Salted Caramel Truffle Ice Cream Recipe

26

Now, I know what you might think: “Salted caramel… truffles… ice cream? That’s a trio made in heaven!” And you won’t be wrong. This Salted Caramel Truffle Ice Cream recipe is a symphony of flavors that marries the buttery richness of caramel with a hint of sea salt and then dances through decadent chocolate truffles; all enveloped in a velvety ice cream base.

How to make Salted Caramel Truffle Ice Cream

Salted Caramel Truffle Ice Cream is a decadent frozen treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of caramel with a touch of sea salt and creamy chocolate truffles.

Ingredients

For the Salted Caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

For the Ice Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Truffle Chunks:

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Special Equipment:

• Ice cream maker
• Candy thermometer (for caramel)

Instructions

Make the Salted Caramel:

1. Prepare in Advance: Before you start, have all the caramel ingredients measured and ready—it’ll move quickly!
2. Melt Sugar: Melt the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon to prevent burning. The sugar will form clumps but eventually melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid.
3. Add Butter: Carefully stir in the butter once the sugar is fully melted. Beware of the mixture bubbling up. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
4. Slowly Add Cream: Very slowly drizzle the warm cream into the mixture while stirring. The caramel will bubble up again, so be cautious. Allow the mixture to boil for about 1 minute.
5. Finishing the Caramel: Remove it from the heat, add sea salt, and let it cool before using. Keep a watchful eye, as caramel can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of moments.

Make the Ice Cream Base:

1. Heat Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm.
2. Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour some of the warm milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
3. Cook the Custard: Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take several minutes. Do not overheat, or the eggs will scramble.
4. Strain and Add Vanilla: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Make the Truffle Chunks:

1. Make Ganache: Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and butter until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
2. Set the Ganache: Spread the ganache into a shallow dish and refrigerate until firm.

Churn the Ice Cream:

1. Prep the Churner: Freeze your ice cream maker bowl for at least 24 hours if it requires freezing.
2. Churn the Custard: Pour the chilled custard into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it’s the consistency of soft-serve.

Assemble the Ice Cream:

1. Add Caramel and Truffles: In the last few minutes of churning, pour in some of the salted caramel sauce. Then, chop the chilled ganache into bite-sized chunks and add them to the churner.
2. Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the churned ice cream to a suitable container, swirling in layers with additional caramel sauce and truffle chunks as you go. Do not overmix.
3. Set the Ice Cream: Cover the container and freeze until firm, usually 2-4 hours.

Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Truffle Ice Cream:

• Consistency is Key: Pay close attention to consistency when making the caramel and custard. The caramel should be a rich amber, and the custard should leave a clear trail on the back of a spoon when you run your finger across it.
• Cooling Time Matters: Don’t rush the cooling process; a thoroughly chilled custard yields a creamier ice cream.
• Churn to Perfection: Churn the ice cream until it’s just the right consistency. Over-churning can make it buttery, while under-churning can create an icy texture.
• Caramel Caution: Be careful not to burn yourself when adding butter and cream to the caramel as it will bubble violently.
• Texture Contrast: The truffle ganache should be firm but not rock hard when you chop it; this ensures delightful chunks in every bite.
• Final Touch: If you like a stronger contrast in your ice cream, you can sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the final mixture before the last freeze.

What to serve with

Salted Caramel Truffle Ice Cream is a decadent dessert option that stands wonderfully on its own but can be elevated into an even more luxurious treat with the right accompaniments. Pairing it with savory, sweet, or crunchy elements can enhance its creamy richness and complex flavors.

Fresh Fruits and Nuts

• Berries: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can add a slight tartness and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the ice cream.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas offer a soft texture and a sweet flavor that pairs nicely with the caramel.
• Toasted Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans, lightly toasted, can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet and savory aspects of the ice cream.

Baked Goods

• Warm Brownies or Blondies: A chunk of warm, gooey brownie or blondie alongside cold salted caramel truffle ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Shortbread Cookies: The buttery flavor of shortbread cookies can complement the ice cream’s richness.
• Waffle Cones or Bowls: Serving the ice cream in a crunchy waffle cone or bowl adds an enjoyable texture and enhances the ice cream parlor experience at home.

Sauces and Toppings

• Hot Fudge or Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm fudge or an extra layer of caramel sauce on top can intensify the flavors and add a luxurious feel.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a light, airy texture and a hint of sweetness.
• Sea Salt: A light sprinkling of flaky sea salt can enhance the salted aspect of the ice cream, making the caramel flavor even more pronounced.

Beverages

• Coffee: Serving salted caramel truffle ice cream with a hot cup of coffee can be delightful. The coffee’s bitterness provides a nice counterbalance to the ice cream’s sweetness.
• Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine, such as a Riesling or Moscato, can complement the dessert without overpowering it.
• Stout Beer: For an unconventional pairing, a rich, dark stout beer with its own notes of caramel or chocolate can harmonize beautifully with the ice cream.

Creative Dessert Ideas

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use cookies or brownies to sandwich a scoop of the ice cream for a portable and fun dessert item.
• Sundae Bar: Create a sundae bar with various toppings, such as chopped nuts, fruits, sauces, and whipped cream, and let guests customize their own dessert.
• Affogato: For an adult twist, pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of the salted caramel truffle ice cream for an affogato-style dessert.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Salted Caramel Truffle Ice Cream at home can be a rewarding experience, offering the flexibility to adjust ingredients according to taste or dietary restrictions. Here are detailed ingredient substitutes for this decadent dessert, ensuring everyone can enjoy it regardless of dietary preferences or pantry limitations.

Base Ingredients

Heavy Cream

• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk can replace heavy cream in a 1:1 ratio, offering a similar texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
• Cashew Cream: Soaked cashews blended with water until smooth can also be a rich, plant-based substitute for heavy cream.

Whole Milk

• Almond Milk: For a lighter, dairy-free alternative, use unsweetened almond milk. The substitution ratio is 1:1. It has a nutty flavor but is less creamy.
• Oat Milk: Oat milk is thicker and sweeter, making it an excellent dairy-free substitute for whole milk in ice cream. Use a 1:1 substitution ratio.

For the Salted Caramel

Sugar

• Coconut Sugar: It naturally offers a similar sweetness with a slight hint of caramel, making it a perfect substitute for making caramel sauce. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitution, but expect a darker color.
• Maple Syrup: This is a less refined option with a distinct flavor that can complement the caramel taste. Due to its liquid form, it is used in a slightly reduced amount.

Butter

• Vegan Butter: A 1:1 substitute for dairy butter if looking for a plant-based option. It helps in obtaining a similar creaminess and texture.
• Coconut Oil Can also be used as a vegan substitute, though it might slightly alter the flavor profile, making it more coconutty.

Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate

• Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate: For the truffles, use dairy-free chocolate to keep it vegan. It’s rich and works well with the caramel and base flavors.
• Cacao Nibs: For a healthier twist, cacao nibs can be stirred into the ice cream for a crunch. Though not a direct substitute for truffles, they offer a bitter contrast to the sweet ice cream.

Final Thoughts

When serving salted caramel truffle ice cream, the aim is to balance textures and flavors. Whether you opt for a simple bowl of this rich treat or incorporate it into more complex dessert creations, these accompaniments can elevate your dessert course and impress your guests with myriad flavors and textures.

More Ice Cream Recipes:

• Lec Ice Cream Recipe
• Copycat Propitious Mango Ice Cream Recipe
• 2 Ingredients Ice Cream Pancakes Recipe
• Halo Top Ice Cream Recipe
• Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar Recipe