Caramel ice cream

Caramel Ice Cream - a creamy and flavorful delight

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 4-5 hours
Total time: 4-5 hours and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Who doesn’t love a refreshing dessert, especially on hot summer days? Caramel ice cream is a wonderful choice, with its smooth texture, rich taste, and a hint of sweetness that will delight your taste buds. This simple and quick recipe will teach you how to make homemade ice cream with a delicious caramel sauce using accessible ingredients. Without further ado, let’s get started!

A Brief History of Ice Cream

Ice cream is a dessert with deep historical roots, cherished for centuries. Using simple combinations of milk, sugar, and flavors, people experimented with various freezing techniques to achieve the ideal consistency. Over time, recipes have evolved, and today we have a multitude of varieties, including caramel ice cream, which is a true delicacy.

Necessary Ingredients

- 3 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 150 g cream cheese (preferably from Delaco)
- 350 ml milk
- 50 g butter
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 50 ml liquid cream (for whipping)

Necessary Utensils

- A medium saucepan
- A mixer or whisk
- A silicone spatula
- A large bowl
- A freezing container
- A spoon

Step by Step for Perfect Ice Cream

1. Preparing the Caramel Sauce
Start by caramelizing 100 g of sugar. Place the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until it melts and turns golden. Be careful, as caramel can burn quickly.
Helpful tips: Use a saucepan with a thick bottom to distribute heat evenly. Do not stir the sugar with a spoon once it starts to melt, just swirl the pan.

2. Adding Butter and Cream
Once the sugar has turned into caramel, add 50 g of butter and 50 ml of liquid cream. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool.

3. Preparing the Egg Yolk Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks with the remaining sugar (100 g) until they become a smooth, light-colored cream. This is the base for your ice cream.

4. Incorporating the Milk
Heat 350 ml of milk in a small saucepan, then gradually pour it into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Place the pot over low heat and stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly.
Tip: Use a silicone spatula to reach the corners of the pot and prevent the mixture from sticking.

5. Cooling the Mixture
After the mixture has thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Then, add the cooled caramel sauce, cream cheese, and whipped cream.

6. Freezing the Mixture
Fold all ingredients together with a spatula, using gentle bottom-to-top movements to keep air in the whipped cream, which will give the ice cream a fluffy texture. Pour the mixture into containers or cups, adding Boni Bom candies between layers for extra flavor and crunch.

7. Freezing
Cover the containers with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until the ice cream is firm.

Serving Suggestions

To add a touch of elegance, you can serve the ice cream with warm chocolate sauce or caramelized nuts. Give it a special look with a few slices of fresh fruit or mint leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can try mascarpone, ricotta, or even Greek yogurt for a different flavor.

2. How can I avoid ice crystals?
Make sure to mix the mixture well during freezing. If you have an ice cream maker, you can use it to achieve a creamier consistency.

3. How long does the ice cream last?
It can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 weeks, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Caramel ice cream is a good source of calcium due to the milk and cheese, and the cream adds a boost of healthy fats. However, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Delicious Variations

- Vanilla Ice Cream: You can replace the caramel with vanilla paste for a classic version.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: Add cocoa or melted chocolate to the egg yolk mixture for a decadent dessert.
- Fruit Ice Cream: Incorporating berry puree will add a fresh note and vibrant color.

Caramel ice cream is not just a dessert but also a sweet memory of warm summers spent with loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and enjoy every spoonful! Whether you savor it with family or friends, this dessert is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy!