If you have a serious sweet tooth and love that perfect balance of rich, buttery caramel with a hint of sea salt, then this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine creamy, luscious ice cream infused with silky salted caramel, crafted right in your own kitchen with simple, straightforward ingredients. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, promising to delight every scoop with a blend of sweet, salty, and utterly indulgent flavors.

Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, bringing distinct taste, texture, or color that makes this ice cream so irresistible. From the richness of heavy cream to the deep notes of brown sugar, these essentials come together in perfect harmony.

Brown sugar, 1 cup, packed: Provides caramel depth and moisture for the sauce’s rich sweetness.
Unsalted butter, 6 tablespoons: Adds creaminess and a smooth, luscious mouthfeel to the caramel.
Heavy cream, 1/2 cup + 2 cups: Integral for both the caramel sauce and the ice cream’s creamy texture.
Sea salt, 1 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness with a subtle salty kick that elevates the caramel.
Whole milk, 1 cup: Lightens up the ice cream base while keeping it rich and smooth.
Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Sweetens the ice cream to perfection without overpowering the caramel flavor.
Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Enhances the overall flavor profile by adding warm, aromatic notes.
Egg yolks, 4 large: Create a custard base that gives the ice cream a velvety, rich structure.

How to Make Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce

Start by melting the brown sugar and butter together over medium heat, stirring occasionally until everything is smoothly combined and bubbling gently. This step is where the real magic happens, creating a gorgeous golden caramel base. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the caramel to thicken before carefully whisking in the heavy cream. Expect some bubbling – that’s caramel working its charm! Stir in the sea salt to bring out that signature salted caramel flavor and then set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

In another saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar together until the sugar dissolves. The goal here is to warm the mixture just enough to create a smooth custard without boiling it. This gentle warming ensures your ice cream base will be silky and luscious.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

Whisk your egg yolks until smooth, then slowly introduce a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the yolks, stirring constantly. This careful tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling and keeps the texture smooth. Gradually whisk the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture.

Step 4: Thicken the Custard

Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch for the custard to thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Take your time here—never let it boil, or you’ll risk curdling. This step creates that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that’s the hallmark of great homemade ice cream.

Step 5: Combine Caramel and Ice Cream Base

Remove the custard from heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate any cooked egg bits, leaving a perfectly smooth base. Stir your cooled caramel sauce and vanilla extract into the ice cream base, blending everything together for that unmistakable flavor combo only found in salted caramel ice cream.

Step 6: Chill the Mixture

Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling thoroughly is crucial to developing a creamy texture when you churn your ice cream later.

Step 7: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour your cold mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to your manufacturer’s guidelines, usually 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it thickens to a soft-serve consistency, perfectly creamy and ready for the freezer.

Step 8: Freeze Until Firm

Transfer your churned ice cream to a container, smooth the surface, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours to let it set. This final step locks in that creamy texture and rich salted caramel flavor you’ve worked so hard to create.

How to Serve Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

Just a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce can elevate your ice cream experience to gourmet level. Consider topping with toasted nuts or a few chocolate shavings to add contrast in texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts like apple pie or a decadent chocolate brownie. The contrast between the hot dessert and the cold, creamy caramel ice cream is pure bliss on your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving scoops in waffle cones decorated with a caramel or chocolate dip. Or create an indulgent ice cream sandwich with salted caramel cookies for a fun twist that will impress friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover homemade salted caramel ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture. Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to minimize ice crystals from forming.

Freezing

This ice cream freezes beautifully and can be stored for up to 2 weeks without losing its silky texture. Just be sure to keep it tightly covered and in the coldest part of your freezer to preserve freshness and flavor.

Reheating

Ice cream is best enjoyed cold, but if it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. Avoid microwaving as this can ruin the texture and cause separation.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes! While an ice cream maker gives the creamiest texture, you can still make this recipe by freezing the mixture in a shallow container and stirring it every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until smooth.

Why is the sea salt important in this recipe?

Sea salt balances the sweetness in the caramel, enhancing the complex flavors while preventing the ice cream from becoming cloyingly sweet. It’s the key to that perfect salty-sweet harmony.

Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

Brown sugar adds molasses notes and moisture that white sugar lacks, which are essential for authentic caramel flavor and texture. Using white sugar will change the taste, so it’s best to stick with brown sugar for this recipe.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try swapping heavy cream and milk with coconut cream or almond milk, but the texture and richness might be lighter. Also, adjust cooking times to prevent curdling and taste the caramel carefully as dairy substitutes behave differently.

How long does it take to chill the mixture before churning?

For the best texture, refrigerate the custard mixture for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling will give the creamiest, most flavorful results when you churn your homemade salted caramel ice cream.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe enough for those cozy nights when you want a dessert that’s both nostalgic and special. It’s truly worth every little step to make from scratch, and once you taste that perfect blend of creamy sweetness and a salty finish, you’ll want to make it over and over. So grab your ingredients, get your ice cream maker ready, and prepare to treat yourself like never before!