Name: How To Make Pumpkin Gelato
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 can pumpkin puree (15 ounces); 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

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Pumpkin gelato is a melt in your mouth dessert that celebrates the season of all things pumpkin! And it's not just a summertime treats. This is the perfect after dinner sweet treat you need to try as we move into the fall season!

If you like gelato recipes, then you have to try this pumpkin gelato. Full of all kinds of amazing fall flavors, this recipe for gelato is both quick and easy to make. If you like pumpkin ice cream, you've got to try this!

ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works

Take me literal when I say this Italian gelato is crazy simple easy!
We're only using 5 simple ingredients.
The blender and ice cream maker literally does all the work! There is little effort on your end!
Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin! Fall flavor in every bite of this recipe! This one taste like pumpkin pie gelato.

🤷 What Is Gelato?

It's an Italian dessert that is made in a similar method as ice cream. The difference between gelato and ice cream is that there are usually no eggs in gelato and the ratio of cream to whole milk is different than ice cream.

This base for this gelato recipe is easily made in a blender then churned in an ice cream maker. Although you'll need to plan ahead for the prep time, having a make ahead dessert waiting for you in the freezer makes this dessert ideal for entertaining.

📋 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Learning how to make gelato is really easy. For this recipe, you'll need an ice cream maker. The key to success when making gelato is to plan ahead. You'll need to start by putting the canister for the ice cream maker in the freezer. It needs to be frozen for at least 24 hours ahead of time.

🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

The ingredients for gelato are simple and can be found at any local grocery store. If you want to make gelato at home, all you'll need is pumpkin puree, whole milk, heavy cream, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup. Add all the gelato ingredients to the blender.

Blend until completely smooth. Expert Tip: When blending the ingredients, the consistency should be similar to when making a smoothie or milkshake.

You could process this mixture right away, but the texture of the gelato will be creamier if you take the time to refrigerate it for 4-6 hours, or even overnight.

Once chilled, pour the cold mixture into the ice cream maker. Each ice cream maker is different but I found that churning for about 15 minutes is perfect. This is the texture of the mixture when you first add it to the ice cream maker.

Looks delish, right?!?!

And look at how the texture changes after only 15 minutes! Making gelato ice cream is a fun activity to share with your kids because it is fascinating to watch it develop right before your eyes. Unlike baking where your baked goods are hidden in the oven, making this is a hands-on activity and you can watch together as it happens.

💭 Expert Tips and FAQs

The texture of gelato is creamier than ice cream and you should serve gelato at a warmer temperature.
It's lovely served right after churning in the ice cream maker but can also be frozen and shared later.
If you are serving gelato from the freezer, let is sit on the countertop for 15 minutes before scooping so that you achieve that creamy result.
Looking for an Ice Cream Maker? Check out this one!
This gelato is great when topped with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and caramel sauce.

🎃 Let's Make More Pumpkin Recipes!

Pumpkin macarons are a festive, fall treat. Decorate with edible markers to bring these jack-0-lanterns to life! Pumpkin butter is THE recipe to make in your slow cooker this season. Your house will smell amazing!

And, how cute are these Pumpkin Spritz Cookies! Your cookie press doesn't have to collect dust only to be used around the holidays. Pumpkins are perfect for fall!

I can't wait to hear how this turned out for you! If you’ve tried this recipe then don’t forget to rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! I love hearing from you!

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website here and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food I’m creating!

Blue bowl containing 3 scoops of pumpkin gelato, spoon in bowl.

How To Make Pumpkin Gelato

Pumpkin gelato is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that celebrates this season of all things pumpkin!

4.84 from 18 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings:

Calories: 134kcal

Author: Amanda Mason

Ingredients

Instructions

Freeze the ice cream canister for 24 hours.
Combine all the ingredients in a high speed blender. Cool in the refrigerator overnight or at least 4-6 hours.
Follow the instructions for your ice cream maker. This gelato was churned for 15 minutes.
Serve immediately or freeze. When you are ready to enjoy the gelato, let the gelato sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

The texture of gelato is creamier than ice cream and you should serve gelato at a warmer temperature.
It's lovely served right after churning in the ice cream maker but can also be frozen and shared later.
If you are serving gelato from the freezer, let is sit on the countertop for 15 minutes before scooping so that you achieve that creamy result.
Looking for an Ice Cream Maker? Check out this one!
This gelato is great when topped with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and caramel sauce.
You'll need to freezer your ice cream canister overnight. Also, the pumpkin gelato mixture should be cooled 4-6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator before churning in the ice cream maker.

Nutrition

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Update Notes: This post was originally published in October 2018, but was re-published with updated step-by-step instructions, pictures and tips in October 2020.