There's something magical about the combination of chocolate and caramel. This no-churn chocolate caramel ice cream is the perfect dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavours. With a few simple ingredients and without an ice cream maker, you can whip up this treat in no time! I have included a quick recipe for the salted caramel too!
I have wanted to try salted caramel ever since I first had Cinnabon’s salted caramel cinnamon roll at an airport outlet in Saudi—that memory stayed in the back of my mind until, during a casual Pinterest scroll, I stumbled upon a salted caramel recipe. Without hesitation, I pinned it and immediately headed to the kitchen to bring it to life!
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🥰Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is for you if you’re a fan of the decadent pairing of dark chocolate and salted caramel. It’s rich yet light, indulgent yet simple to make. The combination of smooth chocolate and salty-sweet caramel elevates this dessert to a whole new level. Plus, it’s a no-churn recipe, so no fancy equipment is needed.
🍨Ingredient List
I have included the items for a small batch of salted caramel but you may use what you already have or store-bought.
For Salted Caramel:
- Granulated sugar
- Butter: You can use salted or unsalted. If using unsalted, add a generous pinch of salt.
- Full-fat whipping Cream:
- salt
For Chocolate Ice Cream:
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Salted caramel: Homemade or store-bought.
- full-fat whipping cream
See the recipe card for quantities.
🥣Types of Equipment Required
- Thick-bottomed saucepan (for caramel)
- Mixing bowl and spatula
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Freezer-safe container
🥣Steps to Make This Recipe
It’s incredibly easy to make. Just remember, when preparing the caramel, you absolutely must stay by the stove, watching it like a hawk and ready to act quickly at the perfect moment—it’s worth every second of focus!
Prepare the Salted Caramel
- Heat sugar in a saucepan until it melts and starts browning.
- Add butter and whisk until melted.
- Stir in whipping cream, let it boil for a minute, and then turn off the heat.
- Add salt, mix well, and allow it to cool completely.
Put Together the Ice Cream
- Combine cocoa powder, condensed milk, and salted caramel in a bowl.
- Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until no streaks remain.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 6 hours or overnight.
💡Serving Ideas
Scoop your chocolate caramel ice cream into bowls or cones, drizzle with leftover salted caramel, and top with chopped nuts or chocolate shavings. For an extra indulgence, serve alongside a warm brownie or freshly baked cookies.
📖Variations
- Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Use dark cocoa powder for a richer flavour.
- Chocolate and Caramel Ice Cream Swirls: Layer the ice cream batter with salted caramel for a beautiful swirl effect.
- Nutty Delight: Add crushed pecans or almonds for crunch.
💡Recipe Tip
Always keep an eye on the caramel while cooking! It can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Stir constantly, and have all your ingredients measured and ready to add.
Keep an eye on the whipping cream while whipping - it can go from whipped cream to butter in seconds.
❄️Storage
Store your chocolate caramel ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Keep leftover salted caramel refrigerated in a jar and warm it slightly before use.
☝️Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but homemade salted caramel adds a deeper, fresher flavour.
Ensure your whipped cream is well incorporated into the mix, and freeze the mixture in an airtight container.
Absolutely! Use coconut cream, vegan butter, and coconut condensed milk as substitutes.
🍲More Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes using cocoa powder? Try these:
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📖 Recipe Card
Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream
Ingredients
For Salted Caramel:
- ½ cup white sugar
- 45 grams unsalted butter
- ¼ cup whipping cream full fat
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Ice Cream:
- 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup salted caramel
- 1 cup whipping cream full-fat
Instructions
Prepare the Salted Caramel
- Heat the sugar in a thick-bottomed, light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar fully melts and turns a rich amber color.½ cup white sugar
- Carefully add the butter cubes and whisk until the mixture is smooth.45 grams unsalted butter
- Slowly pour in the whipping cream, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then remove it from heat.¼ cup whipping cream
- Stir in the salt, mix well, and set the caramel aside to cool completely before using.½ teaspoon salt
Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the cocoa powder to remove any lumps.3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and the cooled salted caramel to the bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk, ⅓ cup salted caramel
Whip the Whipping Cream
- Ensure your mixing bowl and whisks are chilled in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes before you start. Cold equipment helps the cream whip more efficiently. Make sure the whipping cream is also well-chilled, as it whips better when cold.
- Pour the chilled whipping cream into the cold bowl. Use a bowl deep enough to prevent splattering as you whip.1 cup whipping cream
- Begin whipping the cream on a medium speed using an electric mixer. Once the cream starts to thicken and you see soft peaks forming, increase the speed to medium-high. Continue until stiff peaks form. This whole process will take anywhere between 3 to 5 minutes.
Incorporate the Whipped Cream
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate and caramel mixture using a spatula. Take your time to ensure the whipped cream is fully incorporated without deflating it. This step creates the light, airy texture of the ice cream.
Freeze the Ice Cream
- Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with back of a spoon. Place a piece of parchment paper or cling wrap over the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Cover with lid and freeze. Freeze for at least 6 hours or, for best results, overnight until the ice cream is firm.
Serve and Enjoy
- When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
- Scoop into bowls or cones, drizzle with extra salted caramel, and garnish with your favorite toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate shavings. Enjoy this decadent treat!
Notes
- You can refrigerate the leftover salted caramel and warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave whenever you want to use it.
- Drizzle more salted caramel for a richer taste.
- Freeze the ice cream overnight for the best results.
Shazia says
Drooling!It looks super yum caramel and chocolate in an ice cream will super hit!isn't it?Salted Caramel even i'm dreaming to make something with that!
Rafeeda A. Raheem says
I am no caramel fan... the only way I like it is in Twix but I play around inside my mouth not allowing it to go anywhere near my teeth... hehe... But in this icecream, like u said where it does not show up much, I would easily have it... Amazing pics, Fami... U r becoming a pro with your camera phone... 🙂
Umme Hafsa says
This is my idea of heaven. Seriously 🙂
Nisa (Flavour Diary) says
by seeing your pics...i just want to dig into them...yum
Famidha Ashraf says
Oops! did I confuse it. I meant there was only Dark cocoa powder all this time and I was looking for the non dark one and it came finally in the form of Hershey's 100% cocoa - it is not dark 🙂 And thank you dear.. Took the pics next day afternoon..
Nusrath Jahan says
Finally you got dark cocoa powder!!!your ice cream pics are really inviting .wish I could have it straight away from the pic.
KevinIsCooking says
Cinnabon's salted caramel cinnamon roll are such a fun treat, haven't ha done in ages, but I would gladly have 3 scoops of this beauty! I would describe the taste of the union of salt, sugar, chocolate as WONDERFUL. Love no-churns... #Drooling.
Kanak Hagjer says
Loving your ice cream posts. This looks absolutely delish!
Shumaila Chauhan says
All your ice cream posts make me feel like making a batch of my own. Love the flavors you have used and it looks absolutely sinful!
Rafia says
Ooh, that looks delicious. Unfortunately, I don't have most of those ingredients. I don't keep sugar in the house, for good reason! But I can tell from those photos that this ice cream has the intense chocolate favour I yearn for!