Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute obsession with salted caramel ice cream! It’s like a hug in a bowl, with its incredibly creamy texture and that perfect balance of sweet and salty that just dances on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of caramel wafting through my kitchen was enough to make my heart race! This recipe is super simple, yet it offers such a rich flavor that you’ll feel like a gourmet chef at home. There’s something so indulgent about scooping this ice cream, especially when it’s homemade. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s the perfect treat for hot days or cozy nights in—seriously, you won’t want to share it! So, let’s dive into the deliciousness together!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Gather these simple ingredients to create the most delicious salted caramel ice cream you’ll ever taste. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that rich and creamy texture!

2 cups heavy cream – This is where the magic begins! The heavy cream gives the ice cream its luscious, creamy base.
1 cup whole milk – It adds a balancing lightness that complements the richness of the cream.
3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key! This sugar helps create that delightful, sweet flavor we all love in ice cream.
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce – This is the star of the show! It brings that heavenly caramel flavor and just the right touch of saltiness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it even more irresistible.
1/4 teaspoon sea salt – Just a tiny bit to elevate the flavors and balance the sweetness perfectly.

Make sure to use good quality ingredients for the best results! Trust me, it makes all the difference in the world.

How to Prepare Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this luscious salted caramel ice cream! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll be enjoying your creation in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have the perfect scoop waiting for you!

Step 1: Whisk the Base

First things first, grab a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until everything is completely dissolved. This step is crucial because a well-mixed base leads to a smoother ice cream. I usually whisk it for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar is no longer grainy. Trust me, that little effort goes a long way!

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Next, it’s time to add the salted caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Drizzle the caramel in and stir gently to combine, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You want that sweet and salty goodness in every bite! The vanilla will enhance all those lovely flavors, so don’t skip it.

Step 3: Mix in Sea Salt

Now, sprinkle in that sea salt. This step is so important because it’s what truly balances out the sweetness of the caramel. Stir it in well, and taste a tiny bit—oh wow, the flavor explosion is amazing!

Step 4: Churn the Mixture

Time to pour that delicious mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s thick and creamy, like a dreamy soft serve!

Step 5: Freeze the Ice Cream

Finally, transfer your churned ice cream into a container. Smooth the top with a spatula and pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours—this step is crucial for achieving that perfect scoopable texture. Patience is key here, but I promise it’ll be worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of active time, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert craving.
Rich Flavor: The combination of salted caramel and vanilla creates a decadent treat that’s both sweet and savory—seriously, it’s heavenly!
Creamy Texture: Thanks to the heavy cream and the churning process, you’ll end up with ultra-smooth, creamy ice cream that melts in your mouth.
Customizable: Want to amp up the flavor? You can easily adjust the amount of salted caramel for an even richer experience!
Impressive and Indulgent: Homemade ice cream feels like a gourmet dessert, perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a cozy night in.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Making this ice cream is a fun activity for the whole family. Kids will love helping out and, of course, tasting the results!

Tips for Success with Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Now, let’s talk about some pro tips to make sure your salted caramel ice cream turns out absolutely perfect! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that can really elevate your ice cream game.

Let it Sit: Before you dive in with your scoop, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This helps soften it just enough for easy scooping. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle with frozen solid ice cream!
Adjust the Caramel: If you’re a real caramel lover like me, feel free to add a bit more salted caramel sauce for an extra punch of flavor. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making it even creamier!
Use Quality Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for high-quality cream and caramel sauce. It makes a world of difference in flavor! If you can, try making homemade salted caramel sauce—wow, the taste is unbeatable!
Churn It Right: Pay attention to your ice cream maker’s instructions. Each machine can be a little different, so make sure you churn it until it reaches that perfect thick, soft-serve consistency.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feeling adventurous? Throw in some chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or even a swirl of fudge halfway through churning for a delicious twist!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the best salted caramel ice cream ever. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to have fun while you scoop!

Nutritional Information for Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Alright, let’s talk about the numbers! It’s important to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a serving of my luscious salted caramel ice cream. Remember, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 300
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 26g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that while it’s a delightful treat, moderation is key. So, enjoy every creamy, sweet, and salty bite of this fabulous homemade ice cream! You won’t regret it!

FAQ about Salted Caramel Ice Cream

I know you might have some questions about making this salted caramel ice cream, so let’s dive into a few common ones I get all the time. I’m here to help you make this delicious treat even better!

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought salted caramel sauce works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor. If you have the time, though, making your own caramel sauce is a game changer!

What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

No worries! You can still make this ice cream without one. Just pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it’s thick and creamy. This method takes a bit longer, but it’s totally doable!

How long does the ice cream last in the freezer?

Once you’ve made this luscious ice cream, it can last in the freezer for about 2-3 weeks if stored properly in an airtight container. But trust me, it’s so good, it might not last that long!

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes, yes, and yes! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Just fold them in gently during the last few minutes of churning so they’re evenly distributed. Just be cautious with the amount, as too many mix-ins can affect the texture.

Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?

Definitely! You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk or any other dairy-free milk you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this amazing salted caramel ice cream, and now you need to store the leftovers—if there are any! First off, make sure to transfer any remaining ice cream into an airtight container. This is super important because it helps prevent freezer burn and keeps that luscious flavor intact. I like to smooth the top with a spatula and press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing the lid. It really helps keep it fresh!

Now, your homemade ice cream can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 weeks. But let’s be real—it’s so delicious, it might not last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy a scoop, just take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This little trick softens the ice cream just enough to make scooping a breeze. No one wants to wrestle with rock-hard ice cream, right?

If you find yourself with ice cream that’s gotten a bit too hard, you can also pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful! You don’t want to melt it—just soften it up a bit for that perfect scoop. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!

Salted Caramel Ice Cream: 5 Steps to Pure Indulgence

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 1 quart 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Ice Cream Maker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and rich salted caramel ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, and sugar until dissolved.
Add salted caramel sauce and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
Sprinkle in sea salt and mix.
Pour mixture into an ice cream maker.
Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.
Transfer ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.

Notes

For a stronger caramel flavor, add more caramel sauce.
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 300
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: salted caramel ice cream, homemade ice cream, dessert

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