Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Recipe

Introduction

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream is a rich and creamy treat that beautifully highlights the caramel flavors of dulce de leche. This homemade dessert is smooth, indulgent, and perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, velvety ice cream with a luscious swirl.

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

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, dulce de leche, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring often, until the dulce de leche is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to let it boil.
2. Step 2: Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for six hours or preferably overnight.
3. Step 3: Once chilled, churn the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 20-25 minutes.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Scoop and enjoy your homemade dulce de leche ice cream in a serving cup or cone!

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade dulce de leche for a more natural, rich flavor, or select a high-quality store-bought brand for convenience.
• For a crunch, add chopped toasted pecans or almonds when you transfer the ice cream to the container.
• Adjust the amount of salt slightly to enhance the caramel notes according to your taste.
• If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and stir vigorously every 30 minutes until creamy.

Storage

Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To soften before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes or scoop straight onto a warm cone for a creamy treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can freeze the mixture in a container and stir it every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it reaches a creamy consistency, typically about 3-4 hours.

Is it necessary to chill the mixture overnight?

Chilling overnight helps the flavors meld and improves texture, but a minimum of six hours will still yield good results.