Jeni’s Churro Ice Cream 🍦✨ (Cinnamon Sugar Crunch)

Jeni’s Churro Ice Cream 🍦✨ (Cinnamon Sugar Crunch)

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the crispy, cinnamon-sugar magic of churros with the creamy indulgence of ice cream, this recipe is your fiesta in a scoop 🎉. Inspired by Jeni Britton Bauer’s signature eggless method, this churro ice cream swirls spiced cream with crunchy churro bites and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar—every spoonful tastes like a trip to the fair.

This frozen dessert is perfect for summer parties, holiday celebrations, or simply when you’re craving a sweet-spiced treat. The combination of silky ice cream, crunchy churro pieces, and a cinnamon swirl makes it a Mexican-inspired dessert that feels festive and indulgent 🌟.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

• Cinnamon-Spiced Base – warm, aromatic, and comforting.
• Churro Crunch – real churro bites tossed in cinnamon sugar for texture.
• Egg-Free Method – creamy without the fuss of custard.
• Versatile & Fun – add a caramel swirl or serve in a cinnamon-dusted cone.

Ingredients 🥄

Cinnamon Ice Cream Base

• Whole milk – 480 ml / 2 cups
• Cornstarch – 15 g / 1 tbsp + 1 tsp
• Cream cheese, softened – 43 g / 1.5 oz
• Fine sea salt – 0.5 g / 1/8 tsp
• Heavy cream – 300 ml / 1.25 cups
• Granulated sugar – 130 g / 2/3 cup
• Light corn syrup – 30 ml / 2 tbsp
• Ground cinnamon – 2 tsp

Churro Bites & Swirl

• Churros, bite-sized (tossed in cinnamon sugar) – 100 g / 1 cup
• Cinnamon sugar mix – 25 g / 2 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Cook the Base

1. Whisk 2 tbsp milk with cornstarch to make a slurry.
2. In another bowl, whisk softened cream cheese and salt until smooth.
3. In a saucepan, combine remaining milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, and cinnamon.
4. Bring to a rolling boil for 4 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, whisk in cornstarch slurry, and return to boil for 1 minute until thickened.
6. Slowly whisk hot mixture into cream cheese until smooth.

Churn & Assemble

1. Chill base in an ice bath for 30 minutes.
2. Pour into ice cream maker and churn until creamy.
3. Fold in churro bites and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
4. Transfer to container, press parchment against surface, and freeze at least 4 hours.

Pro Tips ✨

• Toss churro bites in cinnamon sugar before folding them in.
• Use Ceylon cinnamon for a sweeter, more aromatic flavor.
• Add a caramel swirl for an extra indulgent touch.

FAQ ❓

Can I use store-bought churros?
Yes, store-bought churros work perfectly—just toast them lightly and toss in cinnamon sugar before folding in.

How do I keep the churro pieces crunchy?
Add churros just before freezing to help them keep their texture.

Can I add a caramel swirl?
Definitely! A caramel ribbon pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar base.