Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Recipe Introduction
Salted caramel ice cream is a rich, creamy treat that combines the sweetness of caramel with a hint of salt for a perfect balance of flavors. This homemade ice cream is irresistibly smooth, with swirls of caramel throughout, making it a decadent dessert that’s both sweet and savory.
Recipe Overview
This recipe includes making a homemade caramel sauce, which is then blended into a custard-based ice cream mixture. With a smooth texture and layers of caramel flavor, this ice cream is ideal for special occasions or as a delicious treat for caramel lovers.
Recipe Ingredients
For the Caramel Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the Ice Cream Base:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Recipe Instructions
Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture turns a golden amber color (about 8–10 minutes).
Carefully add the heavy cream and butter, stirring constantly (be cautious as it will bubble). Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool.
Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, and half of the sugar over medium heat until it’s just starting to steam, but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until pale and smooth.
Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually add the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
Combine and Chill:
Pour the custard into a bowl and let it cool slightly. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Churn the Ice Cream:
Once the custard is fully chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. During the last few minutes of churning, drizzle in the caramel sauce to create swirls.
Freeze and Serve:
Transfer the ice cream to a container, cover, and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up. Scoop and serve with an extra drizzle of caramel if desired.
Recipe Variations
Extra Salted Caramel: Increase the salt in the caramel sauce for a stronger salty-sweet contrast.
Chocolate-Caramel Swirl: Add a layer of chocolate sauce along with the caramel for a rich twist.
Nutty Caramel Ice Cream: Add chopped toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts for added crunch.
Bourbon Caramel Ice Cream: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the caramel sauce for a hint of warmth and depth.
Recipe Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Serve in chilled bowls with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.
Pair with brownies, warm apple pie, or chocolate cake for a decadent dessert combination.
Garnish with a wafer or sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
Recipe Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate)
Calories: ~300
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Recipe Conclusion
This salted caramel ice cream is a luxurious treat, perfect for indulging any sweet cravings. The creamy texture and rich caramel flavor create a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Customize with different add-ins, or enjoy it as-is for a pure caramel experience.
