Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Recipe
Introduction
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream is a creamy, luscious treat that perfectly blends the rich caramel flavor of dulce de leche with smooth homemade ice cream. It’s a delightful dessert to enjoy on warm days or whenever you crave a sweet, indulgent bite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 13.4 oz can dulce de leche (store bought or homemade)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Extra dulce de leche for swirling (about ¼ cup or to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, dulce de leche, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring often until the dulce de leche is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Avoid boiling.
- Step 2: Remove the mixture from the heat and pour it into a large bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least six hours or preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- Step 4: Spread half of the churned ice cream into a loaf pan or ice cream container. Swirl in a few spoonfuls of extra dulce de leche. Add the remaining ice cream and swirl more dulce de leche on top. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Step 5: When ready to serve, scoop the ice cream into cups or cones and enjoy your homemade dulce de leche delight.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use homemade dulce de leche if you have time—it adds a deeper caramel note.
- Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and contrast.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until smooth and firm.
Storage
Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Re-freeze any leftovers promptly to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use skim milk or a milk alternative instead of whole milk?
Whole milk helps create a creamy texture, but you can substitute with lower-fat milk or plant-based milk. Keep in mind the texture may be less rich and creamy.
How do I make homemade dulce de leche?
You can make dulce de leche by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk in a water bath for 2-3 hours until it turns golden and caramelized. Be sure to keep the can submerged and monitor water levels carefully.
PrintDulce de Leche Ice Cream Recipe
This Dulce de Leche Ice Cream recipe combines rich, creamy dairy with sweet, caramel-like dulce de leche to create a luscious homemade frozen treat. Using a simple stovetop preparation followed by chilling and churning, this dessert is perfect for caramel lovers seeking a smooth, decadent ice cream with delightful swirls of extra dulce de leche.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 6 hours chilling + 4 hours freezing (approx. 10 hours 20 minutes)
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 cups) of ice cream 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (13.4 oz) can dulce de leche (store bought or homemade)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Swirling
- About ¼ cup extra dulce de leche, or to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix heavy cream, whole milk, one can of dulce de leche, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the dulce de leche fully melts and the mixture is smooth. Be sure not to let it boil to avoid curdling.
- Chill the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the mixture into a large bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours, preferably overnight, to ensure it is thoroughly chilled.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Layer and Swirl: Spread half of the churned ice cream evenly into a loaf pan or suitable ice cream container. Spoon and swirl in a few spoonfuls of the extra dulce de leche. Add the remaining ice cream on top and swirl in more dulce de leche on the surface.
- Freeze Until Firm: Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until it is firm enough to scoop.
- Serve: Scoop the dulce de leche ice cream into serving cups or cones and enjoy the creamy, caramel-flavored delight.
Notes
- Do not boil the cream mixture as it can cause curdling or separation.
- For smoother texture, chilling the mixture overnight is recommended prior to churning.
- Use high-quality dulce de leche for the best flavor outcome.
- Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- If you do not have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until frozen to mimic churning.
Keywords: dulce de leche, ice cream, homemade ice cream, caramel ice cream, dessert, creamy ice cream
