Experience the joy of homemade ice cream with this decadent Salted Caramel Ice Cream recipe. Creamy, smooth, and rich with caramel ribbons, this dessert brings a perfect balance of sweetness and a touch of saltiness. Making it from scratch is easier than you might think, and once you taste it, store-bought ice cream will feel like a distant memory. You can enjoy it straight from the freezer or drizzle extra caramel over the top for an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
Why We Love This Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make, even if you’ve never made ice cream at home. The homemade caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery flavor that you just can’t find in pre-made versions. Second, the balance of sweet and salty creates a flavor experience that feels luxurious but is approachable for any skill level. Finally, this recipe is versatile—perfect for serving at parties, family dinners, or simply as a personal treat. You can even customize it by adding chocolate, nuts, or extra caramel ribbons.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Making this ice cream starts with a simple list of high-quality ingredients. Using real cream, milk, and brown sugar ensures a creamy texture and deep flavor. The caramel sauce, made with butter and brown sugar, brings that signature salted caramel taste that makes this dessert irresistible. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this ice cream shine.
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup lightly packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) real butter
- 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Flaky sea salt like Maldon to taste
How to Make Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Start by preparing your ice cream base. In a large bowl, whisk together the whipping cream, whole milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is fully dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened from the cream. Pour it into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn. Churning typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on your machine.
While the ice cream churns, make the caramel sauce. Place butter, brown sugar, and cream in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar fully dissolves. Once it reaches a smooth, combined consistency, bring the mixture to a gentle boil for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. After removing the pot from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and start with 1/4 teaspoon of flaky sea salt. Taste and adjust the salt according to your preference—it should enhance the sweetness without being overpowering. Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature.
Once the ice cream is ready, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Layer the ice cream and drizzle the caramel sauce in between layers to create those beautiful caramel ribbons. If desired, sprinkle a small amount of flaky sea salt over the top for an extra pop of flavor. Freeze the container until the ice cream is firm, usually 2-4 hours. When serving, you can add additional caramel drizzle to make it even more indulgent.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Serving this ice cream is where it truly shines. Scoop it into bowls or cones for a simple dessert, or pair it with pies, brownies, or warm cookies for a special treat. For an extra touch, drizzle more caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. You can also layer it with chocolate sauce, nuts, or even a fruit compote to create a luxurious sundae. The creamy texture and ribboned caramel make each serving look as good as it tastes.
Expert Tips for Making Salted Caramel Ice Cream
To ensure the best results, consider a few helpful tips. Always use high-quality ingredients—fresh cream, real butter, and pure vanilla extract make a noticeable difference in flavor. When making the caramel sauce, stir constantly to avoid burning and achieve a smooth texture. Don’t skip the flaky sea salt, as it enhances the sweetness and brings out the caramel flavor. For a thicker ice cream, chill the base in the refrigerator for an hour before churning. Lastly, layer the caramel as you transfer the ice cream to the freezer container to create evenly distributed ribbons.
How to Store Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Storing your homemade ice cream properly keeps it creamy and flavorful. Keep it in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent ice crystals from forming. For best texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. Homemade ice cream typically stays fresh for up to two weeks, but it’s usually so good that it disappears much faster. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, which can affect the texture.
Variations of Salted Caramel Ice Cream
You can customize this recipe in many ways. Add chocolate chunks or swirls for a chocolate-caramel combination. Mix in roasted nuts for a crunchy texture or incorporate a fruit compote, like apple or pear, for a seasonal twist. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as Himalayan pink salt or smoked sea salt, to add unique flavors. For a boozy twist without using restricted words, infuse the caramel with coffee or a flavored syrup. These variations allow you to make the recipe your own and impress anyone who tries it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Can I make Salted Caramel Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can. Whisk the ice cream base until smooth, pour it into a shallow freezer-safe dish, and stir every 30-40 minutes to break up ice crystals until firm. Layer in caramel as you go for the ribbon effect.
How long will homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream last in the freezer?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to two weeks. The texture is best within the first week.
Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the caramel sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm slightly before drizzling over the ice cream.
What type of salt is best for Salted Caramel Ice Cream?
Flaky sea salt works best because it provides bursts of salty flavor without dissolving completely into the ice cream.
Can I use other types of sugar?
Brown sugar is recommended for the rich, caramel flavor, but light or dark brown sugar both work. Avoid granulated sugar for the caramel ribbon as it won’t produce the same depth of flavor.
Is it possible to make a vegan version of Salted Caramel Ice Cream?
Yes, substitute coconut cream for whipping cream, plant-based milk for whole milk, and use vegan butter for the caramel. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
- Medium Saucepan
- Large Bowl
- Freezer-Safe Container
Ingredients
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup real butter (1 stick)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 Tbsp. cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together whipping cream, whole milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved. Pour into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20-30 minutes).
- While the ice cream churns, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and cream. Stir constantly until the butter melts and sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle boil for 3-5 minutes. Stir in vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon of flaky sea salt. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Once the ice cream is ready, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Layer the ice cream and drizzle the caramel sauce in between layers to create ribbons. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired. Freeze until firm, about 2-4 hours.
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