Homemade Cinnamon & Churros Ice Cream: Spice and Crispy Comfort

Enjoy the warmth of winter with our Homemade Cinnamon & Churros Ice Cream, where the comfort of cinnamon meets the delicious textural crunch of churros.

As the winter chill sets in, and make no mistake, it is truly setting in fast! There’s nothing quite like the aromatic smell of cinnamon to warm you through.

Imagine a bowl of ice cream that not only captures the comforting warmth of cinnamon but also adds the playful crunch of everyone’s favourite fairground companion – churros.

Anytime I go to the fairground I will seek churros out and the best thing is I don’t have to work too hard, as the aroma draws me in! Then when you get your hands on a tub of churros there’s that crispy crunch contrast versus the soft centre and of course the ever-so-familiar scent of cinnamon!

Our Homemade Cinnamon & Churros Ice Cream is a celebration of these flavours and textures combined in one delicious scoop!

In this article, we’ll give a little information on Churros, some health benefits of Cinnamon, and of course, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide for you to make this delicious homemade Ice Cream and Churros yourself.

If you’d rather, you can scroll to the bottom of this article and go straight to the recipes and methods we’ve shared, or read along to find out more.

Jump to Homemade Cinnamon & Churros Ice Cream Recipe
Jump to Homemade Churros Recipe
Jump to Using Churros as Ice Cream Vessels

What is it about Churros?

Ah, churros – those irresistible sticks of fried dough that hold a special place in our hearts. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a flavour and textural sensation.

Texture Contrast: Churros have a unique texture that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This provides a textural contrast to the creaminess of ice cream, creating a more interesting and satisfying overall mouthfeel.

Flavour Profile: Churros are typically dusted with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, adding a warm and slightly spicy flavour. And then there’s the heavenly aroma, the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air as each churro gets a generous dusting of this warm spice. It’s a fragrance that draws you in.

Handheld and Portable: Churros are often served as finger food and with a little imagination, can be a perfect vessel for your cinnamon ice cream. Or the perfect sandwich element for Churros Ice Cream Sandwiches. This makes them a convenient and enjoyable treat that can be enjoyed on the go.

The Warming Charm of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is like a cosy hug for your taste buds. The smell alone can evoke memories of Mum’s baking and conjuring up delicious desserts, the warm spicy notes wafting through the house.

Cinnamon is not just about its comforting aroma though, it’s a flavour and health-packed spice.

Here’s a list of some of the potential health benefits of cinnamon:

1. Antioxidant Properties: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The antioxidants in cinnamon may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial for various health conditions.
3. Heart Health: Cinnamon may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving circulation and reducing cholesterol levels.
4. Regulation of Blood Sugar: Cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity, helping regulate blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
5. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Cinnamon has natural antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections caused by bacteria and fungi.
6. Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies suggest that cinnamon may have neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting brain health and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
7. Anti-Cancer Properties: While more research is needed, some studies have suggested that cinnamon may have anti-cancer effects, particularly against certain types of cancer cells.
8. Anti-Diabetic Effects: Cinnamon may lower blood sugar levels by affecting how glucose is absorbed and used in the body, making it potentially beneficial for those with diabetes.
9. Improved Digestive Health: Cinnamon may help alleviate digestive discomfort, reduce bloating, and support overall digestive health.
10. Aid in Weight Management: Some research indicates that cinnamon may play a role in weight management by influencing metabolism and reducing cravings.

It’s important to note that while cinnamon offers potential health benefits, moderation is key.

Now we know just how delicious and moreish Cinnamon and Churros are together, let’s show you how to make these delicious desserts.

Homemade Cinnamon & Churros Ice Cream Recipe

Here’s a recipe for making Cinnamon Ice Cream:

Ingredients:

• 300ml whole milk
• 300ml double cream
• 150g granulated sugar
• 6 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Base: In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, double cream, and half of the sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

Whisk Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and slightly thickened.

Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This tempers the eggs, preventing them from scrambling.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining warm milk mixture. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.

Add Cinnamon and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours. Allow the mixture to cool.

Chill the Base: Once cooled, cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavours to meld.

Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

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 – Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker to learn more.

Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Serve and Enjoy: You can of course enjoy your Cinnamon Ice Cream as it is, or add churros to give that delicious crunch. Let’s show you how to make churros.

