Indulging in a rich, creamy bowl of salted caramel pretzel ice cream is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while adding a hint of salty crunch. This delightful pure vegetarian recipe combines the smoothness of homemade ice cream with the rich, buttery flavor of salted caramel, and the crunchy, salty texture of pretzels. If you’re someone who loves the contrast of sweet and salty flavors, this ice cream will be your new favorite treat. The best part? You can make it at home, with all vegetarian-friendly ingredients, ensuring it’s completely free of animal products.
This salted caramel pretzel ice cream not only delivers a deliciously smooth texture but also features pockets of caramelized pretzels that add a fun, crispy element to each bite. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, from family dinners to summer gatherings, and is sure to impress everyone with its unique flavor profile and creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream (vegetarian-friendly)
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup salted pretzels, crushed into small pieces
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce (make sure it’s vegetarian-friendly)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for extra saltiness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to help thicken the mixture)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for caramelization)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for caramelization)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 4-6 hours (for freezing the ice cream)
Total Time: 5-6 hours
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per Serving: 280-300 calories (approximately, depending on serving size)
Nutrition:
- Calories: 280-300 kcal per serving
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 250-300 mg
Note: The nutritional values are approximations and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Cuisines: American, Vegetarian
Course: Dessert
Equipment Needed:
- Ice cream maker (if you don’t have one, you can make it without an ice cream machine, instructions below)
- Heavy saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Freezer-safe container for storing ice cream
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved into a smooth mixture.
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is well combined. Continue to simmer the caramel sauce, stirring constantly, for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and add in 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to intensify the salty flavor (optional). Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer.
- Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly and cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Pour the caramel sauce into the custard mixture, stirring gently to combine. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 3: Chill the Ice Cream Base
- Transfer the custard mixture to a large bowl. Allow it to cool to room temperature, and then cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure the mixture is fully chilled. Chilling the base helps to create a smoother ice cream texture.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
- Once the ice cream base is well-chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Begin churning the ice cream. After about 15-20 minutes, it will start to thicken and take on the consistency of soft serve ice cream.
- While the ice cream is churning, crush the pretzels into small pieces. Keep a small portion aside to mix into the ice cream, and the rest for sprinkling on top.
Step 5: Add Pretzels and Salted Caramel
- Once the ice cream has thickened to your desired consistency, add in the crushed pretzels and a few tablespoons of the salted caramel sauce.
- Stir gently to incorporate the pretzels and caramel throughout the ice cream, ensuring that the pretzels remain crunchy.
Step 6: Freeze and Serve
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, and smooth the top. Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the top if desired, and sprinkle with extra crushed pretzels.
- Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until it’s firm and ready to scoop.
Step 7: Enjoy! Once frozen, scoop the salted caramel pretzel ice cream into bowls or cones and serve immediately. Enjoy the sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy combination that’s sure to become your favorite homemade dessert!
Tips for Success:
- Make the Caramel Sauce in Advance: If you’re pressed for time, feel free to prepare the salted caramel sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. It will save you time when you’re making the ice cream.
- Texture Tips: For extra smooth ice cream, ensure that your base is chilled properly before churning. The colder the base, the better the ice cream’s consistency.
- Vegan Version: If you want to make this recipe vegan, substitute dairy milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use a plant-based cream. You can also swap the egg yolks with a cornstarch-based custard.
Resting Time:
The resting time for this salted caramel pretzel ice cream is primarily in the freezer, where it needs at least 4-6 hours to set to the perfect scoopable consistency.
Total Time:
This recipe takes about 5-6 hours to complete, including prep, chilling, and freezing times.
Conclusion:
This salted caramel pretzel ice cream is a pure vegetarian dessert that combines creamy ice cream, crunchy pretzels, and the irresistible sweetness of salted caramel. Perfect for a summer treat or an indulgent dessert year-round, it’s a great recipe to make at home, offering both flavor and fun textures that everyone will love. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can enjoy a gourmet ice cream experience right from your kitchen!