Indulge in the decadent delight of homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream. This recipe transforms rich and buttery salted caramel into a frosty treat that’s impossible to resist.

Delight in the Decadence of Caramel Ice Cream

Derived from our adoration of warm caramel sauce and homemade ice cream, this delightful treat has become a regular in our dessert repertoire over the years.

The first time I made caramel ice cream, it was on a weekend when my husband was away. I couldn’t resist taking a taste, but I knew I couldn’t be trusted with a whole batch. So, I reluctantly handed it off to a friend (yes, I have some issues with self-control when it comes to ice cream).

A week later, I made this delectable ice cream for my family, and it was an instant hit. Salted caramel truly is a thing of beauty. Just a touch of salt brings out the flavors in the caramel, enhancing its appeal.

If you haven’t yet experienced the joy of salted caramel ice cream, I urge you to head to your kitchen and whip up a batch. Sprinkle a touch of salt into warm caramel, take one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s so popular.

And if you haven’t yet tried making your own caramel sauce, it’s time to get on board! Making it from scratch is surprisingly easy, and the taste is ten times better than anything you can buy from a store.

If you’re a fan of homemade salted caramel ice cream, you must give our Twix Ice Cream a try. It’s unbelievably good. And for a special occasion, indulge in our Caramel Swirl Brownie Chunk Ice Cream.

With over 70 ice cream recipes to choose from, you’re bound to find one that suits your taste. If you’re new to making ice cream, our best and easiest vanilla ice cream is a fantastic place to start.

Let me share my favorite affordable containers for storing ice cream. They’re perfect for gifting (who doesn’t love homemade ice cream?), storage, and reusing. I label the lids with the flavors using a sharpie, and it washes off easily with dish soap.

At this point, I have more ice cream scoops than I can keep track of, and I definitely have my favorites. One scoop in particular does an exceptional job of cutting through firm ice cream while still producing a beautiful scoop. Plus, it’s one of the most reasonably priced scoops I own.

If you’re in the market for an ice cream maker, don’t miss our Ice Cream Maker Review. It provides all the information you need to find the perfect machine for your needs. You might be pleasantly surprised by our top-rated machine, which costs under $50.

The Creamy Goodness of Salted Caramel Ice Cream

To make this delectable recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• light brown sugar
• butter
• heavy cream
• milk
• vanilla extract
• sea salt

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is whether it’s possible to make ice cream without a machine. The answer is a resounding YES! You can indeed make ice cream without a machine. Find the full instructions here!

How to Make Salted Caramel Ice Cream

To begin, combine the butter and sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir thoroughly until the butter and sugar are well combined.

Continue stirring as the mixture simmers for approximately 4 minutes, until it becomes thick, bubbles, and develops a rich caramel color. Remove the pan from the heat.

Slowly pour the heavy cream into the hot caramel while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth, ensuring that minimal caramel remains stuck to the bottom of the pan (a small amount around the edges is acceptable).

Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture, and whisk once more until smooth. Cover the mixture and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Process the mixture according to the instructions provided with your ice cream machine.

Serve the ice cream immediately for a soft serve consistency, or transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for a few hours to achieve a firmer texture.

Scoop the ice cream into cones or serve it in bowls with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top.

Explore More Recipes Featuring Caramel

Like you, I’ve always had a fondness for caramel, which is evident in the various recipes I’ve developed that showcase its deliciousness. A fantastic example is our White Chocolate Caramel Fudge, which pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee.

If you’re as enamored with caramel as I am, you should definitely give our Caramel Turtle Bark a try. Its freshness far surpasses anything you can find in stores. Additionally, our Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Cupcakes are a superb dessert option for your next gathering.

Salted Caramel Frosting elevates many of our beloved chocolate desserts, while a batch of Caramel Cheesecake Dip turns snack time into something extraordinary. Apple slices have never tasted better. And when it comes to no-bake cheesecake desserts, our No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Mousse reigns supreme.

(Originally published 08/12/2014 – recipe notes and photos updated 07/07/2023)