Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of homemade Bourbon Caramel Ice Cream. This easy-to-make treat combines the smoothness of heavy cream, the sweetness of dulce de leche, and a hint of bourbon.
This ice cream offers a delicious balance of sweetness and a subtle kick. The bourbon not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard, ensuring a creamy texture every time. It's as delicious as our Espresso Martini Ice Cream!
Is it ok to add Alcohol to Ice Cream?
Yes, it's perfectly fine to add alcohol to ice cream. Alcohol helps prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard, resulting in a smoother texture. Just be mindful of the amount used, as too much alcohol can make the ice cream too soft and prevent it from freezing properly.
Ingredient in Bourbon Caramel Ice Cream
Heavy Cream
- Amount: 600mL (2.5 cups)
- Purpose: Heavy cream is essential for the rich, creamy texture of the ice cream. It contains a high-fat content, which helps create a smooth and luscious consistency.
Dulce de Leche
- Amount: 395g (1 can or 14 oz)
- Purpose: Dulce de leche is a sweet, caramel-like sauce made from milk and sugar. It adds a deep caramel flavor and sweetness to the ice cream. It's thicker and richer than regular caramel sauce, providing a luxurious mouthfeel. Regular Caramel can also be used.
Bourbon
- Amount: 40mL (1 and ⅓ floz )
- Purpose: Bourbon adds a subtle, warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel. The alcohol content in bourbon also helps to prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard, resulting in a smoother texture. You can also use whiskey or scotch if you prefer.
How To Make Bourbon Caramel Ice Cream
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the dulce de leche, heavy cream, and bourbon. Make sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate the mixture as it expands when whipped.
Mixing: Using an electric hand mixer, start mixing the ingredients on medium speed. This initial mixing helps to evenly distribute the dulce de leche and bourbon throughout the cream.
After mixing on medium speed for about a minute, increase the speed to high. Continue mixing until the mixture's volume increases by about one-third and it becomes thick and creamy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to achieve a light and smooth ice cream texture.
Freezing: Once the mixture is well-mixed and thickened, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Ensure the container has a lid that fits tightly to prevent any freezer odors from affecting the ice cream.
Place the lid on the container and put it in the freezer. Let the ice cream freeze overnight to allow it to set properly.
Serving: When ready to serve, remove the container from the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Fay's top Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure the heavy cream is cold before you start mixing. Cold ingredients whip better and create a smoother texture.
- Choose Quality Bourbon: Use a bourbon that you enjoy drinking. The flavor of the bourbon will be noticeable in the ice cream, so a good quality one will enhance the overall taste.
- Mix Thoroughly: Mix the ingredients until the volume increases by one-third and the mixture is thick and creamy. This aeration is crucial for a light and creamy texture.
- Prevent Overmixing: While thorough mixing is important, avoid overmixing, which can cause the cream to turn into butter. Stop once you achieve the desired thickness.
- Freezer-Safe Container: Use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent any freezer odors from seeping into the ice cream.
- Freeze Overnight: Allow the ice cream to freeze overnight to set properly. This ensures a firm yet creamy consistency.
- Soften Before Serving: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to scoop and enhances the texture.
Things to Be Careful Of
- Alcohol Content: Be mindful of the amount of bourbon you add. Too much can prevent the ice cream from freezing properly and make it too soft.
- Avoid Ice Crystals: Proper mixing and the addition of alcohol help prevent ice crystals. Make sure to follow the mixing instructions carefully.
- Proper Storage: Keep the ice cream container tightly sealed in the freezer to avoid the formation of ice crystals and absorption of freezer odors.
- Don't Overwhip: Watch the mixture as you whip it. Stop mixing once it becomes thick and creamy to avoid turning the cream into butter.
Serving Suggestions for Bourbon Caramel Ice Cream
Classic Scoop: Serve in a bowl or cone for a traditional treat. Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Ice Cream Sandwich: Place a scoop of ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies or your favorite type of cookies for a delicious ice cream sandwich.
Affogato Style: Pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of the ice cream for an indulgent affogato.
With Pie or Cake: Serve a scoop alongside a slice of warm apple pie, pecan pie, or chocolate cake. The creamy ice cream complements the dessert perfectly.
Ice Cream Sundae: Create a sundae with toppings like whipped cream, nuts, chocolate sauce or syrup, and cherries. Add some crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
Milkshake: Blend a few scoops with some milk to create a rich and creamy bourbon caramel milkshake. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Banana Split: Add scoops to a banana split with bananas, chocolate sauce, strawberry syrup or sauce, and whipped cream.
Topped with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top for added texture and flavor.
In a Float: Add a scoop to a glass of root beer or cola for a delicious ice cream float with a twist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can omit the bourbon, but the ice cream may freeze harder and may form ice crystals. Consider adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
For the best texture, freeze the ice cream overnight. This allows it to set properly and develop a creamy consistency.
The addition of bourbon helps prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard. If you omit the alcohol, you may need to let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few extra minutes before serving.
Absolutely! Gently fold in your desired mix-ins after the ice cream mixture has been whipped and before freezing.
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Ensure you have a large enough mixing bowl and freezer-safe container.
The ice cream will keep well for up to two weeks if stored in an airtight container in the freezer. For the best texture and flavor, consume it within this time frame.
Bourbon Caramel Ice Cream
INGREDIENTS
- 600 ml (2 ½ cups) heavy cream
- 395 g (14 oz) dulce de leche or caramel
- 40 ml (1 ⅓ floz) bourbon or whiskey or scotch
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the dulce de leche, heavy cream, and bourbon to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix with an electric hand mixer on medium speed for one minute.
- Increase to high speed and mix until the volume has increased by one-third and the mixture has thickened.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container with a lid.
- Place the lid on the container and freeze overnight.
- Remove from the freezer 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy.
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