Creamy Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this homemade ice cream, infused with a luscious, caramelized sweetened condensed milk. This delightful treat takes the classic flavor of dulce de leche to new heights by blending it into a smooth custard base and coaxing in ribbons of caramel for a decadent finish. Perfect for summer days or whenever you crave a sweet escape, this ice cream will impress friends and family alike. Get ready to savor each creamy bite of this artisanal frozen dessert!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweetened condensed milk
2 (cans (14 ounces each))
whole milk
3 (cups)
eggs
2 (large)
vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Begin by caramelizing the sweetened condensed milk. Pour both cans into the top of a double boiler, ensuring that the bottom pot contains simmering water. Cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring every five minutes, until the milk transforms into a beautiful golden caramel color. Once ready, divide the mixture in half: chill one half in the refrigerator and leave the other half to cool to room temperature.
2
Next, prepare the custard base. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of whole milk over medium heat until it's just about to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and frothy. Gradually pour half a cup of the hot milk into the whisked eggs while continuously stirring to temper the eggs and avoid cooking them. Immediately whisk this egg-milk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
3
Stir constantly over medium-low heat until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, making sure it does not come to a boil as that can affect the texture. Once thickened, remove from heat and mix in the room-temperature caramel, mixing until fully combined. Add the remaining 1 cup of milk and the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool down before covering and refrigerating overnight or until it’s very cold.
4
Once your custard base is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the mixture becomes thick and begins to resemble soft serve, take the chilled caramel that you set aside and dollop it into the ice cream in ribbons, gently allowing it to swirl as it churns for a minute more. Once fully churned, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for a few hours until firm. If you can wait, let the ice cream firm up before serving to achieve the perfect scoop. Enjoy the velvety delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor of this ice cream?
The ice cream features a rich and creamy flavor infused with luscious, caramelized sweetened condensed milk, similar to dulce de leche.
What ingredients are needed for Creamy Caramel Swirl Ice Cream?
You will need two 14-ounce cans of sweetened condensed milk, 3 cups of whole milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How do I caramelize the sweetened condensed milk?
Pour the milk into the top of a double boiler over simmering water and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every five minutes.
Why must I stir the condensed milk every five minutes?
Stirring frequently ensures the milk transforms into a beautiful golden caramel color evenly without sticking or burning.
How do I divide the caramelized milk?
Once ready, divide the mixture in half: chill one half in the refrigerator for the swirl and leave the other half at room temperature for the base.
How much whole milk is used for the custard base?
Initially, you heat 2 cups of whole milk to prepare the custard, then add the remaining 1 cup later in the process.
What is the first step in making the custard?
Heat 2 cups of whole milk over medium heat until it is just about to simmer.
How should I prepare the eggs?
In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until they are light and frothy before tempering.
What does it mean to temper the eggs?
Tempering involves gradually pouring hot milk into the whisked eggs while stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
How much hot milk should I use to temper the eggs?
Use half a cup of the hot milk to temper the whisked eggs before adding the mixture back into the saucepan.
What temperature should I use to thicken the custard?
Stir the mixture constantly over medium-low heat until it thickens.
How do I know when the custard is ready?
The custard is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Why should the custard not come to a boil?
Allowing the custard to boil can negatively affect the smooth texture of the ice cream base.
When do I add the room-temperature caramel to the base?
Mix in the room-temperature caramel once the custard has thickened and been removed from the heat.
When is the vanilla extract added?
Add the vanilla extract along with the final cup of whole milk after the caramel has been mixed into the thickened custard.
How long should the ice cream base chill?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated overnight or until it is very cold.
When do I pour the mixture into the ice cream maker?
Pour the custard base into the ice cream maker once it is thoroughly chilled.
How do I know when to add the caramel swirl?
Add the chilled caramel dollops when the ice cream becomes thick and resembles soft serve.
How do I create the caramel ribbons?
Dollop the chilled caramel into the machine and let it churn for one more minute to allow it to swirl naturally.
What type of container should I use for freezing?
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container before placing it in the freezer.
How long does the ice cream need to freeze after churning?
Freeze the ice cream for a few hours until it is firm enough to scoop.
What is the texture of this frozen dessert?
The result is a smooth, velvety, and creamy custard-based ice cream with decadent caramel ribbons.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
While it involves several steps like tempering and caramelizing, the instructions provide clear guidance for an artisanal result.
Can I use this for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavor and artisanal quality are perfect for impressing friends and family.
How many cans of sweetened condensed milk are required?
This recipe requires two 14-ounce cans.
What is the total amount of milk needed?
You will need a total of 3 cups of whole milk.
What is the main technique used for the caramel?
The technique used is slow caramelization in a double boiler.
Does the recipe use vanilla bean or extract?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Why is it called a 'swirl' ice cream?
It is named for the chilled caramel dollops that are swirled into the base at the end of the churning process.
Can I serve this as soft serve?
While it resembles soft serve after churning, freezing it for a few hours allows for the perfect scoopable texture.