Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love the delightful balance of rich caramel with a touch of saltiness, this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a luscious, creamy treat that brings together silky caramel and cool, smooth ice cream in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a dessert that feels like a special occasion every time you scoop it. Plus, making it at home means you get to control the sweetness and savor every bite exactly how you like it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect creamy texture and that signature warm, salty-sweet flavor. From crafting the golden caramel to enriching the ice cream base, every element counts.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The foundation for your caramel’s deep flavor and beautiful amber color.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces): Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the caramel indulgently creamy and luscious.
- 1 tsp sea salt (or more to taste): Provides that perfect salty contrast to the sweet caramel.
- 2 cups heavy cream: For the creamy base of the ice cream, ensuring every scoop is velvety smooth.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the texture slightly while keeping it rich and creamy.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the ice cream base just right without overpowering the salted caramel.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a subtle aromatic depth.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances and lifts the overall ice cream flavor.
How to Make Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Make the Caramel
Begin by melting 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Keep a close eye and stir gently until the sugar melts evenly into a golden amber liquid. This step requires patience because that golden color is where all the rich caramel flavor hides.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Once the sugar is fully melted and smooth, carefully add the butter pieces. The mixture will bubble up vigorously — that’s totally normal! Stir until the butter is completely melted and combined, creating a thick, glossy texture that’s already smelling like a dream.
Step 3: Incorporate the Heavy Cream
Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously. The caramel will bubble again, but keep stirring until everything is smooth and well-mixed. Let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to thicken up slightly, which helps it meld beautifully into the ice cream base.
Step 4: Season the Caramel
Remove your caramel from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of sea salt. This seasoning tweaks the sweetness just right and brings out all those complex caramel notes. Set the caramel aside to cool—patience here will pay off with a much better texture!
Step 5: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This mix is where the creaminess of your ice cream comes from, with the vanilla adding a lovely aromatic lift.
Step 6: Combine Caramel with Ice Cream Base
Once the salted caramel has cooled to room temperature, fold it gently into your ice cream base until just combined. This step ensures those gorgeous streaks of caramel get swirled throughout the creamy mixture.
Step 7: Freeze the Mixture
Pour your ice cream mixture into a container with a lid or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, or until firm. For the creamiest result, stir the mixture every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours to break up any ice crystals. This little extra step makes such a big difference in texture!
How to Serve Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can completely elevate your salted caramel ice cream experience. Consider dusting finely chopped toasted pecans, flaky sea salt, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to boost that rich, nutty sweetness with a satisfying crunch or glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts like brownies, apple pie, or even a simple slice of pound cake. The contrast between hot, comforting desserts and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a truly special treat that guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve scoops of this homemade salted caramel ice cream inside warm caramelized bananas or stuffed into waffle cones sprinkled with sea salt. You can even layer it in parfait glasses with chunks of brownie and a sprinkle of sea salt for a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container to keep the ice cream creamy and free from freezer burn. Make sure to press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the lid for best results.
Freezing
Freeze your homemade salted caramel ice cream for up to two weeks. Beyond that, the quality might start to decline, and ice crystals can develop. The freshness of the ingredients really shines when enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Reheating
Ice cream is best enjoyed chilled but if it gets too firm after freezing, just let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This brief “reheating” softens the texture perfectly, making every spoonful smooth and luscious again.
FAQs
Can I use regular table salt instead of sea salt?
While you can use table salt, sea salt is preferred because it has a coarser texture and a more complex flavor that enhances the caramel’s richness. If you only have table salt, reduce the amount slightly to avoid over-salting.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Not at all! This recipe can be made without an ice cream maker by stirring the mixture every 30 minutes while freezing. This prevents ice crystals and keeps your ice cream creamy and smooth. Of course, an ice cream maker can simplify the process if you have one.
How can I make the caramel less salty if I prefer sweeter desserts?
Simply reduce the amount of sea salt added to the caramel or sprinkle less on top. The beauty of this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe is that you can adjust the sweetness and saltiness to suit your taste perfectly.
Can I substitute dairy ingredients for a vegan alternative?
Replacing dairy can be tricky because of the texture and flavor, but you can try using full-fat coconut milk and a vegan butter substitute. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but it can still be delicious!
How long does it take to make this ice cream from start to finish?
From making the caramel to freezing the ice cream, expect about 6 hours and 20 minutes. Much of that time is hands-off freezing and cooling, so you can prepare the caramel and base quickly and then let the freezer do the rest!
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe is such a rewarding experience—you get to enjoy the magic of a classic caramel flavor combined with creamy cold comfort that only homemade ice cream can deliver. It’s a perfect way to treat yourself, impress guests, or turn any ordinary day into something sweet and special. I guarantee once you try it, this recipe will become one of your favorites too!
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Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream recipe combines rich, buttery caramel with a smooth and creamy ice cream base, finished with a touch of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Perfect for a decadent dessert, this ice cream is easy to make at home with no ice cream maker required, just some patience during freezing.
Ingredients
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, stirring constantly until it is fully melted and has a deep amber color.
- Add Butter: Carefully add the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the melted sugar. Stir until the butter is completely melted and combined; the mixture may bubble up, so be cautious.
- Add Heavy Cream to Caramel: Gradually pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream while stirring continuously. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sea salt. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Caramel with Ice Cream Base: Once the caramel has cooled to room temperature, mix it thoroughly into the ice cream base, stirring to blend evenly.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours until firm.
- Stir While Freezing: During the first 2 hours of freezing, stir the mixture every 30 minutes thoroughly to break up any ice crystals and ensure a creamy texture.
- Serve: Once the ice cream is fully frozen and creamy, scoop and serve. Enjoy the rich homemade salted caramel ice cream!
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning the caramel.
- Be cautious when adding butter and cream to hot sugar, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Stirring while freezing is essential to achieve smooth, creamy ice cream without an ice cream maker.
- You can adjust sea salt amount to your preference for more or less saltiness.
- For best results, allow the caramel to cool completely before mixing into the ice cream base.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
