If you’ve ever dreamed of an ice cream that brings a delightful twist to the classic vanilla flavor, then this Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of saltiness and that nostalgic malted milk powder flavor that makes every spoonful feel like a little celebration. The best part? This recipe comes together quickly without an ice cream maker, making it a total game-changer when you want to impress or simply treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep the Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe straightforward yet outstanding. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting smooth, luscious ice cream with just the right amount of sweet, salty, and malty goodness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides a creamy sweetness and helps create a smooth, scoopable texture without the need for churning.
- Malted milk powder: Brings that iconic malt flavor that makes this ice cream stand out from your regular vanilla.
- Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds deep, rich vanilla notes that perfectly complement the malt.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavor, making every bite pop.
- Chilled heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it delivers the light and airy texture that makes this ice cream so dreamy.
- Flaky finishing salt (optional): A little sprinkle on top amps up the salted experience and adds a slight crunch to the creamy delight.
How to Make Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Base Ingredients
Start by combining your sweetened condensed milk, malted milk powder, vanilla, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Whisk them together gently but thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated. This blend is the heart of your ice cream, packed with flavor before the magic of whipping transforms it.
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with a mixer until stiff peaks form. This step is essential because the whipped cream lightens the dense condensed milk mixture, giving your ice cream that fluffy, creamy texture we’re all chasing.
Step 3: Fold the Mixtures Together
Using a silicone spatula, fold half of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture first, then fold in the remaining half. This folding technique keeps the mixture airy and prevents deflating the whipped cream, ensuring a luscious final result. Taste the ice cream base here and add a pinch more salt if you love that salty-sweet dance, just as I do.
Step 4: Freeze to Set
Pour your combined ice cream base into a freezer-safe container—like a 9×5 metal loaf pan—and spread it into an even layer. Cover it tightly and pop it in the freezer overnight. The next day, you’ll have a frozen masterpiece ready to devour, with a creamy texture that feels like it took hours to make.
How to Serve Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the experience, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of flaky finishing salt like Maldon. It adds a delicate crunch and highlights the malt and vanilla flavors beautifully. For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs perfectly with warm desserts like apple crisp, brownies, or chocolate chip cookies. The contrast between warm and cold, and the complex flavors of malt and salt, create an irresistible combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe into vintage glass bowls or waffle cones for a playful vibe. You can also use it in milkshakes or layered parfaits with crushed malted milk balls and whipped cream for a nostalgic treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the ice cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevent ice crystals from forming, so every scoop feels just as fresh as when you first made it.
Freezing
The Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe freezes wonderfully overnight, but if you want to prepare it days in advance, just keep it well covered. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for the perfect scoop.
Reheating
Since this is ice cream, reheating isn’t applicable—but if it hardens too much, a brief 5-10 minute rest outside the freezer is the best way to regain that ideal creamy, scoopable texture.
FAQs
Do I need an ice cream maker for this Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe?
Nope! This recipe is designed to be simple and churn-free. The whipped cream and folding technique create that creamy texture without needing any special equipment.
Can I use regular table salt instead of kosher salt?
While regular salt can work, kosher salt has larger crystals and a cleaner flavor. It’s best to use kosher salt to control the saltiness and avoid over-salting the base.
What’s the best malted milk powder to use?
Look for classic malted milk powders, often found in the baking aisle or specialty stores. Brands like Ovaltine or malted milk powder specifically labeled for baking work perfectly for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for texture and flavor, so making it dairy-free would require significant substitutions and likely alter the result. For now, it shines best with heavy cream and condensed milk.
How salty should the ice cream taste?
The saltiness should be noticeable but balanced, enhancing the malt and vanilla without overpowering. Feel free to adjust the salt to your taste during the folding step for the perfect salted-sweet harmony.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe truly is a little scoop of happiness that you can whip up anytime you’re craving something creamy, nostalgic, and a bit unexpected. It’s one of those recipes that invites you to pause and savor each bite, knowing you made it with love and just a few simple ingredients. I hope you have as much fun making and eating it as I do sharing it with friends—trust me, it’s a flavor combo you won’t want to miss!
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Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes prep + overnight freezing
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This Salted Malted Vanilla Ice Cream recipe combines the rich, creamy texture of homemade ice cream with the nostalgic flavor of malted milk powder and a delicate balance of saltiness. Made without an ice cream maker, it’s an easy and decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup malted milk powder
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2½ cups chilled heavy whipping cream
Optional Garnish
- Flaky finishing salt (such as Maldon)
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, malted milk powder, vanilla extract or paste, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this aside as your ice cream base.
- Whip cream: In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds firm peaks without collapsing.
- Fold whipped cream into base: Using a silicone spatula, gently fold half of the whipped cream into the malted condensed milk mixture to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully, ensuring the mixture is smooth and fully combined without deflating much of the cream.
- Taste and adjust saltiness: Sample the ice cream base, adding a bit more kosher salt if you prefer a more pronounced salty flavor. Stir to incorporate any additional salt added.
- Transfer to container: Pour the finished ice cream base into a freezer-safe container, such as a 9×5 metal loaf pan, and spread it evenly to prepare for freezing.
- Freeze overnight: Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Allow the ice cream to freeze fully overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Serve: When ready to serve, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and optionally sprinkle a pinch of flaky finishing salt like Maldon over each serving for added texture and flavor contrast.
Notes
- The malted milk powder adds a nostalgic, toasty flavor that complements the vanilla perfectly, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Ensure the heavy whipping cream is very cold before whipping to achieve stiff peaks efficiently.
- Use a silicone spatula for folding to preserve the airiness of the whipped cream and ensure a fluffy texture.
- This recipe requires no ice cream machine, making it simple and accessible.
- You can adjust the salt level according to your taste, but the slight saltiness enhances the malt and vanilla flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
