Rating: 3.64
(121)

Pumpkin Ice Cream

October 24, 2023

Pumpkin season doesn’t have to end when summer does – pumpkin ice cream is the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors with a cool, creamy twist. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice devotee or just love a dessert that feels like a cozy hug, this treat offers the best of both worlds.

Rich, velvety, and warmly spiced, pumpkin ice cream brings together the sweetness of pumpkin purée and the classic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s basically pumpkin pie in frozen form – but smoother, silkier, and totally scoopable.

What makes it so special? The balance. Too much spice can overpower the pumpkin, while too little can leave it bland. The best pumpkin ice cream highlights the earthy sweetness of the squash while letting the spice blend shine in the background. A touch of brown sugar or maple syrup can also enhance the depth of flavor and give it a hint of caramel warmth.

Homemade ice cream is easier than it sounds. You can make it with or without an ice cream maker, using just a few ingredients like heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, pure pumpkin purée, and spices. Vegan or dairy-free? Swap in coconut cream and plant-based milk for a creamy alternative.

This ice cream pairs perfectly with a slice of warm pie (apple, pecan, or pumpkin), sandwiched between cookies, or served over waffles or pancakes for a fall brunch treat. It’s also amazing on its own—one scoop is never enough.

This ice cream is a fun and unexpected way to celebrate the season, especially if you’re in a warmer climate or just want to mix things up. It’s festive, nostalgic, and indulgent without being heavy.

So whether you’re planning a fall dinner party or just want something sweet while watching your favorite Halloween movie, this chilly pumpkin dessert deserves a spot on your menu.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Ice Cream

While ice cream may be considered a treat, it does have some nutritional advantages worth mentioning:

1. High in Vitamin A

Pumpkin is packed with vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision, a strong immune system, and proper cell growth. One serving can contribute to your daily recommended intake of this important vitamin.

2. Good Source of Fiber

Pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity. Incorporating pumpkin ice cream into your diet can be a tasty way to increase your fiber intake.

3. Antioxidant-Rich

Pumpkin is loaded with antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which can help protect against cell damage, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being. Indulging in pumpkin ice cream allows you to enjoy this seasonal ingredient while reaping its antioxidant benefits.

4. Lower Calorie Alternative

Compared to traditional ice cream flavors, pumpkin ice cream often has a lower calorie content. By opting for this flavorful variety, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging in excessive calories.

With its creamy texture, warm spices, and nutritional advantages, this fall ice cream is a popular and delightful dessert option. It appeals to both taste seekers and health-conscious individuals, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious fall treat. Try this recipe today and experience the perfect blend of festive flavors and creamy goodness!

Pumpkin Ice Cream
Pumpkin Ice Cream
3.64 from 121 votes
Creamy and spiced pumpkin ice cream
Servings 8 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 13gFiber: 2g
Calories: 210kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ice cream, pumpkin
Cooking Method: Nobake
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 3 stars
    Mine was a little icy after freezing, but I think I under-churned. Next time I’ll follow the churn time more strictly.

  2. 4 stars
    I used a bit less sugar (maybe 1/2 cup) because I like it not too sweet, and it still tasted rich. Great base recipe.

  3. User avatar Vroomfondel says:

    2 stars
    I dont have an ice cream maker, can I just freeze it in a bowl? Will it still work?

    1. User avatar ashley.kihn32 says:

      5 stars
      Yes, you can just freeze it in a bowl! Just stir it every half hour for a few hours to make it creamy.

    2. 2 stars
      I don’t think it’ll turn out like ice cream. It might be more like a pumpkin slushie. Need a machine!

  4. User avatar elmo.bergstrom says:

    5 stars
    I never thought of pumpkin in ice cream, but this is a game changer! Love it!

  5. User avatar scottie.smith says:

    1 star
    I can’t believe you have to freeze it that long, what if I wanna eat it now?

  6. User avatar cinda.oconnell14 says:

    2 stars
    Really wanted to love this, but my cream didn’t mix well. Ended up with clumps 😕.

    1. User avatar ray.braun91 says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue! Maybe try mixing the cream and milk separately first? Hope it helps! 😊

  7. User avatar Falmer Nightprowler says:

    2 stars
    This is just blending pumpkin with cream… not exactly a gourmet recipe.

    1. User avatar Ms. Faye Prohaska says:

      3 stars
      But blending pumpkin and cream can be gourmet if done right! Have you even tried it?

    2. 5 stars
      I totally disagree! Sometimes simple is delicious. This looks creamy and comforting!

  8. 2 stars
    Pumpkin and ice cream dunt belong together, thas just wrong!

  9. 5 stars
    OMG! I made this for my kids and they loved it! Super easy to follow the steps!

  10. User avatar chanda.wintheiser says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about pumpkin ice cream, but wow! This was surprisingly good. Will make again!

  11. User avatar dewitt.rowe92 says:

    4 stars
    Pretty easy recipe, but 3/4 cup sugar felt a bit low for my taste—could be I used a sweeter pumpkin puree? Next time I’ll bump it.

