If you have a sweet spot for the rich, buttery goodness of caramel with just the right touch of salt, then you are going to fall in love with this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe. This dessert is the perfect balance of creamy, smooth ice cream infused with luscious homemade salted caramel that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and comforting, making every spoonful a little celebration in your mouth. The combination of deep caramel notes and a hint of sea salt makes this ice cream irresistibly good, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe is so straightforward because it calls for simple, essential ingredients that each play a key role in delivering the perfect taste and texture. From sugars for sweetness and caramelization, to cream and milk for silky smoothness, every item is a star in this recipe.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The foundation for making the rich caramel that gives this ice cream its signature flavor.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces): Adds creaminess and depth to the caramel without overpowering it.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Incorporated into the caramel to create a luscious, velvety texture.
- 1 tsp sea salt (or more to taste): Fine-tunes the flavor by balancing sweetness with a savory touch.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the rich, creamy base for the ice cream itself.
- 1 cup whole milk: Provides the perfect balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the ice cream base to complement the salty caramel.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Subtle seasoning to bring out the ice cream’s best flavors.
How to Make Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Make the Caramel
Start by melting 1 cup of granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as it melts and turns a deep amber color — that’s the sign of perfect caramelization. This step requires patience but the rich flavor it delivers is absolutely worth it.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
Once the sugar has fully melted, carefully add the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter cut into pieces. The mixture will bubble up, which is totally normal. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and combined. This step adds that irresistible buttery richness.
Step 3: Add the Cream and Salt
Gradually pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring constantly. Let this mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly. Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of sea salt to achieve that perfect salty kick that balances the sweetness.
Step 4: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the sugar dissolves completely. This makes a smooth base that will cradle all those delicious salted caramel flavors.
Step 5: Combine Caramel with Ice Cream Base
Slowly whisk the cooled salted caramel sauce into the ice cream base. Mixing gently will ensure the flavors blend beautifully while maintaining a creamy texture.
Step 6: Freeze the Mixture
Transfer the mixture into a suitable container and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours. For the creamiest texture, take it out every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to stir and break up any ice crystals, giving you that smooth, dreamy ice cream consistency.
How to Serve Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or crushed toasted pecans on top for a delightful crunch. You can also drizzle some warm homemade caramel sauce or even a handful of chocolate shavings to elevate this dessert even more.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm apple pie or rich chocolate brownies. The contrast between hot and cold, along with the interplay of caramel and fruit or chocolate, makes every bite unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
For something special, serve scoops of this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe in waffle cones or hollowed-out cinnamon rolls for a fun twist. Layer it in parfait glasses with caramel drizzle and crushed cookies for a show-stopping dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover ice cream should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the coldest part of your freezer to preserve its creamy texture and flavor. Always place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this ice cream in advance, just follow the recipe through the freezing step, then keep it frozen for up to two weeks. This makes it a perfect make-ahead treat for guests or special occasions.
Reheating
While ice cream isn’t usually reheated, you can soften it by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. Avoid microwaving, as that will melt the ice cream unevenly and ruin its texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for the caramel?
Brown sugar has more moisture and will create a different texture and flavor in your caramel. For this recipe, granulated sugar is best to achieve that crisp, deep caramelization classic to salted caramel.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
No ice cream maker is needed! While an ice cream maker helps with texture, stirring the mixture every 30 minutes during freezing ensures a smooth homemade result without special equipment.
How salty should the ice cream be?
The salt is there to enhance flavors, not to overpower. Start with the recommended sea salt amounts and adjust according to your taste preferences, especially if you like a more pronounced salty kick.
Can I substitute the heavy cream or milk with dairy-free alternatives?
You can try coconut milk or almond milk, but the texture and richness might differ. Heavy cream contributes to the ice cream’s creaminess, so opt for full-fat dairy-free options for the closest result.
How long does it take to make this ice cream?
Active preparation takes about 30 minutes, but the freezing process requires 4 to 6 hours to set fully. Planning ahead ensures you get perfectly firm and creamy ice cream every time.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that feels fancy and indulgent but is surprisingly easy and rewarding to make at home. It’s the ultimate treat for caramel lovers and a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your dessert repertoire. Once you taste that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy goodness, this will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade salted caramel ice cream recipe combines a rich, buttery caramel sauce with a creamy ice cream base to create a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, this luscious ice cream is ideal for a delightful dessert treat at home.
Ingredients
Caramel Sauce
- 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 medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar until it becomes a clear amber liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Butter: Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
- Add Heavy Cream: Gradually pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream while stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Season with Salt and Cool: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Set the caramel aside to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Caramel and Ice Cream Base: Fold the cooled salted caramel sauce into the ice cream base until well blended.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm. For a creamier texture, stir the ice cream every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours to break up ice crystals.
- Serve: Once fully frozen, scoop the salted caramel ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Be very careful when working with hot sugar to avoid burns.
- The stirring during freezing helps achieve a smoother texture without an ice cream maker.
- Adjust salt quantity to your taste preference for salted caramel flavor.
- If you have an ice cream maker, you can churn the mixture before freezing for a creamier texture.
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals.
