Ice Cream

How to make Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

A spiced autumn ice cream with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cream. It should be smooth, cosy and lightly earthy.

What it is

Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream in the kitchen

A spiced autumn ice cream with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cream. It should be smooth, cosy and lightly earthy.

Why make it

Make pumpkin spice ice cream when you want a frozen dessert component with a clear flavour, good scoopability and enough detail for sundaes, cones and menu builders.

Best with

cones, bowls, sundaes, wafers, fruit, brownies

Method

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the base for Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: infuse, blend or whisk the dairy, fruit, sugar and flavourings until fully combined. Chill until very cold before freezing.

    Look for: The base is smooth, cold and slightly more strongly flavoured than you expect. Tip: Cold bases churn faster and give a smoother scoop. Avoid: Freezing a warm base creates large ice crystals and weak flavour.
  2. Step 2

    Churn the Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream in an ice cream machine until softly frozen, or use a no-churn method and fold the base gently before freezing. Add ripples or chunks near the end.

    Look for: The mixture looks like soft serve before it is packed into the tub. Tip: For gelato-style density, avoid over-whipping too much air into the base. Avoid: Adding chunks too early can make them sink or break apart.
  3. Step 3

    Pack the Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream into a freezer container, cover the surface and freeze until firm. Temper for 5–10 minutes before scooping.

    Look for: A scoop cuts cleanly and holds its shape without being icy. Tip: Warm the scoop in water and dry it before serving for cleaner portions. Avoid: Serving straight from a very cold freezer makes even good ice cream seem hard and dull.
Storage

Make ahead and storage

Storage

Store in a sealed freezer-safe container at about -18°C. Press parchment onto the surface to reduce ice crystals and use within 2–4 weeks for best texture.

Make ahead

Make the base the day before where possible, chill thoroughly, then churn or freeze. Rest at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.

Freezing

Freeze until firm. For no-churn versions, fold the flavourings through softly whipped cream and condensed milk, then freeze in a shallow container.