If you have a soft spot for that dreamy blend of sweet and salty, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe. It’s the kind of homemade treat that feels indulgent yet comforting, perfect for warm, sunny days or cozy nights when you want to treat yourself. This recipe captures the perfect balance—the buttery richness of caramel combined with just a hint of salt to make every spoonful utterly unforgettable. Trust me, once you make this, store-bought options won’t even compare!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the backbone of this Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that luxurious creamy feel you’re craving.
- Lemon Juice (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle acid that helps prevent crystallization in the caramel and keeps it silky smooth.
- Sugar (1 1/2 cups): The sweet base that caramelizes to give that deep amber color and rich flavor.
- Butter (1 Tablespoon): Adds creaminess and a velvety texture while enriching the caramel’s flavor.
- Heavy Cream (3 cups): The lush creaminess factor essential for that creamy ice cream texture.
- Whole Milk (1 cup): Balances the richness of the cream and lightens the texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): The magical twist that brings out the sweet notes and gives the caramel that crave-worthy salty edge.
How to Make Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Create the Perfect Caramel Base
Start with a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, adding sugar and lemon juice together—this combo ensures your sugar melts evenly without crystallizing. Add the sugar gradually in 1/2 cup increments, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Patience here is the secret; allow each portion to dissolve completely before adding more. This careful caramelizing process develops that rich, golden foundation for your ice cream that’s both sweet and slightly toasty.
Step 2: Incorporate Butter Safely
Once your sugar is melted and silky smooth, whisk in the butter carefully. The caramel will bubble and may splatter, so it’s wise to keep a little distance and use a whisk to incorporate it fully. The butter adds that luscious body to the caramel, making it rich and sumptuous while helping it blend beautifully with the dairy coming up next.
Step 3: Blend in Cream and Milk
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking constantly. This slow integration tempers the caramel and creates a creamy base perfect for churning. After combining, remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the mixture to a bowl to chill fully in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. The chill step is essential for proper texture during freezing.
Step 4: Salt and Prepare for Churning
After your mixture is nicely chilled, stir in the sea salt to achieve that amazingly balanced salted caramel flavor. Pour the salted mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to your machine’s instructions. The magic of your homemade salted caramel ice cream is just moments away!
Step 5: Freeze for Firmness
Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, cover it tightly, and freeze until it’s firm, which usually takes at least 4 hours. For the best texture and flavor, leaving it overnight is ideal. Then you’re ready to enjoy a spoonful of homemade bliss.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this ice cream’s appeal by topping it with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to boost the salty contrast or a drizzle of extra homemade caramel sauce for intense sweetness. Chopped roasted nuts, like pecans or almonds, add delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs so well with caramel’s smoothness.
Side Dishes
The amazing thing about Salted Caramel Ice Cream is how versatile it is alongside other desserts. Serve it with warm apple pie for a classic twist, or spoon it next to rich chocolate cake for a heavenly contrast of flavors. Even a simple shortbread cookie makes a perfect companion for scoops of this creamy delight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving this ice cream in elegant glass cups layered with bits of brownie or drizzled chocolate. Alternatively, create a salted caramel sundae bar with toppings like crushed pretzels, toffee bits, and whipped cream to let everyone customize their own decadent dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is likely), store them in an airtight container in the freezer to keep the ice cream’s texture and flavor intact. Always press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Freezing
This Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe freezes beautifully as long as it’s covered well. The high fat content from the cream and butter helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency, even after extended freezing. Just make sure your freezer is set cold enough to keep it firm but not icy.
Reheating
While you generally don’t want to “reheat” ice cream, a few minutes at room temperature before scooping will allow this salted caramel goodness to soften slightly, ensuring smooth, scoopable texture without losing any of its rich flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can! After preparing the base, pour it into a freezer-safe container and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals and mimic churning. Repeat until it’s creamy and frozen, though it may not be quite as smooth as with a machine.
What type of salt works best for this recipe?
Flaky sea salt is ideal as it adds a nice crunch and enhances the caramel flavor without being overwhelming. You can also use kosher salt if flaky sea salt is unavailable, but avoid fine table salt as it might make the ice cream too salty.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Using half-and-half will result in a lighter, less creamy texture. Heavy cream is crucial for that rich mouthfeel, so it’s best to stick to the recipe for the classic indulgence. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half can work, but expect a difference in texture.
How far in advance can I make this ice cream?
You can prepare and freeze your salted caramel ice cream up to a week in advance. Just make sure it’s stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent freezer burn and flavor absorption from other foods.
What’s the purpose of the lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice acts as an anti-crystallizing agent in the sugar, helping prevent graininess and ensuring your caramel base stays smooth and glossy. It’s a subtle but essential ingredient for perfect caramel texture.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe truly has a way of turning any moment into a special occasion with its perfectly balanced sweet and salty profile. Making it at home is not only surprisingly easy but also incredibly rewarding—you get to enjoy a fresh, rich dessert that’s bursting with flavor and texture. So grab your ingredients, embrace the caramel magic, and treat yourself to something undeniably delicious today!
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Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings)
Description
This homemade salted caramel ice cream boasts the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors, delivering a creamy and indulgent treat that’s incredibly easy to make. With a luscious caramel base enhanced by a touch of sea salt, this ice cream is a crowd-pleaser for dessert lovers looking for that classic caramel experience.
Ingredients
Caramel Base
- 1 1/2 cups Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
Ice Cream Mixture
- 3 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- Caramelize the Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar and lemon juice. Add the sugar in 1/2 cup increments, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to dissolve each addition before adding the next. This gradual process ensures the sugar melts evenly without burning.
- Add Butter Safely: Once all sugar is dissolved and melted into a smooth caramel, whisk in the tablespoon of butter carefully as the mixture may splatter. This adds richness and smoothness to the caramel.
- Incorporate Cream and Milk: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk. This will cool down the caramel and create the creamy base. Remove the saucepan from the heat after combining.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the caramel mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until fully chilled. Chilling helps the mixture thicken and prepares it for churning.
- Add Salt and Churn: Stir the teaspoon of sea salt into the chilled caramel base. Pour the salted mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the machine’s instructions until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the ice cream to firm up for the best texture.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the caramel from burning.
- Adding lemon juice to the sugar helps prevent crystallization and ensures a smooth caramel.
- Be cautious when adding butter and cream as hot caramel can splatter.
- Chilling the caramel base before churning is important for proper texture development.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can stir the mixture every 30 minutes as it freezes to break up ice crystals, but texture will vary.
- Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
