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
Scale
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
