17+ Ice Cream Recipes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie; it’s a time to surprise your family and friends with deliciously unexpected treats. One way to take your holiday dessert game to the next level is by adding some homemade ice cream to the menu.

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe (For Ice Cream Machine)

Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe (For Ice Cream Machine) from Fresh April Flours

Rating: 4.9 (34 reviews). Total Time: 4 h 30 min.

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream from Leigh-Anne Wilkes

Rating: 5 (12 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie from Averie Cooks

Rating: 4.4 (46 reviews). Total Time: 4 h 20 min.

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Imagine the classic flavors of pumpkin pie in a creamy, frozen form. This recipe combines pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with a smooth, velvety ice cream base. It’s like a slice of pumpkin pie, but cooler!

This ice cream is special because it captures the essence of Thanksgiving in every scoop. The warm spices blend perfectly with the rich pumpkin, creating a flavor that is both nostalgic and refreshing. Perfect for those who love the taste of pumpkin pie but want something a bit different.

Many find this recipe popular because it offers a unique twist on a traditional Thanksgiving dessert. It’s an excellent option for serving alongside your favorite pies, adding a delightful contrast between the cold ice cream and warm desserts.

Apple Pie Ice Cream

Apple Pie Ice Cream

Apple Pie Ice Cream from Leigh-Anne Wilkes

Rating: 4.9 (36 reviews). Total Time: 23 min.

Mott's Apple Pie Ice Cream

Mott's Apple Pie Ice Cream from SharkNinja

Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe)

Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe) from Cravings Journal

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 40 min.

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This ice cream is all about capturing the comforting flavor of apple pie, but with a twist. With chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples and a hint of caramel, each bite feels like a bite of warm apple pie, topped with a generous scoop of ice cream.

What makes this recipe stand out is the way it combines textures and flavors. The soft apple pieces and caramel swirls create a delightful contrast with the creamy base. The addition of buttery pie crust crumbles gives it an authentic pie feel.

Pecan Pie Ice Cream

Cranberry Ice Cream

Cranberry Ice Cream from WonkyWonderful

Rating: 4.5 (50 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream from Sugar Dish Me

Rating: 4.6 (130 reviews). Total Time: 6 h 50 min.

Apple Pie Ice Cream Recipe

Apple Pie Ice Cream Recipe from Serious Eats

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

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Pecan pie lovers rejoice! This ice cream is loaded with roasted pecans and a swirl of caramel sauce, capturing that buttery, nutty flavor in every scoop. It’s a sweet and savory treat that’s sure to please your guests.

The secret to its popularity lies in the combination of crunchy pecans and the smooth caramel. The ice cream mimics the gooey texture of pecan pie filling, while the roasted nuts add a delightful crunch. It’s like having a slice of pecan pie in a bowl, without the crust.

Cranberry Sauce Ice Cream

Cranberry Ice Cream

Cranberry Ice Cream from WonkyWonderful

Rating: 4.5 (50 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

Cranberry Ice Cream

Cranberry Ice Cream from tastebotanical

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

Cranberry Sauce Ice Cream

Cranberry Sauce Ice Cream from Relatable Ladle

Total Time: 6 h 15 min.

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Who says cranberry sauce is only for the turkey? This tangy ice cream uses real cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart flavor that’s as refreshing as it is delicious. It’s the perfect palate cleanser after a hearty Thanksgiving meal.

This recipe is unique because it transforms a typical Thanksgiving side dish into a dessert. The natural tartness of cranberries is balanced by the sweetness of the cream, making it a refreshing and light option after a heavy meal.

It’s a popular choice for those who love to experiment with flavors and enjoy a surprising twist to their holiday desserts. Plus, it’s a beautiful shade of pink, adding a pop of color to your dessert table!

Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Sweet Potato Ice Cream from Running to the Kitchen

Total Time: 2 h 50 min.

Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Sweet Potato Ice Cream from Grandbaby Cakes

Rating: 5 (4 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 28 min.

Homemade Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Homemade Sweet Potato Ice Cream from In Krista's Kitchen

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 9 h 35 min.

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Yes, you read that right! Sweet potato ice cream is a thing, and it’s delicious. Think of it as a cousin to pumpkin ice cream, with roasted sweet potatoes, a hint of cinnamon, and a splash of maple syrup.

This ice cream is special because it highlights the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, complemented by warm spices and maple syrup. It’s creamy, rich, and surprisingly decadent.

What makes it popular is its novelty and the way it manages to be both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for those who want to try something different while still sticking to familiar Thanksgiving flavors.

Maple Walnut Ice Cream

Maple Walnut Ice Cream

Maple Walnut Ice Cream from The View from Great Island

Rating: 4 (43 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Maple Walnut Ice Cream

Maple Walnut Ice Cream from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (36 reviews). Total Time: 4 h 5 min.

Maple Walnut Ice Cream

Maple Walnut Ice Cream from SharkNinja

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This ice cream is a celebration of fall flavors, with rich maple syrup and crunchy walnuts. It’s a classic combination that’s both sweet and nutty, making it a favorite for many.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The pure maple syrup infuses the ice cream with a deep, caramel-like flavor, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. It’s like autumn in a scoop, perfect for enjoying around a cozy fire.

Many people love this ice cream for its balance of flavors and textures. It’s a sophisticated dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting, a perfect end to a Thanksgiving feast.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Ice Cream Recipes for Thanksgiving

Cranberry Ice Cream

Cranberry Ice Cream from WonkyWonderful

Rating: 4.5 (50 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream from Sugar Dish Me

Rating: 4.6 (130 reviews). Total Time: 6 hr 50 min.

Apple Pie Ice Cream Recipe

Apple Pie Ice Cream Recipe from Serious Eats

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

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Get Creative with Mix-Ins

Don’t be afraid to add your own twist to these recipes. Consider adding chocolate chips, marshmallows, or even a drizzle of honey. These little extras can make your ice cream even more special and tailored to your family’s tastes.

Use Fresh Ingredients

For the best flavors, use the freshest ingredients you can find. Freshly roasted nuts, homemade cranberry sauce, and pure maple syrup will elevate your ice cream to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Chill Your Equipment

Make sure your ice cream maker bowl is thoroughly frozen before starting. This will help your ice cream churn properly and achieve that dreamy, creamy texture everyone loves.