Caramel ice cream with Lion crunch

Caramel Ice Cream with Lion Crunch - A Refreshing Delight

Caramel ice cream with Lion crunch is a dessert that brings joy and indulgence in every spoonful. This recipe combines the rich flavors of caramel with a creamy texture, reminiscent of the ice cream we enjoy in familiar places, but with a special twist that makes it truly unique. Preparing this sweet treat is simple, and the final result is sure to impress both family and friends.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Freezing Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4-6 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: Approximately 10 servings

Ingredients

- 1 liter of heavy cream (ideally 30% fat for a creamy texture)
- 500 ml of milk (preferably whole for a rich ice cream)
- 4 egg yolks (fresh, high quality)
- 1 cup of sugar (for the vanilla cream)
- 3/4 cup of sugar (for caramelizing)
- 2 packets of bourbon vanilla sugar or 1 vanilla bean
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (to thicken the cream)
- 1 large Lion chocolate bar (a secret ingredient that will add a delicious crunch)

Preparing the Vanilla Cream

1. Preparing the Ice Cream Base: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the milk, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Place the saucepan over low heat.

2. Cooking the Cream: Whisk constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and thickens slightly, being careful not to bring it to a boil.

3. Adding Flavors: Once the cream has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. When the cream cools slightly, add the vanilla sugar or the split vanilla bean and mix well.

Caramelizing the Sugar

4. Caramelizing: In a non-stick skillet, pour the 3/4 cup of sugar for caramelizing. Place the skillet over low heat and let the sugar melt, stirring gently, until it turns an amber color. Be careful not to burn it, as the taste will spoil.

5. Combining with Vanilla Cream: Once the sugar has caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat and slowly pour the vanilla cream over the caramel, stirring constantly. If the mixture hardens, you can return it to the heat for a few seconds, stirring until smooth.

Whipping the Egg Whites and Cream

6. Preparing the Cream and Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whip the cream until it becomes fluffy and firm.

7. Combining Ingredients: Carefully add the cooled caramel cream to the whipped cream and egg whites, folding gently with a spatula to retain the air in the mixture. This step is essential for achieving a light and creamy ice cream.

Adding the Lion Chocolate

8. Preparing the Chocolate: Chop the Lion chocolate bar into small pieces. Add them to the ice cream mixture and stir gently.

9. Freezing: Pour the final mixture into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Let the ice cream freeze for 4-6 hours or until firm.

Serving the Ice Cream

Once the ice cream has frozen, take it out of the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. You can serve it plain, or with a drizzle of caramel sauce and pieces of Lion chocolate on top. This caramel ice cream with Lion crunch pairs perfectly with a flavorful coffee or a warm tea, offering a delightful contrast between hot and cold.

Practical Tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh eggs and high-quality cream for the best results.
- Customization: You can replace the Lion chocolate with other types of crunchy chocolate or caramelized nuts for a different variation.
- Caramel-free version: If you prefer a simple vanilla ice cream, simply skip the caramelization step, and the rest of the recipe remains the same.

Nutritional Benefits

This caramel ice cream is not only delicious but also a source of calcium from milk and cream. The egg yolks provide essential proteins and vitamins. However, moderation is important due to the sugar and fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use skim milk?: While you can, the ice cream will be less creamy. We recommend whole milk for the best results.
- How long can it be stored in the freezer?: The ice cream can be stored for up to 2 months, but it's best to consume it within a month to enjoy its optimal flavors.
- Can I make the ice cream without eggs?: Yes, you can use a mixture of milk and cream, adding an alternative thickening agent such as gelatin or an egg-free ice cream mix.

This caramel ice cream with Lion chocolate is perfect for warm days or for moments when you want to treat yourself. So, get ready to impress with this simple yet extremely delicious dessert! Enjoy!