Description
Creamy homemade caramel apple butter ice cream featuring a rich custard base swirled with spiced apple butter and ribbons of luscious caramel sauce. This fall-inspired frozen dessert is perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup apple butter (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Make custard base: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and half the granulated sugar. Warm the mixture until it is steaming but not boiling.
- Temper egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until the mixture is pale and smooth. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper them.
- Cook custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Chill custard: Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, then transfer the custard to a container. Cover and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully cool and develop flavor.
- Churn ice cream: Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Add mix-ins: During the last minute of churning, gently fold in the apple butter and caramel sauce, optionally adding ground cinnamon for extra spice.
- Freeze solid: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top, and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm before serving.
Notes
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled custard into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir every 30 minutes until the ice cream achieves a creamy consistency.
- Homemade apple butter imparts the best flavor, though good quality store-bought apple butter works well.
- For added texture and flavor, garnish with crushed graham crackers or toasted pecans when serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezer
- Cuisine: American
