Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with this homemade Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream. With a creamy, rich base and a luxurious caramel ribbon running through, it’s a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistible. The combination of buttery caramel with a hint of sea salt elevates the flavor profile, creating a treat that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether enjoyed in a bowl, on a cone, or as a topping to other desserts, this salted caramel ice cream is a surefire way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the ice cream base: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally to combine.
- Whisk the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Temper the eggs: Once the cream and milk mixture is warm (not boiling), slowly pour a little of it into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to avoid curdling. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture, then return the combined mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook the custard: Over medium heat, cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Once the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 5-7 minutes), remove it from heat.
- Strain the custard: Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits. Stir in the vanilla extract and allow the custard to cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill.
- Make the salted caramel: In a separate saucepan, heat the brown sugar over medium heat until it melts, stirring gently to prevent burning. Once melted, add the butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the ½ cup of heavy cream while stirring constantly. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Stir until smooth.
- Add sea salt: Once the caramel is fully combined and smooth, stir in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or container for swirling later.
- Churn the ice cream: After the custard has chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Swirl the caramel: Once the ice cream has churned, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top in a swirling pattern. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold the caramel through the ice cream to create a beautiful swirl effect.
- Freeze the ice cream: Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap, and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the ice cream is fully frozen, scoop and serve! The salted caramel swirl creates a decadent flavor burst in every bite.
This Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream will elevate any dessert table and bring joy to anyone who tastes it. With its creamy, velvety texture and sweet-salty goodness, it’s a homemade indulgence worth making again and again. Enjoy this delightful treat as a standalone dessert or alongside your favorite baked goods!