If you’ve ever dreamed of creating an indulgent dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe is your new best friend. Rich, creamy, and bursting with deep caramel flavor balanced by just the right kiss of sea salt, this treat brings a gourmet touch to your home kitchen. Every bite melts smoothly, echoing the perfect harmony between sweet and salty, making it impossible to stop at just one scoop. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in, this recipe is the kind of culinary delight you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to crafting that velvety, decadent texture and unforgettable flavor of salted caramel ice cream. Each one plays its role, from the creamy richness of the heavy cream to the deep sweetness of caramelized sugar, and the pinch of salt that elevates everything.
- Granulated sugar: The foundation for caramelizing, it transforms into a golden, flavorful base.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creaminess while balancing the caramel’s acidity.
- Heavy cream: Provides that luscious, silky ice cream texture you crave.
- Sea salt: The secret ingredient that enhances the caramel’s flavor and offers delightful contrast.
- Whole milk: Adds volume and smoothness without overpowering the caramel taste.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the complexity, rounding out flavors with subtle warmth.
- Salt (for base): A touch more salt to perfectly season the ice cream base.
How to Make Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Make the Caramel
Start by melting 1 cup of granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as the sugar transforms from crystals into a smooth amber liquid. This is where patience pays off — resist stirring too much, just gently swirl the pan to help it melt evenly.
Step 2: Incorporate Butter
Once your sugar is a rich amber hue, carefully add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter cut into pieces. The mixture will bubble up fiercely, but stir continuously until the butter melts fully and blends into the caramel, creating a silky sauce.
Step 3: Add Heavy Cream and Salt
Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble again — this is perfectly normal. Allow it to cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Remove from heat and mix in 1 teaspoon of sea salt, adjusting to taste. Set the caramel aside to cool naturally.
Step 4: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This blend will create a smooth, creamy canvas for your salted caramel magic.
Step 5: Combine Caramel with Ice Cream Base
Once your caramel has cooled slightly but remains pourable, stir it into the ice cream base until fully combined. This mixture is the heart and soul of your Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe, so take a moment to appreciate how beautiful it looks.
Step 6: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the combined mixture into a lidded container or ice cream maker bowl. Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours until set. For the creamiest consistency, stir the ice cream every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours to break up ice crystals and encourage smoothness. This step is a game-changer for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the experience, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top or drizzle a bit of extra homemade caramel sauce. Chopped toasted pecans or a few shards of dark chocolate add delightful crunch and richness that pairs beautifully with the creamy ice cream.
Side Dishes
This ice cream shines alongside warm desserts like apple pie or brownies. Its cool, salty sweetness perfectly balances bold, cinnamony pies or fudgy chocolate cakes, making a meal feel decadently complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve scoops in elegant martini glasses for a classy dessert, or sandwich it between buttery cookies for irresistible salted caramel ice cream sandwiches. You can also layer it with crumbled shortbread and caramel drizzle in parfait glasses to create eye-catching desserts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store it in the coldest part of your freezer to maintain the best texture and avoid freezer burn.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes well for up to two weeks. Just ensure it’s tightly sealed and covered to prevent ice crystals from forming. When frozen properly, it retains its creamy texture and rich taste.
Reheating
Ice cream isn’t meant to be reheated, but if you find it too firm after time in the freezer, simply leave it at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping. This brings back that perfect creamy scoop without compromising flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! You can freeze the mixture in a container and stir every 30 minutes during the early freezing stage to prevent large ice crystals and keep the ice cream smooth and creamy.
How salty should the ice cream be?
Salt to your personal taste, but the balance is key. The sea salt should elevate the caramel’s sweetness without overpowering it. Start with the recommended 1 teaspoon and adjust gently if needed.
Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is essential for the luxurious, creamy texture of this recipe, so substituting with light cream may result in a less rich final product.
What type of salt works best for this recipe?
Sea salt is ideal because of its clean flavor and slight crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the caramel. Avoid iodized table salt as it can have a bitter aftertaste.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and make sure you have a large enough container or ice cream maker bowl to accommodate the extra volume.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe is a showstopper that brings a little bit of luxury into your everyday dessert moments. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of care, you’ll create a creamy, rich treat that feels like it came from your favorite ice cream shop. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect marriage of sweet, salty, and creamy bliss yourself!
Print
Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (including freezing time)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream combines rich, buttery caramel with creamy ice cream for a perfectly balanced dessert. Made from scratch with simple ingredients like sugar, butter, heavy cream, and sea salt, this recipe creates a luscious, smooth ice cream with a delightful salty-sweet flavor. Ideal for an indulgent treat that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
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 the 1 cup sugar, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once fully melted into a golden amber color, carefully add the 6 tablespoons of butter. The mixture will bubble up; stir continuously until the butter is fully incorporated.
- Finish the Caramel Sauce: Gradually add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the butter and sugar mixture while stirring constantly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sea salt. Set the caramel aside to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Caramel with Ice Cream Base: Once the caramel has cooled, gradually add it to the ice cream base mixture and whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Alternatively, pour into a freezer-safe container if no ice cream maker is available.
- Firm Up the Ice Cream: Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4-6 hours until firm. For the creamiest texture, stir every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours to break up ice crystals.
- Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy your homemade salted caramel ice cream.
Notes
- Be cautious when adding butter to hot caramel as it bubbles vigorously.
- Stirring during the first 2 hours of freezing improves texture by preventing ice crystals.
- Use sea salt for a more authentic salted caramel flavor; adjust salt to taste.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, stirring every 30 minutes during freezing is essential.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
