No-Churn Pumpkin Ice Cream

I love ice cream, and homemade is the best! It tastes so fresh and creamy. You can definitely get a better quality by making it homemade than buying it. I love that this recipe combines both the warm, fall flavors, but in a summer dessert that will still help cool you off. The best part is, it's super easy to make too. Here's what you'll need:

Photo byLynn

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 - 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice *
• 1, 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 vanilla bean pod, scored and scraped *
• 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or chocolate syrup (optional)

First, in a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree with the pumpkin pie spices and mix well. Then, add in the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla bean and mix until smooth. Set aside.

Next, in a large bowl, beat the cold, heavy cream with a hand mixer on medium - high until it forms stiff peaks. Then, gently fold a large scoop of whipping cream into the pumpkin mixture to lighten it up a little. Next, gently fold the remaining pumpkin mixture into the bowl of whipped cream. **

Then, gently pour mixture into a freezer-safe container and cover with a piece of parchment, waxed paper, or plastic wrap directly on top of pumpkin cream mixture to prevent ice crystals forming. Freeze for 6-8 hours and enjoy!

* Notes:

• If you do not have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by adding: 3/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/3 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp cloves, & 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract can be used in place of the vanilla bean pod.
• Make sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
• If you find that your no-churn ice cream is too "icy", you can add 1 Tbl of plain or whipped vodka in the pumpkin mixture phase to help prevent crystals from forming and stay creamier longer.

** At this point, you can add a ribbon of drizzled chocolate syrup or some mini chocolate chips or nuts. If using chocolate syrup, do not use more than about 1/4 cup or it may not set properly. If more is desired, just top your ice cream when serving.