  12. User avatar velia.barrows2011 says:

    2 stars
    I thought ice cream had to be made with eggs? 🤔

  13. 4 stars
    Delicious! But it took a while to blend everything properly. Next time, might use a blender for a smoother mix. 😉

  14. User avatar august.cormier says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! It tastes just like fall! 🍂

  15. 5 stars
    This was a hit at my Thanksgiving dinner! Everyone loved it! I added some crushed ginger snaps on top, yum! 🦃🍦

  16. 2 stars
    it was okay… kinda bland. wished it had more spices.

  17. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    3 stars
    Not sure if I’m doing something wrong, but mine never got fully firm—like, it was scoopable but still kind of soft. Any tips? 😅

    1. User avatar Kuhn Sidajj says:

      4 stars
      I’ve had this happen when I don’t chill the base first—might help to refrigerate it for a few hours before churning. Also, are you measuring pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)? That could keep it softer.

    2. User avatar weldon.kunde says:

      5 stars
      Mine was always too soft unless I froze it longer than 4 hours. Like, 6–8 hours and it’s scoopable. Also don’t open the freezer every 2 minutes 😅

  18. User avatar darrell.white99 says:

    5 stars
    This is the best ice cream I ever had! So creamy and perfect for fall.

  19. User avatar evelynn.funk32 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely love this recipe! It was a hit at our Halloween party. Tastes just like fall!

    1. User avatar danny.goodwin says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Pumpkin ice cream is perfect for fall 😍. Got any leftovers?

  20. 5 stars
    This ice cream is incredible! Creamy and full of flavor. Definitely a hit at our family gathering! 🍦

  21. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, it’s overrated. Just tasted like sweet pumpkin mush to me. 2/5.

  22. 5 stars
    The measurements are clear, and the instructions are straightforward. I like that it’s not overly complicated for homemade ice cream.

  23. 3 stars
    I tried making this, but it turned out more like a milkshake. 🤷‍♂️ What did I do wrong?

  24. User avatar rosendo.pacocha15 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! I topped it with some candied pecans. Perfect combo!

  25. User avatar vance.zemlak1987 says:

    4 stars
    Tastes like fall! 🍂🍦 Just perfect! I used coconut milk instead, still yumm!

  26. User avatar shaun.hermann9 says:

    4 stars
    Pumpkin ice cream? Weird combo! But my kids loved it. They ate it all!

  27. User avatar aurora.hoeger56 says:

    5 stars
    Wow, this was amazing! Made it for Thanksgiving and everyone was asking for seconds!

  28. User avatar tamar.collins20 says:

    1 star
    Why do people put pumpkin in ice cream? Seems weird, never tried it. 🤷‍♂️

    1. 5 stars
      Pumpkin ice cream is actually really good! It’s creamy and has that nice autumn spice. You should try it! 🍂

    2. User avatar cary.deckow40 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, putting pumpkin in ice cream kinda sounds gross to me. Ice cream should be sweet, not veggie flavor! 😕

  29. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    2 stars
    I follow these instructions but ice cream didn’t turn out right! It was too icy, not creamy at all. Ugh!

  30. User avatar juliana.walter says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, I thought this would be better. The pumpkin flavor was too strong and the texture wasn’t what I expected.

    1. 2 stars
      I loved this recipe! The pumpkin flavor is what makes it special. Maybe your taste buds are just off or something? 🤷‍♂️

    2. 4 stars
      I totally get what you mean! The pumpkin can be really overpowering if you’re not a fan. Maybe try cutting back on the puree next time?

  31. User avatar Coleman Metz says:

    5 stars
    First time making ice cream and it turned out amazing! So easy to follow the steps. Thank you!

    1. User avatar winfred.klein says:

      3 stars
      I tried it but didn’t turn out like yours. Maybe I did sumthing wrong.

    2. User avatar justin.swaniawski79 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I love pumpkin ice cream, too! It’s so creamy!

  32. User avatar nana.moore1980 says:

    4 stars
    So easy to make! I used almond milk instead of regular milk and it still tasted fab. Thanks for sharing! 🙌

  33. User avatar coralee.streich7 says:

    3 stars
    I tried making this and it was just too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar?

  34. 3 stars
    I didn’t have heavy cream, so I just used more milk. It didn’t come out as creamy 😩.

  35. 5 stars
    This sounds dangerously good. I love pumpkin pie spice in ice cream—so cozy. I might add a little extra vanilla though.

    1. 5 stars
      Right?! Pumpkin pie spice + ice cream is peak cozy. Your extra vanilla idea sounds perfect—maybe even a splash after churning too for more aroma. I might try it with a pinch more salt as well to balance it out.

  36. 3 stars
    I left out the sugar and it was still okay. Kinda.

  37. 5 stars
    Easiest ice cream recipe ever! So glad I tried it!!!

  38. User avatar sterling.gaylord60 says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, it sounds weird. Pumpkin in ice cream? No thanks.

  39. 5 stars
    5 stars! Best fall treat ever. So easy to make! I even used almond milk instead of regular milk and it was delish! 🌟

  40. User avatar ollie.hill63 says:

    3 stars
    Eh, it tastes ok but way too sweet for my liking. Maybe less sugar next time?

    1. User avatar xavier.hansen1986 says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree! I found it way too sweet as well. Cutting down on sugar would make it perfect!

3.64 from 121 votes
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