Certainly! Let’s delve into the delectable world of making Caramel Ice Cream, a treat that takes a bit of time but rewards you with creamy, caramel goodness perfect for pairing with a slice of pound cake! 🍨
Caramel Ice Cream
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time (Refrigeration Time): 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours
Yield: 1 quart of ice cream
Calories per Serving: 2568.1
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (from 1 review)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | half-and-half |
| 1 | heavy cream |
| 1/2 | vanilla bean |
| 4 | sugar |
| 1/3 | butter |
| 2 | margarine |
| 1 | sugar |
| 1 | water |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Custard:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the half-and-half, heavy cream, and split vanilla bean.
- Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, infusing the cream with the fragrant vanilla.
- Once boiled, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Cover the saucepan and allow the mixture to steep for at least 15 minutes, allowing the vanilla to impart its flavor fully.
2. Create the Custard Base:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with 4 parts of sugar until thick and a lovely lemon color develops.
- Gradually whisk in 1/3 of the heated cream mixture into the yolks, ensuring a smooth incorporation.
- Return this combined mixture back to the saucepan.
3. Thicken the Custard:
- Place the saucepan back on the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook the custard for approximately 5 minutes, or until it thickens to a silky consistency.
- Important: Do not let the mixture come to a boil, as this can affect the texture.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Integrate the Buttery Richness:
- Stir in the butter pieces one at a time, ensuring each addition blends smoothly into the custard.
- This step adds a luxurious richness to the ice cream base, creating a velvety texture.
- Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, infusing all the flavors together.
5. Chill the Custard:
- Cover the saucepan and refrigerate the custard for a minimum of 4 hours, or up to 3 days.
- This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the custard to develop its creamy texture.
6. Craft the Caramel Syrup:
- While the custard is cooling, it’s time to prepare the caramel syrup.
- In a separate small saucepan, combine 1 part sugar with 1/3 cup water.
- Bring this mixture to a boil, creating a sweet syrupy base.
- Cover the saucepan briefly to allow steam to build and then remove the lid.
- Continue cooking until the mixture transforms into a deep, amber caramel color.
- Caution: Caramel can get very hot, so handle with care.
7. Finishing Touches:
- Remove the caramel from the heat and carefully add the remaining water, stirring constantly.
- Be cautious as the mixture may splatter due to the addition of water.
- Cover the caramel syrup and let it cool to room temperature, allowing it to thicken slightly.
8. Combine and Freeze:
- Once the custard has chilled and the caramel syrup is ready, it’s time to make the ice cream!
- Remove the vanilla bean from the custard, scraping any remaining seeds into the mixture.
- Stir the cooled caramel syrup into the custard, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- At this stage, you can refrigerate the mixture again if needed before churning.
9. Churn and Freeze:
- Transfer the custard mixture to your ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Churn the mixture until it reaches a creamy, frozen consistency, typically about 25-30 minutes.
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for at least an additional hour for optimal texture.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
- When ready to serve, scoop out generous portions of this luscious Caramel Ice Cream.
- Pair it with a slice of your favorite pound cake for a delightful dessert experience.
- Garnish with extra caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of sea salt for an added touch of indulgence.
This Caramel Ice Cream recipe, sourced from the Bon Appetit Kitchen Collection, is a labor of love that results in a creamy, dreamy dessert perfect for any occasion. 🍦✨ Whether enjoyed on its own or as a decadent accompaniment to your favorite treats, this homemade ice cream is sure to impress with its rich flavors and velvety texture. So gather your ingredients, set aside some time for chilling and churning, and get ready to savor every spoonful of this delightful treat! 😋💫
