A rich, creamy salted caramel ice cream swirled with crunchy chocolate-covered pretzels—this homemade version transforms a beloved flavor into a decadent frozen treat you can prepare in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Caramel Pretzel Ice Cream strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. The salted caramel base adds deep flavor, while the chocolate-covered pretzels bring texture and contrast in every bite. It’s simple to make, uses familiar ingredients, and tastes just like a premium artisan batch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, heavy cream, cane sugar, dextrose, and nonfat dry milk.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
Sprinkle in the xanthan gum and guar gum while whisking continuously to prevent clumping.
Continue heating until the mixture thickens slightly, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Chill the base completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To make the caramel swirl, melt cane sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it becomes a golden amber color.
Add butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Add sea salt and cool fully.
Churn the chilled ice cream base in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, fold in the chopped chocolate-covered pretzels.
Transfer half of the ice cream to a container, drizzle with caramel, then repeat with the remaining ice cream. Use a knife to gently swirl.
Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 3–4 servings.
Active preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Churning and freezing time: 4–6 hours
Total time: About 9–10 hours, mostly inactive.
Variations
Replace the chocolate-covered pretzels with regular pretzels for a more pronounced salty crunch.
Add a handful of chocolate chips or caramel chips for extra texture.
Swirl in additional caramel for a stronger caramel presence.
Use dark chocolate pretzels for a deeper flavor profile.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to the caramel to create a caramel-mocha twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store the ice cream in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 2 months.
To soften before serving, let the container sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. Ice cream should never be reheated; simply allow it to temper naturally.
FAQs
How long does homemade ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream stays fresh for about 1–2 months when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use store-bought caramel instead of homemade?
Yes, a high-quality store-bought caramel works well for swirling.
Do I need an ice cream maker?
An ice cream maker provides the best texture, but a no-churn method can work with extra whipping and folding.
Why add nonfat dry milk?
It improves creaminess and reduces iciness by increasing milk solids.
What’s the purpose of xanthan gum and guar gum?
They stabilize the mixture, creating a smooth, scoopable texture.
Can I use only one stabilizer instead of two?
Yes, but using both together gives better consistency.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut milk and coconut cream, though the flavor and texture will differ.
Will the pretzels get soggy?
The chocolate coating helps maintain crunch; add them at the end of churning for best results.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your ice cream maker can accommodate the larger volume.
How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?
Chill the base thoroughly, churn immediately after chilling, and store in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This Caramel Pretzel Ice Cream brings together smooth salted caramel and crunchy chocolate-covered pretzels in a luscious, indulgent dessert that tastes like it came straight from an artisan creamery. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion.
This Caramel Pretzel Ice Cream combines a smooth salted caramel base with crunchy chocolate-covered pretzels for the ultimate sweet-and-salty frozen treat. Creamy, rich, and satisfying, it’s a homemade indulgence that rivals any gourmet scoop.
