Name: Creamy No-Churn Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (60 ml) water; 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes; Optional: 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar; Optional: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) light corn syrup; 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled; 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This creamy no-churn salted caramel ice cream is a decadent treat that combines smooth, rich flavors with a perfect salty-sweet balance. It’s easy to make at home without an ice cream maker and offers delightful caramel ribbons throughout every bite.

The image shows three scoops of creamy white ice cream in a white bowl. Each scoop is topped with a drizzle of shiny caramel sauce and sprinkled with large, coarse salt crystals. On top of the ice cream, there are several whole pecan nuts adding a crunchy texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. The overall look is rich and inviting, with contrasting smooth ice cream and crunchy toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) water

2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar
Optional: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) light corn syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Make the caramel sauce by combining granulated sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it simmer, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar turns a deep amber color, about 8–10 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and sea salt flakes until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gently fold the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream until just combined. Pour half of the cooled caramel into this mixture and lightly swirl for a marbled effect, reserving the rest of the caramel.
Step 6: Pour half of the ice cream base into a loaf pan or airtight container. Drizzle some of the remaining caramel sauce over it. Add the remaining ice cream base on top and swirl the rest of the caramel over the surface, creating ribbons with a knife or skewer.

Step 7: Cover tightly and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
Step 8: Remove from the freezer 5–10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Scoop and enjoy your creamy salted caramel ice cream.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper caramel flavor, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup to the caramel sauce while cooking.

Use sea salt flakes rather than fine salt to create bursts of salty flavor that complement the sweetness.
Swirl the caramel gently for a marbled look or fold it more thoroughly for a uniform flavor throughout.

Storage

Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before scooping to soften. Avoid refreezing melted ice cream for best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows three scoops of creamy white ice cream in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. Each scoop has a rough texture with visible ice crystals on top. A thick caramel sauce is drizzled over the ice cream, creating smooth, shiny amber streaks. On top of the scoops, there are whole pecans and coarse grains of salt that add texture and detail. The scene is close up, highlighting the contrast between the creamy ice cream, glossy caramel, and crunchy pecans, with soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this ice cream without sea salt?

Yes, you can omit the sea salt flakes if you prefer a sweeter ice cream. However, the salt enhances the caramel flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?

No, this recipe is designed to be no-churn and uses whipped cream for creaminess and volume, making it easy to prepare without any special equipment.