Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream is a delightful frozen treat that combines the rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream with a luxurious salted caramel swirl. This decadent dessert has gained a loyal following among ice cream lovers thanks to its perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. The smooth texture and rich buttery notes make it a special indulgence that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or as a comforting dessert in winter, this ice cream stands out for its balance of flavors and ease of preparation.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream at home offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, the taste is unbeatable compared to store-bought options, allowing you to control the ingredients for a fresher and more wholesome treat. This recipe is also cost-effective—creating a generous batch costs less than buying premium ice cream. Plus, it’s a fun activity to engage the family in, creating lasting memories in the kitchen. Health-conscious snackers will appreciate that you can choose high-quality ingredients, ensuring a dessert that’s free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
How to Make Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
Creating your own Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream is straightforward and satisfying. The process involves preparing a creamy vanilla ice cream base, making a rich salted caramel sauce, and then combining the two to create a delightful swirl. With some patience and a few simple steps, you’ll have a homemade ice cream that rivals artisan shops.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar (for salted caramel)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for salted caramel)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Directions
- Make the Ice Cream Base: Whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves completely. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salted Caramel: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it turns golden brown. Carefully stir in the butter, then slowly add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and sea salt. Mix until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Churn & Swirl: Pour the chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once thick, drizzle the cooled caramel over the ice cream and gently swirl with a spoon to create marbled effects.
- Freeze & Enjoy: Transfer the salted caramel swirl ice cream into a suitable container. Freeze for 4-6 hours before scooping into bowls. Enjoy the creamy, caramel goodness with your loved ones!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
Serve your homemade Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream in elegant bowls or waffle cones. For an extra touch, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce on top, and sprinkle with sea salt. This ice cream pairs wonderfully with freshly baked brownies, chocolate chip cookies, or a slice of pie, making it a versatile dessert perfect for any occasion.
How to Store Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
To store your delicious homemade ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the freezer. This ice cream can last for about 2 weeks if stored properly. To make scooping easier, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
- Use high-quality heavy cream and whole milk for a creamier texture.
- Watch the sugar closely while preparing the caramel to avoid burning.
- Make sure to chill the ice cream base thoroughly for the best results when churning.
- Swirl the caramel gently to achieve a marbled effect without completely mixing it in.
Variation
To personalize your Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream, consider adding crushed nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for extra crunch. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist. For a chocolate lover’s version, add chocolate chips or brownie pieces into the mix.
FAQs
-
How long does Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream last?
Properly stored in the freezer, it can last about 2 weeks, but it’s best enjoyed fresh within a week. -
Can I substitute an ingredient in Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream?
Yes! You can use coconut milk or almond milk as dairy alternatives, but the texture may differ slightly. -
What can I serve with Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream?
It pairs beautifully with warm desserts like brownies or pies, as well as fresh fruits like apples or pears for a balanced treat.
Making Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream at home is not just about enjoying a delicious dessert; it’s about creating wonderful memories in the kitchen and sharing sweet moments with family and friends. So grab your ingredients and start churning today!
PrintSalted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
- Total Time: 25 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream is a decadent frozen treat featuring a creamy vanilla base swirled with luxurious salted caramel. The perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors makes it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar (for salted caramel)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for salted caramel)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves completely. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Carefully stir in the butter, then slowly add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and sea salt. Mix until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
- Pour the chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once thick, drizzle the cooled caramel over the ice cream and gently swirl with a spoon.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients for the best texture. Watch the sugar closely while preparing the caramel to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg