Description
This vanilla caramel swirl ice cream combines a rich, creamy custard base with luscious ribbons of caramel for an indulgent homemade dessert. The perfect blend of buttery sweetness and classic vanilla flavor in every scoop.
Ingredients
- 5 egg yolks
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar, divided
- 1¾ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream (warmed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and half of the brown sugar until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1¾ cups heavy cream, whole milk, and warmed heavy cream. Heat gently until just steaming (do not boil).
- Slowly whisk some of the warm mixture into the egg yolks to temper, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until custard thickens to coat the back of a spoon (do not boil).
- Remove from heat. Stir in remaining brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste (or extract), vanilla extract, and salt until fully dissolved.
- Cool the custard completely (use an ice bath or refrigerate).
- Churn the cooled mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Just before finishing, gently drizzle in caramel sauce to create swirls — avoid over-mixing.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for several hours or overnight until firm.
Notes
- Use high-quality caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) for best flavor.
- Cool custard thoroughly before churning to ensure a smooth texture.
- Do not over-swirl the caramel or it may fully blend into the base.
- Store ice cream in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed to the surface to prevent ice crystals.
- Add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips can be folded in after churning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Custard-Based, Churned
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
