Salted caramel ice cream is like a sweet hug on a hot summer day, with its creamy texture and salty-sweet flavor that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: you take a scoop, and the rich caramel melts in your mouth, while a hint of salt teases your palate, making you wonder why you ever settled for plain vanilla. For more inspiration, check out this boozy peppermint truffles recipe.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of making homemade ice cream every Fourth of July. As fireworks lit up the sky, we’d be busy churning out endless batches of this divine salted caramel ice cream. There’s something magical about creating it together, filled with laughter and sticky fingers. Now, as an adult, I find myself channeling those memories every time I whip up this treat. It’s perfect for celebrations or just because life is too short to skip dessert.
Why You'll Love This Salted caramel ice cream
- This amazing Salted caramel ice cream offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Ingredients for Salted caramel ice cream
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Salted caramel ice cream:
- Heavy Cream: The star of the show! Opt for at least 36% fat content for that ultra-creamy texture.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness while balancing out the heaviness of the cream.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness that complements the salty goodness perfectly.
- Brown Sugar: Brings depth and a hint of molasses flavor to your salted caramel ice cream.
- Salt: A crucial player! Use flaky sea salt to enhance all those sweet flavors in the ice cream.
- Vanilla Extract: The secret ingredient that rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Salted caramel ice cream
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Salted caramel ice cream:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ice Cream Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Don’t be shy—give it a good whisk!
Step 2: Make Your Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar with two tablespoons of water and bring to a simmer. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely (but don’t stir once it starts bubbling!). Let it bubble away until it turns golden brown—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 3: Add Cream
Once your caramel is ready and looking all deliciously gooey, remove it from heat and slowly pour in one cup of heavy cream while whisking vigorously (you might want to stand back—this step can get steamy). Add salt gradually until you reach your preferred level of saltiness.
Step 4: Combine Bases
Combine your cooled caramel sauce with the milk-cream mixture from Step 1. Stir until everything is well-blended and smooth—like that perfect summer day!
Step 5: Chill
Cover your mixture with plastic wrap (directly on top!) and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight if you’re feeling patient (who doesn’t love anticipation?).
Step 6: Churn Away
Pour your chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least four hours before diving in.
Transfer to bowls or cones, sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt if desired, and enjoy this delightful salted caramel ice cream! You can even drizzle some leftover caramel sauce over each serving if you feel fancy.
And there you have it—a fun journey through making salted caramel ice cream! Whether you’re enjoying it while watching fireworks or just chilling on your couch after a long day, indulge yourself in this sweet adventure!
You Must Know About Salted caramel ice cream
- This amazing Salted caramel ice cream offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting Salted caramel ice cream Cooking Process
To whip up the perfect salted caramel ice cream, start by making your caramel first. Let it cool while you whip the cream until soft peaks form, then fold in the cooled caramel and mix well.
Add Your Touch to Salted caramel ice cream
Get creative with your salted caramel ice cream! Add crushed pretzels for a delightful crunch, swap regular sugar for brown sugar for deeper flavor, or drizzle in some dark chocolate for an indulgent twist. fluffy apple pancakes recipe indulgent caramel apple cheesecake bars. delicious apple cake with glaze.
Storing & Reheating Salted caramel ice cream
Store your salted caramel ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid reheating; instead, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Salted caramel ice cream
- This amazing Salted caramel ice cream offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Using a thermometer can help you achieve the perfect temperature for your caramel without burning it.
Make sure to cool your caramel completely before mixing it into the whipped cream; this prevents melting and keeps everything fluffy.
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to ensure maximum volume and fluffiness.
When I first made salted caramel ice cream for a family gathering, everyone praised me like I was a culinary genius! It turns out, all I needed was a little patience and some good humor in the kitchen!
FAQs About Salted caramel ice cream
What is Salted caramel ice cream?
Salted caramel ice cream is a delightful frozen dessert that combines the rich flavors of creamy vanilla or chocolate ice cream with a luscious salted caramel sauce. This treat stands out due to its delightful balance of sweetness and saltiness, creating a sophisticated flavor profile. The base ice cream is typically made from heavy cream, sugar, and egg yolks, while the salted caramel is crafted from sugar, butter, and sea salt. Together, they create a luscious and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe.
How can I make Salted caramel ice cream at home?
Making salted caramel ice cream at home is surprisingly simple! Start by preparing your favorite vanilla ice cream base using heavy cream, milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Then, create the salted caramel by melting sugar until golden brown and adding butter along with heavy cream and sea salt. Once both components are ready, mix them together and churn in an ice cream maker until smooth. Freeze it for several hours to achieve the perfect scoopable texture. Enjoy this homemade delight on its own or with toppings!
What are some toppings for Salted caramel ice cream?
Salted caramel ice cream pairs wonderfully with various toppings to enhance its flavor. Consider drizzling extra salted caramel sauce over the top for added richness. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch. For a fun twist, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top to amplify the savory notes of the dessert. You could also try whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish. Feel free to get creative with your toppings to personalize your experience!
Can I use store-bought ingredients for Salted caramel ice cream?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, using store-bought ingredients can simplify the process of making salted caramel ice cream. Many grocery stores offer high-quality vanilla ice creams that you can elevate with bottled salted caramel sauce. Just remember to check the labels for quality ingredients to ensure that you enjoy the best flavor possible. This option allows you to enjoy this delicious treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Conclusion for Salted caramel ice cream
In conclusion, salted caramel ice cream is a luxurious dessert that offers a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. Whether you make it from scratch using simple ingredients or opt for convenient store-bought options, this treat will surely satisfy your cravings. With endless possibilities for toppings and presentations, it’s an ideal choice for any gathering or simply as a delightful indulgence at home. Don’t miss out on experiencing the rich taste of salted caramel ice cream; it’s a must-try for dessert lovers everywhere!

Salted Caramel Ice Cream
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Salted caramel ice cream is the ultimate indulgence, marrying rich, creamy textures with a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. This homemade treat evokes nostalgic memories and is ideal for warm summer days or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create an irresistible dessert that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream (36% fat)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt (to taste)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup granulated sugar with 2 tbsp water. Simmer until golden brown. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and salt.
- Combine the cooled caramel with the ice cream base mixture until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions until soft-serve consistency is reached.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg