Caramel Apple Ice Cream blends the sweet, rich flavor of caramel with the crisp, tartness of apples in a creamy ice cream base. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, especially when you're craving something both refreshing and indulgent. Homemade caramel sauce adds a luxurious touch to the classic combination, making this dessert a standout.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown. Add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Add salt, remove from heat, and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
Make the Ice Cream Base: In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. If desired, add cinnamon for extra flavor.
Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20-25 minutes).
Add Apples and Caramel: Once the ice cream has thickened, gently fold in the chopped apples. Drizzle in the cooled caramel sauce and swirl it through the ice cream.
Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed nuts or graham crackers on top of the ice cream when serving.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the dairy ingredients with coconut milk and a dairy-free caramel sauce.
Allow the ice cream to freeze completely before serving for the best texture.
You can adjust the sweetness of the caramel sauce by adding more or less sugar, depending on your preference.