Caramel ice cream

Caramel ice cream is a dessert that brings a touch of happiness at any time of the day. Whether you're cooling off on hot summer days or treating yourself to a sweet delight on cooler evenings, this recipe is sure to win you over. Making homemade ice cream may seem intimidating, but in reality, it is a simple and satisfying process. Here’s how you can create this delicacy at home, step by step.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooling time: 30 minutes (total)
- Freezing time: 4-6 hours
- Servings: 6

Ingredients
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 150 g cream cheese with sour cream (we recommend Delaco for a creamy texture)
- 350 ml milk
- 50 g butter
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 50 ml heavy cream for caramel

Of course, don’t forget the necessary equipment:
- A saucepan
- A mixer
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A large bowl
- Freezer containers

A Brief History
Caramel ice cream has deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. From simple ice creams made from milk and sugar to more sophisticated ones with caramel and chocolate flavors, this dessert has evolved to become a universal favorite. Caramel, with its rich flavor and velvety texture, pairs perfectly with creamy ice cream, and the combination offers an explosion of tastes that delights the senses.

Step by Step: Making Caramel Ice Cream

1. Caramelizing the sugar:
Start by caramelizing 100 g of sugar. In a saucepan, add the sugar and let it melt over low heat. Be careful, as the sugar can burn quickly! When it starts to turn golden, add the butter (50 g) and 50 ml of heavy cream. Stir continuously until the caramel becomes smooth and begins to thicken. Once you achieve a creamy consistency, remove the saucepan from heat and let the caramel sauce cool.

2. Preparing the ice cream base:
In a large bowl, mix the 3 egg yolks with 200 g of sugar until the mixture becomes creamy. This is an important step, as the incorporated air will help achieve a lighter texture. Then, gradually add 350 ml of hot milk while continuously stirring. Place the pot over low heat and keep stirring constantly. The heat should be low to avoid coagulating the egg yolks. Cook until the cream thickens and can coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, let the mixture cool completely.

3. Combining the ingredients:
Once the yolk cream has cooled, add the previously prepared caramel sauce. Mix well until homogeneous. In another bowl, whip 250 ml of heavy cream until stiff, then gently fold it into the yolk and caramel mixture, using bottom-to-top motions. This step will make the ice cream light and airy.

4. Adding the cheese:
At this point, add the 150 g of cream cheese with sour cream. This will bring a note of freshness and make the ice cream creamier. Gently mix to avoid losing air from the mixture.

5. Freezing:
Pour the mixture into containers and place it in the freezer. Here comes the patience: let the ice cream freeze for 4-6 hours. If you want to add a touch of originality, you can put some candies or chocolate in the cups where you serve the ice cream. They will melt slightly in contact with the warm ice cream, adding a delicious crunchy texture.

Serving Caramel Ice Cream
When the ice cream is ready, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes before serving. You can decorate it with warm chocolate sauce or toasted nuts for an extra flavor boost. Another suggestion is to serve it with a glass of freshly brewed coffee or a lightly flavored tea to contrast the sweetness of the ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste and a deeper hue of the ice cream.

2. How can I avoid ice cream crystallization?
Make sure to mix the ingredients well and that the ice cream freezes evenly. You can stir the ice cream once every hour for the first 3 hours to prevent crystal formation.

3. Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Replace the egg yolks with a mixture of mashed banana and cow's milk with almond or coconut milk. Also, use a vegan alternative for butter and cream.

Nutritional Values
A serving of caramel ice cream (approximately 150 g) contains around 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It provides a good source of calcium from milk and cheese, but it is also high in sugars, so enjoy in moderation.

Possible Variations
1. Caramel ice cream with sea salt: Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the ice cream before serving for a delicious contrast between sweet and salty.
2. Caramel ice cream with nuts: Incorporate chopped toasted nuts into the mixture for a crunchy texture.

Caramel ice cream is a versatile dessert that is easy to customize, quickly becoming your favorite. We encourage you to experiment and add your personal touch with flavors and ingredients. Whether you serve it at a party or treat yourself alone, every bite will be a true delight. Savor every moment and let caramel ice cream bring a smile to your face!