Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Oh, you guys, this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream is nothing short of magical. It’s creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-decadent, with a rich caramel flavor that’s perfectly balanced by a touch of sea salt. Imagine a spoonful of smooth, sweet caramel with just the right amount of saltiness—yes, it’s as good as it sounds (and maybe even better!). Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself on a lazy afternoon, this ice cream is the ultimate indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Let’s be real—making your own ice cream is always a win, but when it’s salted caramel? You’re in for something special. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

Velvety Texture

Homemade ice cream is always a winner in the texture department, and this one is no exception. It’s rich, smooth, and ultra-creamy. No freezer burn here—just pure, silky indulgence in every bite.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

The salted caramel flavor is a sweet, rich masterpiece, with the sea salt cutting through the sweetness in the best possible way. It’s that salty-sweet combo that makes your taste buds dance.

No Ice Cream Maker Required

This recipe is perfect if you don’t have an ice cream maker. It’s made with simple ingredients and a few easy steps, so you can enjoy homemade ice cream without any fancy equipment.

Impress Your Friends and Family

Make this ice cream for a party, family dinner, or even a casual get-together, and watch people’s eyes light up. They’ll never believe you made it yourself!

Ingredients

You won’t need anything crazy for this salted caramel ice cream—just a few ingredients to create that decadent, homemade goodness:

For the Caramel:

  • Sugar: Granulated sugar to create the base of your caramel sauce.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter helps create that creamy, rich caramel flavor.
  • Heavy cream: For that smooth and luscious texture.
  • Vanilla extract: To add depth to the caramel flavor.
  • Sea salt: A generous pinch (or two) to balance out the sweetness.

For the Ice Cream Base:

  • Heavy cream: The foundation of the creamy ice cream.
  • Whole milk: This adds to the rich, smooth consistency.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to that super creamy, indulgent texture.
  • Vanilla extract: To round out the flavors and add a comforting note.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this ice cream party started! Just follow these steps and you’ll have the most delicious homemade salted caramel ice cream in no time.

Make the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar. Stir constantly to prevent it from burning—this step takes a little patience, but trust me, it’s worth it. Once the sugar has melted and turned golden brown, add the butter and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it’ll bubble up), stirring until the caramel is smooth. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt, and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Ice Cream Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Once the caramel sauce has cooled to room temperature, fold it into the ice cream base until fully incorporated. You should see that beautiful caramel swirl throughout the mixture!

Freeze the Ice Cream

Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or a loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm. If you want a super creamy texture, give it a stir every hour or so while it freezes to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the ice cream is fully frozen, scoop it into bowls or cones, top with extra sea salt (if you like a little more salty sweetness), and enjoy! Every spoonful is like a hug for your taste buds.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Freeze Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream

This ice cream is absolutely divine on its own, but if you want to take it over the top, try pairing it with these ideas:

With Warm Desserts

Drizzle a scoop of this ice cream over a slice of warm pie (apple or pear are great options) or even a freshly baked brownie. The contrast of hot and cold is chef’s kiss.

On Waffles or Pancakes

Top your morning waffles or pancakes with a generous scoop of salted caramel ice cream for a decadent breakfast treat.

With Caramel Sauce

If you’re truly feeling indulgent, drizzle extra homemade caramel sauce over the top. Double the caramel? Yes, please.

In a Sundae

Create a mini sundae by adding toppings like crushed nuts, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or even a cherry. You can’t go wrong with this classic combo.

With a Cup of Coffee

Enjoy this ice cream alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The salty-sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the richness of coffee, making for the ultimate after-dinner treat.

Additional Tips

  • Make it with an Ice Cream Maker: If you have an ice cream maker, you can make this recipe in one! Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning.
  • Don’t Rush the Caramel: Making the caramel sauce takes time, but it’s worth the effort! Stir constantly to prevent it from burning, and let it cool to room temperature before adding it to the ice cream base.
  • Salt: If you’re a fan of that salty-sweet combo, feel free to add a little extra sea salt to the ice cream or as a garnish on top!
  • Add Mix-ins: Want to get creative? Add chopped chocolate, toffee bits, or crushed pretzels to the ice cream base for extra flavor and texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of salt?
A1: You can, but I highly recommend sea salt for that perfect balance of sweet and salty. Regular table salt can be a bit too harsh.

Q2: Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
A2: Yes, sweetened condensed milk adds to the creamy texture and sweetness of the ice cream. It’s a must for homemade ice cream!

Q3: Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
A3: Absolutely! This recipe doesn’t require an ice cream maker. Just freeze the mixture and give it an occasional stir for a smooth texture.

Q4: How long will this ice cream last in the freezer?
A4: This ice cream will stay fresh in the freezer for about 2 weeks. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container.

Q5: Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can make the caramel sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up slightly before adding it to the ice cream base.

Q6: Can I add other flavors to this ice cream?
A6: Definitely! You can swirl in other flavors like chocolate, peanut butter, or even crushed cookies for some extra texture and flavor.

Q7: Can I use a non-dairy substitute?
A7: Yes! You can swap the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Just make sure to use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.

Q8: How can I make this ice cream even creamier?
A8: For an extra-creamy texture, try stirring the mixture every hour while it freezes to break up ice crystals.

Q9: Can I use caramel from a jar?
A9: While homemade caramel is best for this recipe, you can use jarred caramel in a pinch. Just be sure to add the sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! You can double the recipe, just make sure to freeze it in a larger container and allow extra time for freezing.

Conclusion

This Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream is pure dessert bliss, with a silky, rich texture and the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. It’s simple to make, no ice cream maker required, and guaranteed to impress everyone who tries it. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with your favorite dessert, this ice cream is a must-try. So go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 quart (46 servings) 1x

Description

This rich and creamy homemade salted caramel ice cream is the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The homemade caramel sauce is made with brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of sea salt, creating a luxurious base for the smooth, velvety ice cream. This treat is sure to become a favorite dessert, offering a gourmet twist on a classic ice cream flavor. Perfect for special occasions or just to indulge in a little sweet, salty goodness!


Ingredients

Scale

For the caramel:

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the ice cream base:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large egg yolks

Instructions

  1. Make the Caramel Sauce:
    • In a medium saucepan, melt the brown sugar and butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, bring it to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes, allowing the caramel to thicken slightly.
    • Slowly add the heavy cream to the saucepan (it may bubble up) and stir until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  2. Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
    • In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warmed (but not boiling).
    • In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually add a small amount of the warm cream mixture to the yolks to temper them. Slowly whisk the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the rest of the warm cream mixture.
    • Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not allow it to boil.
  3. Combine Caramel and Ice Cream Base:
    • Remove the ice cream base from heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
    • Stir in the cooled caramel sauce and vanilla extract into the ice cream base. Mix until fully combined.
  4. Chill the Mixture:
    • Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the mixture is very cold.
  5. Churn the Ice Cream:
    • Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes, until it thickens to a soft-serve consistency.
  6. Freeze:
    • Transfer the churned ice cream to a container, smoothing the top. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  7. Serve:
    • Scoop the homemade salted caramel ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy the creamy, salted caramel goodness!

Notes

  • For an extra touch, drizzle some additional salted caramel sauce on top when serving.
  • If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow pan and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Ice Cream Maker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star