If you’re a fan of sweet and salty desserts, then Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream will quickly become your go-to treat. This indulgent ice cream combines the rich, buttery flavor of caramel with a perfect touch of sea salt, resulting in a creamy, smooth dessert that will have you hooked after just one bite. It’s the ideal dessert for any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a special celebration.

Making homemade ice cream allows you to enjoy the freshest, most delicious flavors, and this salted caramel version is no exception. The caramel is made from scratch, giving it a deep, complex flavor that’s impossible to replicate with store-bought versions. Paired with a velvety custard base, this ice cream is rich and satisfying, while the sea salt enhances the sweetness and cuts through the richness for a perfect balance. Whether you’re savoring it on its own or serving it with brownies or pie, this homemade salted caramel ice cream is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Flavor Combination

The sweet caramel flavor with a touch of sea salt creates a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes that makes every bite irresistible.

2. Homemade Goodness

There’s something special about making your own ice cream at home. The homemade caramel adds an extra layer of richness and flavor that store-bought ice creams just can’t match.

3. Rich and Creamy Texture

Thanks to the custard-style base, this ice cream has a velvety smooth texture that melts beautifully in your mouth.

4. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness

The sea salt cuts through the sweetness of the caramel, creating a unique flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more without feeling too sugary.

5. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses common pantry ingredients, and with just a few steps, you can have a luxurious dessert that feels like a treat from your favorite ice cream shop.

Ingredients

Heavy cream
Whole milk
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Unsalted butter
Sea salt
Egg yolks
Vanilla extract
Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Variations

Chocolate Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Add chopped chocolate or chocolate chips to the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning for a rich chocolate and caramel combination.
Nutty Caramel Ice Cream: Stir in crushed nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts during the churning process for added crunch and flavor.
Vanilla Swirl: Add a layer of vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract to the custard base for an extra layer of flavor.
Caramel Coffee Ice Cream: For a more sophisticated twist, infuse the caramel with a bit of espresso or coffee for a caramel coffee flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel

In a medium saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar turns into a golden-brown caramel. Add the butter and whisk until fully combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking (be careful, as the mixture may bubble up). Once smooth, add the sea salt and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Custard Base

In a separate saucepan, combine the milk, brown sugar, and cornstarch (if using) and heat over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks while whisking to temper them. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine the Caramel and Custard

Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat. Add the cooled caramel sauce and vanilla extract to the custard base, stirring until everything is combined and smooth. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the cooled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Step 5: Freeze the Ice Cream

Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the chilled salted caramel ice cream into bowls or cones and serve. For an extra touch, drizzle some homemade caramel sauce on top!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t rush the caramel: Be patient when melting the sugar to avoid burning it. Stir it constantly and remove it from the heat once it reaches a deep golden color.
Use a thermometer for the custard: To make sure the egg yolks are cooked properly without curdling, use a thermometer to ensure the custard reaches about 170°F (77°C).
Chill the custard before churning: Let the custard cool completely before placing it in the ice cream maker for the best texture.
Use a quality caramel sauce: If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but homemade caramel gives the ice cream a richer flavor.

How to Serve

Homemade salted caramel ice cream is delicious on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with other desserts. Serve it alongside a slice of warm apple pie, brownies, or chocolate cake for a truly indulgent experience. For an extra touch, drizzle with a bit of extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salted caramel ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.

Freezing

This ice cream freezes beautifully. After churning, place it in an airtight container and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight to firm up. You can also freeze it in individual serving-sized portions for convenience.

Reheating

Homemade ice cream doesn’t need to be reheated, but if it’s too firm when you want to scoop it, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or raw sugar, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

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

Yes, you can pour the chilled custard into a shallow pan and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes for the first few hours to break up any ice crystals.

3. Can I make the caramel in advance?

Yes, you can make the caramel ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it up before adding it to the custard.

4. Can I make this ice cream dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream and milk with coconut milk and a dairy-free butter substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.

5. How can I adjust the level of salt in this recipe?

Feel free to adjust the amount of sea salt to your taste. Start with the recommended amount, then add a pinch more if you prefer a stronger salty flavor.

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

Yes, you can fold in your favorite mix-ins such as chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even toffee bits during the last few minutes of churning.

7. How do I make the ice cream smoother?

Churning the ice cream properly is key to a smooth texture. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, use the stirring method described in the “Make Ahead” section.

8. What can I do if the ice cream is too hard?

If the ice cream is too firm after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

9. Can I make salted caramel sauce to drizzle over the ice cream?

Yes, making homemade salted caramel sauce is a great way to enhance the flavor. You can make it with the same caramel recipe from the ice cream base, adding more butter and cream.

10. How can I make the ice cream extra creamy?

Using full-fat cream and whole milk will ensure the ice cream is as creamy as possible. You can also add a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the custard base.

Conclusion

Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, creamy, and indulgent treats. With its perfect balance of sweet and salty, this ice cream is sure to become a favorite. The combination of homemade caramel and velvety custard creates an unforgettable flavor that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a standalone dessert or pairing it with another sweet treat, this salted caramel ice cream will elevate any meal. Plus, making it at home means you get to enjoy it fresh, with that extra touch of love that only homemade desserts can provide.