Cinnamon Sticky-Bun Ice Cream

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. + chilling Process: 20 min./batch + freezing

Makes

2-1/4 quarts

Updated: Sep. 08, 2023
This creamy homemade cinnamon ice cream has a rich caramel swirl and chunks of cinnamon buns. Serve the extra caramel sauce over this or other ice cream or pound cake.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cinnamon Sticky-Bun Ice Cream Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1-3/4 cups whole milk
  • 2/3 cup plus 2 cups sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup
  • 2 baked cinnamon buns, cubed
  • 9 tablespoons chopped pecans, toasted

Directions

  1. In a large heavy saucepan, heat milk and 2/3 cup sugar until bubbles form around side of pan. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches at least 160° and coats the back of a spoon.
  2. Remove from the heat. Quickly transfer to a bowl; place in ice water and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in 2 cups cream, cinnamon and vanilla. Press waxed paper onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  3. For caramel, combine the butter, water and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Add the remaining sugar; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved.
  4. Bring to a boil over medium heat without stirring. Boil for 4 minutes without stirring. Continue to boil for 12-15 minutes, stirring constantly or until mixture is caramel-colored. Remove from the heat. Carefully stir in remaining cream until smooth; set aside to cool.
  5. Fill cylinder of an ice cream maker two-thirds full; freeze according to the manufacturer's directions. Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze.
  6. In a large freezer container, layer a third of the ice cream, 1/2 cup caramel, 2/3 cup cinnamon buns and 3 tablespoons pecans. Repeat two times. Swirl mixture; freeze until firm. Serve with remaining caramel.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup ice cream with about 1 tablespoon sauce: 425 calories, 30g fat (17g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.