Get ready for a homemade treat that’s the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and salty: our Sea Salt Ice Cream recipe! And the best part? You don’t need an ice cream maker for this one. Prepare yourself for a scoop of pure smoothness that will delight your taste buds with its irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients for this Sea Salt Ice Cream recipe
All you need are four simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
- Heavy whipping cream: The heavy cream is responsible for the luxurious and creamy texture of the ice cream. It adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient brings sweetness to the ice cream base while also contributing to its velvety consistency. It helps create a smooth and creamy texture without the need for churning in an ice cream maker.
- Sea Salt: The star of the show! The addition of sea salt adds that distinct touch of savory goodness that sets sea salt ice cream apart. Using good quality sea salt enhances the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the unique taste that makes this ice cream so irresistible.
- Pure Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm and comforting flavor to the ice cream, enhancing the overall taste experience. It rounds out the sweetness, complements the sea salt, and adds a delightful aroma to the final product.
Add-on ideas for your easy sea salt ice cream recipe
When it comes to add-ons for your ice cream, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to change your ice cream’s personality the next time you make it:
Sauces and liquids:
- Caramel swirl: Drizzle a homemade caramel sauce or store-bought caramel syrup into the ice cream as you layer it in the container. The caramel beautifully complements the sea salt, creating a great flavor combination.
- Fruit compote or sauce: Top your sea salt ice cream with a spoonful of compote or sauce. Think strawberry compote, blueberry sauce, or even a zesty lemon curd. The tartness and freshness of the fruit will provide a refreshing balance to the creamy and salty notes.
- Honey ice cream: Spoon a thick layer of ice cream in your container and smooth it out with the back of a spoon, then drizzle honey on top. The end result is a sea salt ice cream with a touch of natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor.
Solid Add-ons:
- Chocolate chunks or chips: Add some decadence to your sea salt ice cream by mixing in generous chunks or mini chocolate chips. The combination of rich chocolate and the saltiness of the ice cream creates an amazing contrast of flavors.
- Crushed cookies or biscuits: Crumble your favorite cookies or biscuits, such as chocolate cookies, shortbread, or graham crackers, and sprinkle them throughout the ice cream. This will add a delicious crunch to your ice cream.
- Roasted nuts: Whether it’s crushed almonds, chopped peanuts, or toasted pecans, adding some roasted nuts brings a crunch and a nutty dimension to the creamy base. It’s a wonderful way to introduce a contrasting texture and extra richness. I added 1/2 a cup of almonds to my first batch of ice cream, and it really creates a whole different flavor profile!
- Sprinkles or sea salt flakes: For a simple yet visually appealing addition, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or a sprinkle of sea salt on the surface of the ice cream. It adds a touch of fun and enhances the overall presentation. Be careful with the quantity of salt you add. Make sure to take it from the 1.5 teaspoons of sea salt called for in the recipe, or it might be too much salt.
How to make sea salt no churn ice cream
If this is the first time making your own ice cream, you might be surprised by how easy it is with this simple recipe.
In a large bowl, whisk the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. If you prefer a creamier consistency, whip until soft peaks form. You can use an electric mixer, hand mixer, or whisk. The whipped cream will give the ice cream its light and creamy texture.
Next, add the sweetened condensed milk, sea salt, and pure vanilla extract to the bowl. Whip the mixture again to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the base.
Pour the mixture into a lidded container that is safe for the freezer. Use a spatula to smooth the top and create an even layer.
To prevent freezer burn, consider placing a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the ice cream mixture before sealing the container with the lid. This additional step helps create a protective barrier and preserves the quality of your ice cream.
Place the airtight container in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Freezing allows the ice cream to set and develop all of the ice cream flavors. If you’re looking for a soft-serve consistency, freeze for 3-4 hours.
Once the freezing time is up, take the container out of the freezer. The ice cream will be firm yet scoopable. Serve it in bowls or cones and enjoy!
Expert tips for the best ice cream
- Texture: Whip the heavy cream until you see soft peaks forming. Soft peaks hold their shape but gently droop over. This ensures a creamy and smooth texture. If you are looking for a denser texture, whip to stiff peaks.
- Balance the saltiness: The amount of sea salt is vital for a harmonious flavor. Start with the recommended quantity, but be cautious not to go overboard. Too much salt can overpower the sweetness. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I sprinkled extra salt on top of my first batch, and it became overly salty over time.
- Whipping effectively: Freeze the metal bowl and whisk attachment for 10 minutes prior to using them for a quicker whipping process.
- Optimal freezing time: Although the minimum freezing time is around 6 hours, allowing the ice cream to freeze overnight yields the best results. This extended period allows the flavors to meld together and the ice cream to develop its velvety consistency. Patience pays off when it comes to achieving that perfect texture.
- Soften with care: If your sea salt ice cream becomes too hard after freezing, don’t worry. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Alternatively, transfer the container to the refrigerator for a short while to slightly soften the texture. Be vigilant to avoid melting the ice cream.
Don’t miss out! Click the link to watch a video of our Sea Salt ice cream up-close and witness its irresistible consistency.
Take a look at the links below for more homemade ice cream recipes or click here for more frozen desserts.
- Easy Nutella Ice Cream (with Nutella swirl)
- Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Recipe
- Chocolate Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
- Brownie Ice Cream Recipe
If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!
