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
Scale
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.
