Imagine a dreamy summer dessert that combines juicy roasted peaches, rich bourbon caramel, and velvety ice cream—all in one glorious bite. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream. It’s the kind of treat that feels holiday-worthy but is secretly easy enough to make on any sunny day. Every spoonful is filled with lush, roasted fruit, buttery caramel kissed by bourbon, and a wonderful creamy finish. Prepare to indulge, because you’ll keep coming back for more of this irresistible homemade ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is pure magic because of a handful of beautifully simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—bringing bold flavor, creamy texture, and gorgeous color to every scoop. Don’t skip or swap; these picks were made for each other!

Ripe Peaches: They bring a burst of fruity sweetness and juicy flavor to every scoop—choose ripe for the best taste.
Honey: Adds a gentle floral sweetness and enhances the natural sugars in the peaches during roasting.
Granulated Sugar: The backbone of your homemade caramel, creating depth and caramelization.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and creates the right caramel consistency.
Light Corn Syrup: Prevents crystallization and gives the caramel a glossy, pourable texture.
Heavy Cream (room temperature): Pours richness and silkiness into your bourbon caramel sauce.
Salted Butter: Adds savory balance and a luscious mouthfeel to the caramel.
Bourbon Whiskey: The hero ingredient that gives the caramel its signature smoky warmth for Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Makes the no-churn ice cream base extra creamy and naturally sweet.
Roasted Peach Puree: Intensifies the peachiness throughout every bite—fresh and concentrated.
Vanilla Extract: Lifts and rounds out all the flavors with sweet aroma.
Heavy Cream (cold): Whips up into fluffy peaks for that luxuriously light texture.
Bourbon Caramel: Adds decadent swirls and pockets of flavor—don’t hold back!
Candied Pecans (optional): For crunchy, sweet contrast and a nutty finish.

How to Make Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream

Step 1: Roast the Peaches

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a quarter or half sheet pan with parchment paper—trust me, you’ll thank yourself for an easy cleanup. Slice your peaches, toss them with honey, and spread them in an even layer. Roasting concentrates their flavor and brings out a natural, caramelized sweetness that is the foundation of Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream.

Step 2: Puree the Roasted Peaches

Once the peaches are soft, lightly browned, and just cooled enough to handle, it’s time to puree. Use a food processor or high-speed blender to blend until smooth, then pass the puree through a metal sieve to remove any skin or stringy bits. Set aside this sunshine-hued puree for later—your ice cream will thank you.

Step 3: Make the Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Grab a medium saucepan and gently stir together the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until you see bubbles form at the edge. Pop on a lid for 3 minutes to keep the sugar from crystallizing. Then, remove the lid and continue cooking (no stirring!) until the caramel hits a deep amber shade, swirling the pan gently as needed. Once it’s just right, carefully add heavy cream in a slow drizzle with a wooden spoon, then stir in the butter and bourbon. Let this decadent sauce cool completely—it will become the showstopper swirl in your Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream.

Step 4: Mix the Ice Cream Base

In a medium bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the vanilla extract and your roasted peach puree. This sweet, fruit-filled base carries the flavor straight through your ice cream for maximum peach impact.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

Using a hand mixer (or a strong arm!), whip the cold heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This step ensures your ice cream will be fluffy and smooth, no ice cream maker required!

Step 6: Fold and Combine

Take about half a cup of your whipped cream and gently fold it into the condensed milk mixture—this lightens it up beautifully. Once blended, fold this new mixture back into the rest of the whipped cream. Work gently to keep everything light and airy!

Step 7: Layer and Swirl

Using a 9×9 metal baking pan or any freezer-safe dish, start with a layer of the ice cream base, swirl on some bourbon caramel, and sprinkle with candied pecans if you’re using them. Repeat this dreamy layering two more times. Each bite will have ribbons of caramel and pockets of crunch for ultimate ice cream luxury.

Step 8: Freeze Until Set

Cover your masterpiece and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. Once set, you’re ready to scoop, serve, and savor every bite of homemade Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream.

How to Serve Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream

Garnishes

Garnishing your scoops can make them extra special—try a drizzle of reserved bourbon caramel, a few candied pecans, or even some fresh peach slices for color and texture. A sprinkling of flaky sea salt also highlights the caramel flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this ice cream with warm fruit crisps, cinnamon shortbread cookies, or buttery vanilla cake slices. The rich peach-bourbon notes play especially well with baked treats, turning dessert time into a full-on flavor celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream in chilled glass dishes with mini waffle cones, or layer scoops into mason jars for a portable parfait. You can even sandwich it between soft cookies for a grown-up ice cream sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover ice cream to an airtight container and freeze. Press a piece of parchment directly onto the surface to keep ice crystals at bay and maintain that dreamy texture of this Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream.

Freezing

This ice cream keeps best frozen solid and can be stored up to two weeks. If you plan to make it ahead, just be sure to let it thaw on the counter for about 5 minutes before scooping for that perfect creamy consistency.

Reheating

While you won’t want to “reheat” ice cream, letting your Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream sit out for a few minutes softens it just right. Drizzle on slightly warmed caramel sauce for extra indulgence, especially if serving with cake or pie.

FAQs

Can I make this ice cream without bourbon?

Absolutely! The bourbon gives a uniquely grown-up flavor, but you can simply leave it out or replace it with a splash of maple syrup or vanilla extract for a completely alcohol-free version of Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream.

Do I need an ice cream maker?

No fancy machines required! This is a no-churn recipe, thanks to the magic combination of whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. You only need a mixer, bowls, and your freezer.

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peaches work well—just thaw and drain thoroughly before roasting. Roasting will still bring out that deep, concentrated peach flavor essential for Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream.

What’s the best way to swirl the caramel?

Adding the caramel in layers and gently swirling with a butter knife gives gorgeous ribbons throughout your ice cream. Make sure the caramel is cooled but pourable for best results.

Can I skip the nuts?

Absolutely! Candied pecans are delightful but completely optional. Omit them if you prefer a nut-free version or try swapping in a crumble of oat cookies for extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a treat worthy of summer celebrations or a little everyday luxury, you just can’t beat Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream. Every batch bursts with caramel, fresh fruit, and that velvety texture that makes homemade ice cream unforgettable. Give it a whirl—I promise, your freezer (and your friends) will thank you!