
    1. NB: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker to learn more.
11. As the ice cream is nearly finished churning, gently fold in the roasted marshmallows.
12. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for several hours or until it reaches your desired consistency.

Now, you have a delicious Roasted Marshmallow Ice Cream with the warm, toasty notes of roasted marshmallows that capture the essence of autumn. Enjoy your homemade ice cream!

Tips, Tricks and Treats

With all our recipes, we aim to share our knowledge and experience with our readers so that they can also learn and enjoy the experience and fun of making delicious homemade ice creams.

There are many tips and tricks we could jot down to help you create the perfect homemade ice cream, little things we’ve learned along the way.

We’ve listed a few that we think will really make a difference as you learn and get more adept at making your own homemade ice creams:

1. Start with a Good Base: Try, where possible to use high-quality, fresh ingredients as the foundation of your ice cream. Fresh dairy, eggs, and flavourings will give your ice cream a superior taste and texture.
2. Chill Everything: If your ice cream maker has a bowl that requires pre-freezing, make sure it’s properly frozen, give it plenty of time and chill your ice cream base before churning. This ensures a smoother consistency.
3. Don’t Overdo the Mix-Ins: While it’s tempting to add lots of mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, be mindful not to overload your ice cream. Excess mix-ins can inhibit churning and affect the final texture.
4. Use an Ice Cream Maker: While no-churn ice cream recipes are popular and very tasty, an ice cream maker will give you creamier results. Ice cream makers help to incorporate air into the mixture for a lighter texture.
5. Slowly Add Mix-Ins: If you’re adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit, fold them in gently toward the end of the churning process. This ensures even distribution. If you add mix-ins too early, whilst the ice cream mixture is still loose, they will simply sink to the bottom, so wait until the ice cream mixture is almost set, then add your mix-ins.
6. Layer Flavours: When making layered ice cream with different flavours, partially freeze one layer before adding the next. This prevents blending and maintains distinct layers (Neapolitan Ice Cream, for example).
7. Let It Ripen: After churning, and if possible (it takes discipline, I know) let your ice cream “ripen” in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. This helps the flavours meld and the texture to firm up.
8. Experiment with Flavours: The best bit about making your own homemade ice cream is there are no limits to what you can try. Be creative with your ingredients and experiment with various flavour combinations. Don’t be afraid to try new things, from spices to extracts. Have fun trying new and unexpected flavour combinations.
9. Serve at the Right Temperature: Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed slightly softer than store-bought. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for the perfect consistency.
10. Keep It Airtight: Store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. Press cling film or parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing.
    • For more detailed information check out our article – Ice Cream Storage Solutions – Essential Tips To Keep Your Homemade Ice Cream Fresh!
11. Label and Date: Don’t forget to label your ice cream container with the flavour and date you made it to keep track of freshness.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious homemade ice cream with the perfect texture and flavour.

Serving and Presentation: Elevate Your Ice Cream

When it comes to serving and presenting your homemade ice cream, there are many opportunities for creativity.

Let’s have a look at some creative ideas for making your ice cream servings visually appealing as well as delicious:

Sundae Sensations: A classic that never goes out of style. Create indulgent sundaes with layers of ice cream, drizzles of decadent sauces, whipped cream, and a sprinkling of nuts or sprinkles. Don’t forget the cherry on top for that perfect finishing touch!
Cone Delights: Ice cream cones are a cone-venient favourite. Whether you prefer classic sugar cones or waffle cones, they add a satisfying textural crunch to every creamy bite of your homemade ice cream. Want to know how you can make your own Ice Cream Cones? Head on over to our article – Mastering the Art: Make Homemade Ice Cream Cones – where we share with you a step-by-step guide to making your own ice cream cones!

For Waffle cones that accommodate every diet, check out our article – Ice Cream Waffle Cones For Every Diet – From Gluten-Sensitive To Dairy Substitutes.
Waffle Bowl Wonders: Take the ice cream bowl up a notch with edible waffle bowls. These crispy containers not only hold your ice cream but can be devoured with every scoop. Once you’ve mastered making your own ice cream cones, a waffle bowl is an adaptation of these cones.

Creative Toppings: Don’t stop at just chocolate or caramel sauce. Think outside the box with toppings like crushed cookies, pieces of your favourite candy bars, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch.

Build-Your-Own Bar: Host a build-your-own ice cream bar at your next gathering. Provide a variety of ice cream flavours and an array of toppings, letting guests customise their own sweet creations.

Lollipop Pizzazz: Create your own ice cream lollipops with moulds, adding layers of different flavours and textures. Coat them with a layer of chocolate and crushed nuts for an exciting twist. Your kids will love this fun stage.

Dietary Delights: Accommodate dietary preferences by offering vegan or dairy-free options. Almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk-based ice creams can be just as delicious and satisfying.

Food Pairings: Get inventive with food pairings. Ice cream sandwiches using freshly baked cookies, ice cream-filled crepes, or ice cream paired with warm pie can be delicious combinations.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: To add an unexpected dimension, garnish your ice cream with fresh herbs like basil, mint, or thyme. They bring a refreshing fragrant contrast to the sweetness.

Edible Flowers: Elevate your presentation with edible flowers. These vibrant, delicate petals can provide an elegant and aromatic touch to your ice cream.
The beauty of serving and presentation is that it’s a chance to let your imagination run wild with different ideas. Or you can just scoop a scoop into a bowl and devour that way too!

Health-Friendly Ice Cream Alternatives

With all our ice creams, we like to focus on quality ingredients and fresh fruit and vegetables, and definitely no added extras, like preservatives, additives, or emulsifiers. Just pure healthful and delicious homemade ice creams.

But for some with dietary limitations, there are further steps that need to be taken so that everyone can enjoy homemade ice cream, on occasion.

The great thing with homemade is that we have control over what we use and with all our recipes you can adapt to your own taste and dietary requirements.

If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to make a lighter choice with your homemade ice cream creations, you’ll find all you need to know in the following articles that will help you learn how you can make the necessary adjustments;

• Low-Fat Homemade Ice Cream: Indulgence Without The Guilt
• Homemade Dairy-Free & Lactose-Free Ice Cream
• Wholesome Vegan Ice Cream: Dairy-Free Goodness
• Diabetes and Ice Cream: Making a Healthier Choice

There are endless possibilities, whilst keeping your health in mind.

Enjoy the Flavours of Autumn in Every Scoop

As we say goodbye to Summer, the arrival of Autumn brings a burst of warmth and cosiness.

We’ve explored a selection of seasonal ice cream flavours that all capture the essence of this time of year. From the aromatic spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spices to the comforting taste of roasted marshmallows, these recipes provide nostalgia and embrace the beautifully colourful season of Autumn.

With lots of tricks and treats shared in our article, we hope you have enjoyed our Guide to Seasonal Ice Cream Flavours: What’s Hot This Autumn.

If you have any questions, please feel free to drop us a message below and we would love to hear from you with your thoughts and experiences on Autumnal Seasonal Ice Creams.

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