Apple Cider Ice Cream with Cherry Apple Swirl

A light, apple-forward ice cream made with Sweet Home Spiced Apple Cider, finished with ribbons of our non-alcoholic Cherry Apple Bourbon Butter for a rich, Southern-inspired swirl.

This frozen dessert balances bright apple flavor with warm cherry and bourbon notes for a layered, Southern-inspired treat. It can be made two ways:

Option 1: A churned, ultra-creamy version using an ice cream maker

Option 2: A no-churn version for home cooks without a machine

Both methods deliver the same apple-cider base and signature Cherry Apple Bourbon Butter swirl—just choose the option that fits your kitchen.

Yield: about 1½ quarts (8–10 servings)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes (for cider reduction)
Freeze Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: about 4½–6½ hours

Option 1: Ice Cream Maker (Churned Version)

Ingredients

• 1½ cups Sweet Home Spiced Apple Cider
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ⅓–½ cup Sweet Home Cherry Apple Bourbon Butter, gently warmed (for swirling)

Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider

1. Pour the Apple Cider into a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Cook until reduced to about ¾ cup, 10–15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Make the Ice Cream

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled cider reduction, heavy cream, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
2. Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour.
3. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until soft-serve consistency.
4. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, layering spoonfuls of warmed Cherry Apple Bourbon Butter between layers.
5. Gently swirl with a knife or skewer.
6. Freeze 2–4 hours, until firm.

Option 2: No-Churn (No Ice Cream Machine Needed)

This method uses whipped cream for structure, so the ingredient ratios differ from the churned version.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream (cold)
• 1½ cups Sweet Home Spiced Apple Cider
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ⅓–½ cup Sweet Home Cherry Apple Bourbon Butter, gently warmed (for swirling)

Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider

1. Pour the Apple Cider into a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Cook until reduced to about ¾ cup, 10–15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Make the No-Churn Ice Cream

1. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooled cider reduction, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
3. Gently fold the cider mixture into the whipped cream until just combined.
4. Spoon the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
5. Add ribbons of warmed Cherry Apple Bourbon Butter, gently warmed (for swirling)
6. and gently swirl.
7. Freeze 4–6 hours, until scoopable.

Why there’s no milk in this version:
The no-churn method relies on whipped heavy cream for structure and condensed milk for sweetness and softness. Adding regular milk would thin the base and create ice crystals.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

• Sprinkle with toasted oat crumble for texture
• Add caramel shards or brittle for crunch
• Garnish with thin apple slices or dried apple chips
• Serve alongside a glass of Sweet Home Spiced Apple Cider or a Fall mocktail

Explore Sweet Home Food Recipes for other Perfect Pairings.

Show Us How You Serve It

Every table is different—and that’s the point. Share your Sweet Home creation and tag @SweetHomeFoods.