If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things creamy and indulgent, this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the rich, buttery caramel infused with just the right hint of sea salt, swirled throughout a luxuriously smooth ice cream that melts on your tongue. It’s the ultimate treat that combines sweet, salty, and creamy in perfect harmony, promising to delight your taste buds with every scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the pure sweetness of granulated sugar to the creamy richness of heavy cream and butter, every element is carefully chosen to build layers of taste.
- Granulated sugar: The foundation for transforming into luscious caramel with a golden hue.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel, enhancing its velvety texture.
- Heavy cream: Provides the creamy base for the ice cream and helps create that dreamy mouthfeel.
- Sea salt: Just a teaspoon to balance the sweetness with a subtle salty punch, elevating every bite.
- Whole milk: Keeps the ice cream light and creamy without overpowering the caramel flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the caramel beautifully.
- Salt: A tiny pinch mixed into the base to deepen the salty-sweet experience.
How to Make Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Make the Caramel
Start by melting one cup of granulated sugar over medium heat in a dry, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Watch closely as the sugar transforms from crystal to amber liquid—this magic moment is key for that signature caramel flavor. Once fully melted, carefully add the unsalted butter pieces. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so keep stirring until the butter is fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 2: Incorporate the Cream and Salt
Next, slowly pour in half a cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously. This helps create a luscious, creamy caramel sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, signaling it’s ready. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle in the sea salt, stirring gently to evenly distribute its savory kick.
Step 3: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together two cups of heavy cream, one cup of whole milk, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. This creamy mixture forms the backdrop that allows the salted caramel to shine in every spoonful.
Step 4: Combine Caramel with Ice Cream Base
Once the caramel has cooled slightly but is still pourable, stir it into the prepared ice cream base. Make sure it’s fully blended to create that irresistible swirled effect you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, then place it in the freezer. For the creamiest texture, stir the mixture every 30 minutes for the first two hours while it freezes. After a minimum of 4 to 6 hours, the ice cream will be perfectly set and ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To add that extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right on top before serving. You can also add chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce to complement the smooth base and bring out the nutty, sweet flavors.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like apple pie or a simple chocolate brownie. The cold, creamy caramel ice cream next to a hot, gooey treat is just pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve scoops of this homemade salted caramel ice cream in waffle cones or crumble some shortbread cookies on top for texture. You can even layer it in parfait glasses with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an elegant dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe should be kept in an airtight container to avoid ice crystals and preserve freshness. Storing it in the coldest part of your freezer will help maintain its rich texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead of time, no worries! Just prepare the ice cream base and caramel as directed, then freeze for up to a week. Just remember to stir during the freezing process initially to keep it creamy and avoid icy spots.
Reheating
This ice cream is meant to be enjoyed cold, but if it hardens too much after being in the freezer a long time, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping for easy serving.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While you can, using unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness, especially since salt is added separately to the caramel and base for balance.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
You don’t necessarily need an ice cream maker. Stirring every 30 minutes during freezing helps create a smooth texture, but an ice cream maker can make the process easier and yield even creamier results.
Can I substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, you can use full-fat coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different since dairy adds richness and creaminess.
How salty should the ice cream taste?
The salt should be enough to enhance and balance the sweetness without overpowering it — think of it as a gentle background note that makes the caramel flavor pop beautifully.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts, fudge pieces, or even swirls of chocolate can give your homemade salted caramel ice cream an extra layer of deliciousness and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making your own ice cream from scratch, especially when it’s as luscious and satisfying as this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe. It’s a treat that feels luxurious yet approachable, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Give it a try — you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed caramel ice cream any other way.
Print
Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and indulgently sweet treat with a perfect balance of buttery caramel and a hint of sea salt. Made from scratch with a luscious caramel sauce blended into a classic ice cream base, this dessert is perfect for anyone craving a decadent frozen delight.
Ingredients
Salted Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Make the Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar fully melts and turns a golden amber color, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Butter: Once the sugar is melted, carefully add the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. The mixture will bubble up vigorously. Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and incorporated into the sugar.
- Add Heavy Cream: Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly.
- Add Salt and Cool: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of sea salt (adjust to taste). Set the caramel aside to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Caramel with Base: Once the caramel has cooled, mix it thoroughly into the ice cream base until fully incorporated.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the combined ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the freezer.
- Stir During Freezing: For the creamiest texture, stir the ice cream mixture every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours of freezing to break up ice crystals.
- Freeze Until Firm: Allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours or until firm.
Notes
- Use high-quality unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
- Be very careful when working with hot caramel as it can cause severe burns.
- Stirring frequently during the early freezing stages helps achieve a smoother, creamier texture by preventing ice crystals.
- The salted caramel sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
- If you prefer a stronger salty kick, increase the sea salt slightly, tasting as you go.
