Ingredients
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp sea salt
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (well-chilled)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ of the salted caramel (reserve ¼ for swirling!)
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra sea salt flakes for sprinkling
- Caramel drizzle
- Crushed nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
Step one: Make the salted caramel
- Melt the Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add in the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves into a smooth golden syrup (5-6 minutes).
- Add the Butter: Add butter carefully and it will hiss initially. Mix to combine, then stir until fully incorporated.
- Add the Cream: Gradually drizzle in heavy cream while whisking constantly. This mixture will bubble vigorously—this is normal!
- Season and Cool:Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract and the sea salt and stir well. Let the caramel cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
- Whip the Cream: With a hand or stand mixer, whip the chilled heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Fold in Sweetened Condensed Milk: Using a spatula, gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract just until incorporated, being mindful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Add the Caramel: Save about a ¼ of the caramel for swirling and fold the rest into the base.
Step 3: Assemble and Freeze
- Transfer to a container: Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container or loaf pan.
- Swirl in the Reserved Caramel: Pour the reserved caramel on top, then take a knife or skewer and swirl it around.
- Chill: Wrap in plastic or cover with a lid and freeze for 6-8 hours or until solid.
Voila — your salted caramel ice cream is homemade and ready to scoop and indulge!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Ice Cream.
Simple Serving Ideas:
- Scoop into waffle cones or bowls with additional drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of salt.
- Serve with brownies, apple pie or a warm crumble for the ultimate indulgent dessert.
- Serve as a topping for pancakes, waffles or crepes.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is that it is flexible. Whether you want to add a swirl of coffee, a crumbly pretzel topping or fold in some chocolate chunks, the sky’s the limit. Feel free to play, get creative and customize this recipe to your liking!
But when you make your own salted caramel ice cream, you’re not only enjoying a wonderful dessert: You’re concocting a little bit of magic at home
Notes
Pro Tip: For ultra-smooth scoops, leave ice cream out of the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (Caramel)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Churn
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian