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Indulge in Creamy Salted Caramel Ice Cream Delight
Salted Caramel Ice Cream combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in a luxuriously creamy frozen dessert. This homemade version delivers rich caramel notes enhanced with a hint of sea salt, creating an irresistible treat that rivals any premium ice cream shop. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect sweet and salty balance that enhances the deep caramel flavor without overpowering
- Ultra-creamy texture achieved through proper custard technique and churning method
- Customizable salt level allows you to adjust the flavor to your personal preference
- Makes an impressive dessert for dinner parties yet simple enough for weeknight treats
- Pairs beautifully with various desserts from apple pie to chocolate brownies
Why This Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in creating a proper caramel base that develops deep, complex flavors. By cooking sugar until it reaches the perfect amber color, you achieve that distinctive caramel taste that forms the foundation of this ice cream.
The custard base ensures incredible creaminess while the egg yolks add richness and help stabilize the mixture. Using heavy cream provides the fat content necessary for smooth scooping straight from the freezer.
Sea salt plays a crucial role beyond just adding saltiness. It actually enhances the caramel’s sweetness while adding depth and complexity to every spoonful. The timing of when you add the salt matters too – incorporating it at different stages creates layers of flavor.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 cups heavy cream (divided)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons flaky sea salt (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Tools
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan for caramel making
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ice cream maker
- Freezer-safe container
- Candy thermometer (optional but helpful)
How to Make Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Creating this frozen masterpiece requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps carefully for the best results:
| Step 1: | Heat ¾ cup sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns deep amber |
| Step 2: | Carefully add 1 cup warm cream (it will bubble vigorously), stirring until smooth |
| Step 3: | Stir in butter and 1 teaspoon sea salt until completely dissolved |
| Step 4: | In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with remaining ¼ cup sugar until pale |
| Step 5: | Heat milk and remaining cream in a saucepan until steaming |
| Step 6: | Slowly pour hot milk mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly |
| Step 7: | Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring until it coats a spoon (170°F) |
| Step 8: | Strain custard through fine-mesh sieve into caramel mixture |
| Step 9: | Add vanilla extract and remaining ½ teaspoon salt, stirring well |
| Step 10: | Chill mixture completely in refrigerator for at least 4 hours |
| Step 11: | Churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions |
| Step 12: | Transfer to freezer container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a light-colored pan for caramel making to better monitor color changes and prevent burning
- Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting – caramel making moves quickly
- Warm the cream slightly before adding to caramel to minimize splattering and ensure smooth mixing
- Don’t walk away while making caramel – it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds
- For extra caramel ribbons, reserve some caramel sauce to swirl in during the last minutes of churning
Serving and Storage Tips for Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Serving Tips
Let the ice cream soften for 5-10 minutes before scooping for the perfect texture. Serve in chilled bowls to prevent rapid melting.
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like apple crumble or alongside a slice of chocolate cake. For an elegant presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Consider serving smaller portions as this rich ice cream is quite indulgent. A single scoop goes a long way in satisfying dessert cravings.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Salted Caramel Ice Cream
The most common error is burning the caramel. Once sugar starts changing color, it happens quickly. Remove from heat as soon as you achieve deep amber color.
Avoid scrambling the eggs by tempering them properly. Pour the hot liquid slowly while whisking constantly. If lumps form, strain the mixture immediately.
Don’t skip the chilling step. The base must be completely cold before churning or the ice cream won’t freeze properly. Rushing this step results in an icy texture rather than creamy smoothness.
You Must Know
- Quality ingredients make a significant difference – use pure vanilla extract and good sea salt
- The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear line when you run your finger through it
- Store ice cream in the back of the freezer where temperature is most consistent to prevent ice crystals
- Press plastic wrap directly on surface before lidding container to prevent freezer burn
Suggestions for Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Transform this base recipe by adding mix-ins during the last few minutes of churning. Try chopped toasted pecans, pretzel pieces, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Create an ice cream sandwich using homemade cookies for a special treat. The salted caramel pairs especially well with chocolate or brown butter cookies.
For a sophisticated dessert, serve affogato-style by pouring hot espresso over a scoop. The coffee enhances the caramel notes beautifully. You can also blend it into milkshakes or layer it in parfaits with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Consider making a double batch and gifting homemade ice cream to friends. Package in decorative containers for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
FAQs:
Yes, you can use the no-churn method by folding the cooled caramel custard into whipped cream and freezing in a container, stirring every hour for the first 3 hours.
Properly stored in an airtight container, it maintains best quality for up to 2 weeks, though it’s safe to eat for up to a month.
Homemade ice cream freezes harder than store-bought due to lack of stabilizers. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Sugar is crucial for both the caramel flavor and proper texture, so reducing it significantly will affect both taste and consistency. Minor reductions are possible but not recommended.
Flaky sea salt like Maldon or fleur de sel provides the best flavor and texture. Avoid table salt which can taste harsh and doesn’t provide the same complexity.
Conclusion
Making Salted Caramel Ice Cream at home rewards you with a dessert that surpasses store-bought versions in both flavor and satisfaction. The combination of rich caramel, smooth custard, and the perfect touch of sea salt creates a sophisticated treat that’s worth every step of the process.
With practice, you’ll master the technique of caramel making and custard preparation. Soon you’ll be creating this impressive dessert with confidence, delighting family and friends with your homemade frozen creation.
For more dessert inspiration, explore recipes from Epicurious or try the famous version from Bi-Rite Creamery. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a special meal, this Salted Caramel Ice Cream promises to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
More Easy desserts Recipes:
- Avocado Chocolate Mousse Recipe – Easy 10-Minute Dessert
- Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe – Easy Homemade Dessert
- Espresso Coffee Ice Cream Recipe – Easy 5-Minute Dessert
- Creamy Matcha Ice Cream Recipe – Easy Homemade Japanese Dessert
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📖 Recipe Card
Perfect Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 quart (8 servings) 1x
Description
This homemade salted caramel ice cream combines rich caramel flavors with a hint of sea salt for an irresistibly creamy frozen dessert. Ultra-smooth texture achieved through proper custard technique.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 cups heavy cream (divided)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons flaky sea salt (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Heat ¾ cup sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns deep amber
- Carefully add 1 cup warm cream (it will bubble vigorously), stirring until smooth
- Stir in butter and 1 teaspoon sea salt until completely dissolved
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with remaining ¼ cup sugar until pale
- Heat milk and remaining cream in a saucepan until steaming
- Slowly pour hot milk mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring until it coats a spoon (170°F)
- Strain custard through fine-mesh sieve into caramel mixture
- Add vanilla extract and remaining ½ teaspoon salt, stirring well
- Chill mixture completely in refrigerator for at least 4 hours
- Churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Transfer to freezer container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours
Notes
- Use a light-colored pan for caramel making to better monitor color changes
- Warm the cream slightly before adding to caramel to minimize splattering
- Don’t walk away while making caramel – it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds
- Let ice cream soften for 5-10 minutes before scooping for perfect texture
- Store in the back of the freezer with plastic wrap pressed directly on surface to prevent ice crystals
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: caramel ice cream recipe, sea salt ice cream, homemade ice cream, frozen caramel dessert, sweet and salty ice cream, custard based ice cream, premium ice cream recipe, fleur de sel ice cream
