Ah, salted caramel brownie ice cream – where have you been all my life? I have to admit, I have a bit of a sweet tooth. In fact, my love for desserts is practically legendary amongst my friends and family. This decadent recipe combines two of my absolute favorites: rich, fudgy brownies and that heavenly, creamy salted caramel. It’s just a match made in dessert heaven!
I remember the first time I made this ice cream. It was a hot summer day, and I wanted something that would cool me down while indulging my craving for chocolate. As I mixed the gooey brownie pieces into the luscious caramel ice cream, I could hardly wait for it to freeze. That first scoop was pure bliss! Every bite was a melty, gooey explosion of flavor that brought pure joy. Not to mention, it’s impressive enough to wow friends at any gathering!
What’s in Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream?
Let’s get to the juicy details about this delightful treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
Heavy Cream: This is what gives your ice cream that ultra-creamy texture. I always opt for a high-fat content cream because it makes everything richer and more indulgent!
Whole Milk: Balances out the richness of the heavy cream, making for a perfectly smooth consistency.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key. It enhances the flavors of the brownies and the caramel. You can use regular sugar or even brown sugar for a deeper flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!
Brownies: Fudgy, chewy brownies are the heart of this recipe. Feel free to use store-bought or your favorite homemade brownie recipe. Just be sure they are fully cooled before adding them in. I love using my “best ever brownie” recipe, which I’ll share below!
Salted Caramel Sauce: This is the star player! You can make your own or buy a store-bought variety. I won’t tell if you use the store-bought version – it’s often so convenient and delicious!
Sea Salt: A sprinkling of flaky sea salt on top of the finished ice cream elevates the flavor profile. Trust me, this little touch makes a world of difference!
Is Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest here – this isn’t exactly a health food! But hey, life is about balance, right? Here’s my take on the health aspects of this indulgent dessert:
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: Both are fantastic sources of calcium and vitamin D, contributing positively to your bone health. However, they are high in fat, so you’ll want to enjoy this in moderation.
Brownies: If you’re using nuts or whole grain flour in your brownies, you’re getting some health benefits. But most brownies are high in sugar and fat. I suggest making a healthier version if that’s your jam!
Salted Caramel Sauce: It adds a burst of flavor, but be mindful it can add a good amount of sugar to your dessert.
So, while this isn’t your everyday snack, it’s a treat that’s perfect for special occasions or just a fun day at home when you need a little pick-me-up!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups heavy cream (serves about 6-8)
– 1 cup whole milk
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups brownie pieces (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup salted caramel sauce
– Flaky sea salt for garnish
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream?
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. This might take a couple of minutes.
2. If you’re making homemade salted caramel, now’s the time! (I always make mine from scratch; it’s surprisingly easy.) Just melt sugar over medium heat until it’s golden, then carefully add heavy cream, stirring until gooey. Be cautious, as this mixture gets hot fast!
3. Pour the caramel into the cream mixture and whisk until well combined. The mixture should be silky smooth.
4. Now, pour this mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you’ll churn it for about 20-25 minutes until it starts to thicken.
5. Gently fold in the brownie pieces with a spatula. If you want a more marbled effect, save some brownie bits to sprinkle on top before freezing!
6. Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container. Drizzle some extra salted caramel on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
7. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. Patience is key, my friend!
Gourmet Ice Cream Hacks
– Feel free to get creative! Add crushed pretzels for an added salty crunch or sprinkle in some toasted nuts for extra texture.
– If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir it every 30 minutes for about 3 hours to imitate the churning process.
Making salted caramel brownie ice cream is a true labor of love, and I can assure you it’s well worth the effort! I encourage you to get into the kitchen and whip up a batch. You’re bound to impress anyone who tries it – or just treat yourself because, why not? Once you take that first blissful bite, I know you’ll feel the same chocolatey happiness I do. Enjoy the sweetness of life – one scoop at a time!