Caramel ice cream

Caramel ice cream is one of those delights that revives childhood memories, bringing a smile to everyone’s face. This simple and quick recipe promises to fascinate with its rich flavor and creamy texture. Get ready to discover the secrets of a homemade ice cream that will surely win the hearts of your friends and family!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 150 g mascarpone cheese
- 350 ml milk
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml liquid cream (for caramel) + 250 ml liquid cream (for whipping)

Preparing the caramel:
1. Start by caramelizing 100 g of sugar. You can use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to avoid burning the sugar. Place the sugar over medium heat and let it melt without stirring. Be careful, as the sugar can burn very easily.
2. When the sugar turns golden, add 50 g of butter and 50 ml of liquid cream. Gently stir with a wooden spatula, being careful not to burn yourself. The mixture will start to bubble, but don’t worry, this is normal.
3. Let the mixture cook on low heat until the sugar is completely melted and the mixture thickens slightly. This caramel sauce will be the delicious base of your ice cream. Once it reaches the desired consistency, let it cool.

Preparing the ice cream base:
4. In a bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks with the remaining sugar (100 g) until they become a light and fluffy cream. This is the egg base that will give your ice cream a rich and creamy texture.
5. Heat 350 ml of milk in a saucepan. When the milk is almost boiling, gradually add it to the egg cream, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
6. Put the mixture back on low heat and stir constantly until it thickens. Test the consistency with a simple trick: if you can draw a line on the back of a spoon with your finger, it’s ready. This is a traditional technique that ensures your ice cream base will be perfect.
7. Let the base cool completely. You can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.

Combining the ingredients:
8. Once the egg base is cool, add the cooled caramel sauce and 150 g of mascarpone cheese. Mix well until smooth.
9. In another bowl, whip the 250 ml of liquid cream until it becomes fluffy whipped cream, but not too stiff. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the egg and mascarpone mixture with bottom-to-top movements to keep the air in the cream. This technique will ensure an airy and creamy texture for the ice cream.

Freezing:
10. Pour the mixture into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 4-5 hours or ideally overnight to achieve optimal consistency.

Serving:
When the ice cream is ready, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make the ice cream easier to scoop. You can garnish it with additional caramel sauce, caramelized nuts, or fresh fruits for an extra touch of flavor.

A brief history of ice cream:
Ice cream, in its primitive forms, was made hundreds of years ago, based on milk and ice. Over time, recipes have diversified, and today we enjoy an impressive variety of flavors and combinations. Caramel ice cream combines the sweet taste of caramel with the creamy texture of mascarpone cheese, resulting in a delicacy that fits perfectly for any occasion.

Nutritional benefits:
This ice cream is a source of calcium due to the milk and mascarpone cheese, and the egg yolks provide valuable proteins. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, Ricotta cheese is an excellent alternative, offering a slightly different texture.
- How can I make this recipe vegan? Replace the eggs with a mixture of banana or avocado and use plant-based milk and cream.
- What can I do with the leftover caramel? You can use the caramel sauce on pancakes, waffles, or even to decorate other desserts.

Possible variations:
- You can add melted chocolate to the ice cream mixture to create a caramel chocolate ice cream variant.
- Replace the caramel with a berry sauce for a fresh and fruity ice cream.

Serving suggestions:
Caramel ice cream pairs perfectly with a warm drink, such as an espresso coffee or herbal tea. You can also serve it alongside chocolate cakes or crunchy cookies for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy every step and savor every spoonful of this delicious ice cream, which will surely become everyone’s favorite!