Make Caramel Ice Cream (or Dulce de leche Ice Cream) at home in minutes with just two ingredients. This no-churn ice cream is smooth, creamy, and full of rich caramel flavor. Perfect when you need a simple frozen dessert without the hassle of a machine!
Why You'll Love My Caramel Ice Cream
- Only two ingredients needed
- No fancy equipment or ice cream maker
- Rich, creamy texture with caramel sweetness
- Easy to customize with mix-ins or toppings
Ingredients Used To Make Caramel Ice Cream
Heavy Cream (US) / Thickened Cream (AU):
Heavy cream gives caramel ice cream its rich, smooth texture. Whipping the cream adds air, creating the light, fluffy base that makes no churn ice cream so creamy. The high fat content is key for that soft, scoopable consistency you love.
Dulce de Leche or Caramel:
Dulce de leche brings the deep, caramelized flavor that defines homemade caramel ice cream. It’s made by slowly heating sweetened milk until thick and golden. You can use my homemade dulce de leche for the best flavor. Store-bought caramel sauce works too, adding a buttery, sweet taste and helping keep the ice cream soft and creamy.
How To Make Caramel Ice Cream
Prepare Your Ingredients:
Use cold heavy cream (or thickened cream) to help whip air into the base. Keep your dulce de leche or caramel at room temperature so it mixes easily and smoothly. Tip: I have a full post on how to make homemade dulce de leche safely and easily!
Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cold heavy cream and the room-temperature dulce de leche or caramel. Beat them together until thick, fluffy, and ready to freeze into rich, creamy caramel ice cream.
Mixing the Caramel Ice Cream Base:
Using a hand mixer, beat the heavy cream and dulce de leche on low speed to start. Gradually increase to medium speed and continue mixing until the base becomes thick, fluffy, and doubles in volume. This step usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Freeze the Caramel Ice Cream:
Spoon the whipped ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals.
Freezing Time:
Freeze the caramel ice cream for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best texture. Once fully frozen, it will be firm, creamy, and easy to scoop.
Serving Your Caramel Ice Cream:
Once the caramel ice cream is fully set, remove it from the freezer and let it soften for a few minutes to make scooping easier. Enjoy every creamy, rich bite of your homemade ice cream—simple, quick, and absolutely delicious!
Storage Tip
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Fay's Top Tips
- Always start with cold heavy cream for the best results.
- Chilled cream whips faster, traps more air, and creates a light, fluffy texture.
- Cold cream also thickens better when mixed with dulce de leche or caramel.
- Great texture is the foundation of smooth, creamy homemade caramel ice cream.
Serving Suggestions For Caramel Ice Cream
- Classic Sundae: Top with whipped cream, caramel or chocolate sauce, a cherry, and chopped nuts. Try it with our Chocolate Hot Fudge Sauce!
- Fruit Pairing: Add fresh strawberries, bananas, or berry compote to balance the caramel sweetness.
- Waffle or Pancake Breakfast: Scoop over warm mini waffles or pancakes for a decadent breakfast treat.
- Coffee or Espresso Affogato: Pour hot espresso or strong coffee over a scoop for an easy affogato.
- Cookie Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop between two cookies. Our Chunky Bakery Cookies pair perfectly!
- Warm Dessert Base: Serve alongside apple pie, brownies, or molten lava cake for a hot and cold combo.
- Elegant Parfait: Layer caramel ice cream with granola, nuts, and fruit for a textured dessert.
- Simple and Pure: Enjoy it as is to savor the creamy, rich caramel flavor.
More Easy Ice Cream Recipes You’ll Love
- Viennetta Vanilla Ice Cream: Layers of creamy vanilla ice cream and crisp chocolate create a nostalgic, homemade frozen dessert.
- Mango Ice Cream: Bursting with real mango flavor, this easy no churn ice cream is smooth, fruity, and refreshing.
- Espresso Martini Ice Cream: A bold and creamy ice cream with coffee and vodka flavors inspired by the classic cocktail.
Make It ✨ Snap It 📸 Share It! 🍨
If you whip up one of my desserts, I’d love to see it! 😍 Tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can check out your creation. I’ll be reposting my favorites and giving shout-outs in my stories! 🎉 It’s always fun to see your unique twists on my recipes, so don’t be shy—snap a pic and share it! 📢🍰 #CupcakeSavvysKitchen
FAQs for Two-Ingredient Caramel Ice Cream
For the best caramel ice cream texture, stick with heavy cream. Light cream won't whip properly and can make the ice cream less creamy.
Use a stand mixer if you have one, or whisk by hand with plenty of elbow grease. It takes longer but still works!
Definitely! Stir in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, or fruit pieces just before freezing for extra flavor and texture.
This ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. After that, it might start to crystallize or lose its texture, but it will still be safe to eat.
Yes! Swap heavy cream for chilled coconut cream and use a vegan caramel sauce to keep the texture creamy with a slight coconut twist.
2 Ingredient Caramel Ice Cream
INGREDIENTS
- 600 ml (2 ½ cups) heavy cream
- 395 g (1 ¾ cups) dulce de leche or caramel
INSTRUCTIONS
- First, ensure your whipping cream is cold, and your Dulce de Leche or caramel is at room temperature. This temperature difference helps achieve the right consistency.
- In a large bowl, pour in the whipping cream and add the Dulce de Leche or caramel.
- Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients, starting at a low speed and gradually increasing to medium. You'll mix until the mixture thickens and increases in volume. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes.
- Level it with a spatula and cover the container. Freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- When you're ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier scooping.
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