Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns ice cream features creamy vanilla ice cream swirled with gooey cinnamon bun dough and cinnamon streusel pieces, delivering a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and rich flavors with a soft and crunchy texture contrast.
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Freezer-safe container
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for dough and streusel)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for dough)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for streusel)
Ensure you use fresh, high-quality cinnamon and unsalted butter to achieve the authentic flavor of Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns ice cream. The balance of granulated and brown sugar is crucial for the sweet and slightly caramelized taste in both the ice cream base and the cinnamon bun dough. Pay attention to the temperature of your custard base; it should be cooled properly before churning to maintain a creamy texture. Incorporating the cinnamon streusel pieces requires timing the baking just right on a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal crunch. Your homemade take on the Cinnamon Buns from Ben & Jerry's copycat menu offers a perfect blend of rich vanilla ice cream and soft cinnamon bun dough with a satisfying crunchy streusel finish.
Instructions
- Prepare ice cream base:
- In a saucepan, whisk together 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Heat mixture until steaming (do not boil).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk 2 large egg yolks.
- Gradually add some hot cream to yolks, whisking constantly, then return to saucepan.
- Cook on low heat until thickened, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat, cool, and chill mixture completely.
- Make cinnamon bun dough:
- In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until creamy.
- Add 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix to combine.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls or pieces, place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm.
- Make cinnamon streusel:
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Drizzle in 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
- Mix with a spatula until crumble forms.
- Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden; let cool.
- Churn and assemble:
- Pour chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- In the last few minutes of churning, add frozen cinnamon bun dough pieces and cooled cinnamon streusel.
- Freeze:
- Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
- Swirl in additional cinnamon bun dough and streusel as desired.
- Freeze until firm (at least 4 hours).
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns copycat ice cream combines creamy vanilla ice cream with swirls of cinnamon bun dough and crunchy cinnamon streusel for authentic flavor and texture. When making the dough, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour to add a nuttier taste and more fiber. If you don't have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until smooth to mimic churning. You may replace brown sugar with coconut sugar in the streusel for a deeper caramel note and natural sweetness. Your homemade version will still capture the rich blend of sweet and spicy elements that make the original so beloved.
Tips
When heating the ice cream base, avoid boiling to prevent curdling of the egg yolks, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture. Chill the custard mixture thoroughly before churning to achieve optimal ice cream consistency. Freeze the cinnamon bun dough pieces until firm to maintain their shape during churning and prevent them from dissolving into the ice cream. Use a freezer-safe container with a tight seal to store your ice cream, minimizing ice crystal formation and preserving flavor.
Nutritions
Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns ice cream is rich in calories primarily from heavy cream and whole milk, providing essential fats and proteins that contribute to satiety. The incorporation of cinnamon bun dough and streusel introduces carbohydrates and sugars from brown sugar and all-purpose flour, which add sweetness and energy. With moderate amounts of egg yolks, the ice cream also supplies dietary cholesterol and micronutrients like vitamin A and riboflavin. You can enjoy this decadent treat occasionally as part of a balanced diet, being mindful of its high sugar and fat content.
Storage
Store your homemade Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns ice cream in an airtight freezer-safe container to prevent ice crystals and maintain its creamy texture. For best flavor and consistency, keep the ice cream frozen at 0degF (-18degC) or lower. Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the ice cream's surface before sealing to reduce freezer burn and preserve the soft and crunchy texture contrast.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation on the cinnamon bun dough, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour to give a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture. Your vanilla ice cream base could be enriched by replacing some whole milk with coconut milk for a subtle tropical undertone. Instead of traditional cinnamon streusel, try mixing in chopped pecans or walnuts to add extra crunch and depth. If you want a softer dough texture, bake the cinnamon bun dough balls for a few minutes before freezing to create a chewier bite within the ice cream.
Allergies
Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns ice cream contains common allergens such as dairy (heavy cream, whole milk, butter) and eggs (egg yolks), which may pose risks for individuals with lactose intolerance or egg allergies. The presence of wheat-based all-purpose flour means it is not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Your best option is to check ingredient labels carefully and consult a healthcare provider if you have known food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns flavor combines rich caramel swirls and chewy cinnamon bun dough ice cream, creating a decadent taste experience loved by many. The unique blend of sweet and spicy notes offers a comforting indulgence that satisfies both dessert cravings and nostalgia for classic bakery treats. You can recreate this popular flavor at home to enjoy fresh, customizable quality without the wait or expense of dining out. Making your own copycat version allows for control over ingredients, ensuring a fun and delicious treat tailored to your preferences.