If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting a luxurious dessert that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet ice cream shop, look no further! This Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe brings together the perfect balance of rich caramel, a hint of salt, and creamy custard in every luscious bite. It’s a truly indulgent treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home, promising an unforgettable experience whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or savoring a quiet moment of bliss by yourself.

Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building that decadent flavor and silky texture you crave. From the granulated sugar that caramelizes into golden goodness, to the creamy heavy cream that creates the smooth base, every component is essential.

1 cup granulated sugar: The star of the caramel, sugar transforms into a deep amber syrup with rich, toasty notes.
2 tbsp water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly for a perfectly smooth caramel.
3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds luscious richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (divided): Provides the creamy base and balances the caramel’s intensity.
1/2 cup whole milk: Lightens the custard slightly for a perfect scoopable texture.
1/2 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste): Elevates the sweet caramel with just the right amount of savory contrast.
4 large egg yolks: Create a thick, custardy base that makes this ice cream incredibly rich.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the caramel’s flavor beautifully.

How to Make Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Make the Caramel

Start by combining the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely—that’s your cue to stop stirring! Let it bubble away and watch closely until the mixture turns a deep amber color, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This is where the magic happens; that perfect caramel flavor is developing right before your eyes.

Step 2: Add Butter and Cream to the Caramel

Carefully remove the pan from heat and whisk in the butter until it melts smoothly. Then, slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream—the mixture will bubble vigorously, so take your time and whisk steadily until it melds into a luscious sauce. Stir in the sea salt to enhance the flavor, and set the caramel aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Heat the Dairy

In a separate saucepan, warm the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream and the whole milk over medium heat. Heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling; this will prepare your cream for tempering the eggs, an important step to prevent scrambling.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks

Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl, then gradually pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to gently raise their temperature. This critical step ensures your custard will be silky smooth without lumps. Once combined, pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream and milk.

Step 5: Cook the Custard

Cook the combined mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this usually happens between 170 and 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Be patient and resist the urge to let it boil, as that could curdle your custard.

Step 6: Combine Custard and Caramel

Remove the custard from heat and stir in your homemade caramel sauce along with the vanilla extract. To ensure the smoothest texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Let it cool, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Churn and Freeze

Pour your chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze it for about 4 hours until firm and scoopable.

How to Serve Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top instantly boosts the salty-sweet contrast, making each spoonful pop. For extra decadence, drizzle some additional warm salted caramel sauce over the ice cream or add crushed nuts for a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like apple pie, brownies, or even a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. The cold, creamy sweetness perfectly balances warm, gooey treats, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond bowls—try serving scoops in waffle cones or atop individual mini cheesecakes for a show-stopping presentation. You can even create salted caramel ice cream sandwiches with buttery cookies or layer it in parfait glasses with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your homemade ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve that creamy texture. Storing it properly helps maintain the rich salted caramel flavor so you can enjoy it days later just as much as the first scoop.

Freezing

Freeze your ice cream at zero degrees Fahrenheit or below. To avoid icy crystals, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container. This method keeps your Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe smooth and creamy, just like freshly churned.

Reheating

While ice cream is best eaten cold, if it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. Avoid microwaving as it can melt unevenly and ruin the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Absolutely! You can adapt the recipe by whipping the chilled custard every 30 minutes while it freezes to break up ice crystals, but an ice cream maker definitely makes the process simpler and yields creamier results.

What type of salt is best for this recipe?

Sea salt works beautifully by enhancing the caramel’s sweetness without overpowering it. Flaky sea salt is ideal for finishing touches because it adds texture and bursts of salty flavor, but fine sea salt works well in the custard too.

Can I use low-fat milk or cream?

For best results, stick with whole milk and heavy cream as they provide the rich, creamy texture that defines this ice cream. Using lower-fat options may lead to a less smooth, icy texture.

How long does the ice cream keep in the freezer?

When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade ice cream generally stays fresh for up to two weeks. Beyond that, the texture may degrade, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

This traditional recipe uses dairy and eggs for creaminess and structure. However, vegan adaptations using coconut cream and egg substitutes are possible, though the flavor profile and texture will slightly differ from the classic Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about enjoying a scoop of ice cream made lovingly from scratch, especially when it’s a rich and balanced delight like this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe. It’s a perfect way to impress your loved ones or treat yourself to a moment of pure joy. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!