Feel free to adjust the cinnamon quantity based on your preference for a stronger or milder cinnamon flavour.

Homemade Churros Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for making delicious churros:

Ingredients:

For the Churro Dough:

• 1 cup water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For Coating:

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Remove the saucepan from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir quickly until the mixture forms a ball.

Fry the Churros:

Heat vegetable oil for frying in a deep fryer or large, deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 4-inch strips of dough into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough. Fry a few at a time until golden brown, turning once, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Roll the hot churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Serve Warm: Serve the churros warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche for dipping.

Using Churros as Ice Cream Vessels

The beauty of making anything homemade is that you have the opportunity to adapt exactly as you wish. So how about creating a Churros loop dish?

Churro Loop Dish:

Ingredients:

• Churro dough (same as the Classic Churros recipe provided above)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup white sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
• Optional: Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche for drizzling

Instructions:

Prepare Churro Dough:

• Follow the steps for preparing churro dough in the Classic Churros recipe.
• Create Churro Loops:
  • Transfer the churro dough into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
  • Hold the pastry bag vertically over the hot oil, and squeeze the dough into the oil while creating a loop or spiral shape. You can use a pair of scissors or a knife to cut the dough from the pastry bag once you’ve formed the desired loop.
• Fry the Churro Loops:
  • Fry the churro loops in the hot oil until they are golden brown. Ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
  • In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon. Roll the hot churro loops in the mixture until well-coated.
• Drizzle (Optional):
  • For an extra touch, you can drizzle chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche over the churro loops.
• Serve:
  • Arrange the churro loops on a serving dish and put a scoop or two of your homemade cinnamon ice cream in them.

This Churro Loop dish offers a playful presentation and is perfect for serving your cinnamon ice cream, and also means no washing up afterwards either. Win win!

Churros Biscuits for an Ice Cream Sandwich

Depending on your piping skills, you can prepare the churros as above and once in a piping bag, on a piece of greaseproof baking paper, pipe the churros mixture in a continuous swirl, to create a disc as it were.

Transfer the churros disc to the hot oil, gently drop it in (being careful of hot oil splashing) and allow to fry.

Once golden brown remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to soak up the excess oil.

Dust with Cinnamon and sugar mix and allow to cool. Once cooled, you can add a scoop of Cinnamon Ice cream between two churros discs and squish them together. Ta naaaa, a perfectly portable, no dishes, cinnamon and churros ice cream sandwich!

Check out our article – Learn to Craft the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwiches – where we share many hints tips and tricks on how to craft the perfect ice cream sandwich, with a variety of flavours and styles.

Pairings to Complete Your Cinnamon & Churros Ice Cream

As if Cinnamon and Churros ice cream wasn’t enough deliciousness, there are a handful of great pairings you can add, here’s just a few:

• Salted Caramel Swirl: The sweet and salty combination complements the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of churros.
• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts: Add a nutty crunch that contrasts with the creamy texture of the ice cream.
• Caramelised Apples: A delicious fruity addition that brings a touch of tartness and caramel sweetness.
• Chocolate Ganache: For all the chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate swirl will enhance the overall indulgence.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: Elevate the sweetness with a hint of maple syrup, creating a comforting breakfast-inspired treat.
• Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: A classic pairing that adds a creamy and aromatic element to each bite.

1. Ginger Snap Cookies: Crushed ginger snaps bring an extra layer of spice and a satisfying crunch.
2. Coffee or Espresso Sauce: For a grown-up twist, a coffee-infused sauce will complement the cinnamon’s warmth.
3. Sliced Bananas: Fresh fruit always adds a refreshing touch, and bananas pair well with cinnamon.
4. Chopped Dark Chocolate: If you want a more intense chocolate flavour, go for dark chocolate chunks or shavings.

Feel free to mix and match these pairings to create a dessert experience that suits your taste preferences!

We truly hope that you have enjoyed our article – Homemade Cinnamon & Churros Ice Cream: Spice and Crispy Comfort – and learning about the delicious combination of Cinnamon And Churros and we hope we have inspired you to give these recipes a go.

If you have any questions, please do drop us a comment below and we would love to hear how you get on making this delicious dessert.