Homemade Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns Ice Cream Recipe: A Creamy, Dreamy, Homemade Delight

Yield: ** 1.5 quarts (1.4 liters)
Photo of Homemade Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns Ice Cream Recipe: A Creamy, Dreamy, Homemade Delight

Homemade Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns Ice Cream Recipe: A Creamy, Dreamy, Homemade Delight

Introduction

Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns ice cream is a beloved treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the comfort of doughy cinnamon buns swirled through a creamy ice cream. This recipe captures the essence of the original, allowing you to enjoy it at home with the added benefits of customization and improved nutrition.

Why Make It at Home?

Making this ice cream at home offers several advantages. You can control the amount of sugar, use higher-quality ingredients, and customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, such as using whole wheat flour for more fiber or alternative sweeteners. It's also a fun project that results in a delicious, personalized dessert.

Personal Anecdote

The first time I made homemade ice cream, I was amazed at how much better it tasted than store-bought versions. The texture was creamier, and the flavors were more vibrant. When I tried replicating Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns, I was thrilled to find that with a few tweaks, I could enjoy my favorite flavor guilt-free and exactly how I like it.

Recipe Details

  • **Prep Time:45 minutes
  • **Cook Time:20 minutes
  • **Total Time:2 hours 5 minutes
  • **Yield:1.5 quarts (1.4 liters)

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base:

  • 2 cups (475ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) heavy cream

Cinnamon Bun Dough Pieces:

  • 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
  • 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk

Instructions

  • Make the Cinnamon Bun Dough:

  • In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

    • Add melted butter and milk, mixing until a dough forms.
    • Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces.
    • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until just set. Let cool.
  • Make the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

    • Add brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, whisking until smooth.
    • Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in cream. Let cool.
  • Make the Ice Cream Base:

  • In a blender, combine cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Blend until sugar dissolves.

    • Pour into a container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until set, about 2 hours.
  • Assemble the Ice Cream:

  • Fold in dough pieces and swirl in the cinnamon mixture.

    • Freeze for 30 minutes to set.

Variations

  • Low-Sugar Version: Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for dough pieces.
  • Vegan: Use coconut cream and vegan butter.

Pro Tips

  • For a creamier texture, ensure the ice cream base is well-chilled before freezing.
  • Don’t overbake dough pieces; they should be soft.
  • Add swirls when ice cream is almost set for the best distribution.

Nutritional Comparison

NutrientHomemade (per serving)Store-Bought (per serving)
Calories250300
Fat (g)1518
Sugar (g)2025
Sodium (mg)100150
Protein (g)44
Fiber (g)21

FAQ

  • Can I use fresh ingredients? Yes, fresh dairy and real vanilla enhance flavor.
  • What if the swirl is too hard? Let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before swirling.
  • How long does it keep? Up to 2 weeks in the freezer.
  • Can I scale the recipe? Double or halve as needed.
  • Alternative sweeteners? Honey or maple syrup work well.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy as a sweet treat on its own.
  • Top with caramel sauce or whipped cream.
  • Mix into milkshakes for a decadent drink.

Conclusion

This homemade version of Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns ice cream offers a delicious, healthier alternative that you can customize to your taste. With a creamy base, gooey swirl, and chewy dough pieces, it's a treat that's hard to resist. Share your experience and enjoy the satisfaction of creating it yourself!

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KnockoffKitchen.com is an independent recipe website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ben & Jerry's or any other brand mentioned. The recipes provided are intended to replicate the flavors and textures of popular brand-name products using common ingredients. All trademarks, brand names, and product names are the property of their respective owners. These recipes are created for entertainment and educational purposes only. We make no claims of exact duplication, and actual results may vary. Enjoy your homemade version!