Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Luscious Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe for Sweet Joy

Silky smooth caramel dreams melt into this decadent homemade salted caramel ice cream recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet cream meets rich golden caramel in a dance of intense flavors.

Crafting this dessert brings restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen.

Each spoonful whispers luxurious notes of deep caramel and delicate salt crystals.

The creamy texture glides across your palate with elegant sophistication.

Professional pastry chefs would marvel at this simple yet extraordinary treat.

Prepare to delight in a dessert that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream You’ll Crave

  • Craft a Romantic Dessert: Perfect for celebrating love with its stunning red color and decadent cream cheese topping, this cheesecake transforms an ordinary dessert into a special Valentine's treat.
  • Master Impressive Baking Techniques: The water bath method ensures a crack-free, silky smooth cheesecake texture that looks professionally made, boosting your confidence in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Personal Touches: Easily personalize the dessert with chocolate shavings, heart sprinkles, or fresh berries to make it uniquely yours and show extra thoughtfulness.
  • Wow Your Loved Ones: Combining the rich flavors of red velvet and creamy cheesecake, this dessert creates a memorable experience that feels like a gourmet restaurant-quality indulgence.

Ingredients for Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Dairy Base:
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and smooth foundation for the ice cream.
  • Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Caramel Sauce: Delivers a deep, sweet caramel flavor throughout the ice cream.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.
Seasoning:
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the caramel flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Ice Cream at Home

Step 1: Blend Creamy Caramel Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, rich caramel sauce, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth and luxurious liquid with a golden caramel color.

Step 2: Churn Into Frosty Delight

Pour the silky caramel mixture into your ice cream maker and let it churn for about 25 minutes. Watch as the liquid transforms into a soft, creamy texture that’s reminiscent of soft-serve ice cream.

Step 3: Freeze And Set

Transfer the freshly churned ice cream into an airtight container. Smooth the surface with a spatula and seal the container.

Place in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the ice cream to firm up and develop a rich, scoopable consistency.

Step 4: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the ice cream from the freezer about 5 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Scoop into bowls or cones, and if desired, drizzle with extra caramel sauce or sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt for an extra flavor boost.

Tips for Creamy Salted Caramel Ice Cream

  • Cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap before freezing to minimize crystallization and maintain a smooth texture.
  • Use high-quality caramel sauce or make your own from scratch for a more robust and authentic taste.
  • Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect scoopable consistency.
  • Opt for flaky sea salt or kosher salt to create a more complex and balanced sweet-salty flavor profile.
  • Store the ice cream in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and prevent freezer burn for up to two weeks.

Variations on Salted Caramel Ice Cream

  • Dairy-Free Coconut Caramel Ice Cream: Replace dairy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream for a vegan alternative with rich, tropical flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Caramel Stevia Ice Cream: Use sugar-free caramel sauce and stevia as a sweetener to create a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calorie content.
  • Nutty Salted Caramel Crunch: Mix in chopped roasted almonds or pecans during the last few minutes of churning for added texture and nutty complexity.
  • No-Churn Salted Caramel Method: Skip the ice cream maker by whisking condensed milk with caramel sauce and whipped cream, then freezing for a simple alternative preparation.

Best Pairings for Salted Caramel Ice Cream

  • Complement Caramel Crunch: Pair with a crisp chocolate biscotti or almond brittle to add delightful texture contrast against the smooth, creamy ice cream.
  • Wine Harmony: Select a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a late harvest Riesling, which beautifully mirrors the caramel's rich, golden sweetness.
  • Espresso Elegance: Serve alongside a shot of robust espresso or affogato, where the hot coffee creates a luxurious temperature and flavor dance with the cold, salted caramel ice cream.
  • Nutty Companion: Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds on top to enhance the caramel's depth and provide a satisfying crunch that elevates the dessert's overall experience.

Storage Advice for Salted Caramel Ice Cream

  • Transfer ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent freezer burn. Keep in the coldest part of the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
  • Use a shallow, wide container to help maintain the ice cream's texture and make scooping easier. Glass or hard plastic containers work best for preserving flavor and preventing absorption of other freezer odors.
  • Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Let it sit at room temperature, allowing it to become creamy and easy to scoop without melting completely.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need to make salted caramel ice cream?

You’ll need heavy cream, milk, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and salt. These simple ingredients create a rich and creamy homemade dessert.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this ice cream?

An ice cream maker is essential for creating the right texture. Without it, the ice cream won’t churn properly and might become icy instead of smooth.

  • How long does the entire process take?

From preparation to final freezing, expect about 5-6 hours total. This includes 25 minutes of churning and at least 4 hours of freezing to reach the perfect consistency.

  • Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

While possible with alternative methods like using a freezer and stirring periodically, the result won’t be as creamy and smooth as using a dedicated ice cream maker.

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Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich, velvety salted caramel ice cream offers pure indulgence with its perfect balance of sweet and salty notes. Creamy custard and golden caramel blend seamlessly, promising a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) caramel sauce

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, prepared caramel sauce, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt, whisking until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and smooth.
  2. Pour the creamy caramel mixture into an ice cream churning machine, allowing it to rotate and aerate for approximately 25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
  3. Carefully transfer the freshly churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, ensuring an even surface.
  4. Place the container in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the ice cream to solidify and develop a rich, creamy texture.
  5. Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly, which will make scooping easier and enhance its luxurious mouthfeel.

Notes

  • Chill ingredients beforehand to ensure a smoother, creamier texture without ice crystals.
  • Adjust salt levels to create a perfect balance between sweet caramel and savory undertones.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer when making caramel to prevent burning and achieve a rich golden color.
  • For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk for a luscious alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 392 kcal
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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