Crème Brûlée Ice Cream with Crunchy Caramel

Name: Crème Brûlée Ice Cream with Crunchy Caramel
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 225 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 6 large egg yolks; 3/4 cup granulated sugar (divided); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water

225 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Indulge in this luscious custard ice cream with crunchy caramel shards.

Prep

30 min

Cook

15 min

Total

225 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Crème brûlée ice cream is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, blending the creamy richness of custard with the satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar. This version achieves the perfect balance of sweet and creamy, thanks to the careful crafting of both the custard base and the caramel shards. This recipe is perfect for dessert lovers who want to enjoy a gourmet ice cream experience at home. The combination of smooth custard and crunchy caramel makes it an irresistible treat that will impress friends and family alike.

Instructions

Prepare the custard base

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and milk. Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat.

Pro tip: Avoid boiling the mixture to prevent curdling.

Whisk egg yolks and sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until pale and thick.

Pro tip: Whisk vigorously to ensure a smooth texture.

Temper the eggs

Slowly add the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling.

Pro tip: Add the cream gradually to gently raise the temperature of the yolks.

Cook the custard

Return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.

Pro tip: Use a wooden spoon to check the custard's thickness.

Chill the custard

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator, at least 2 hours.

Pro tip: Cover the custard with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

Make caramel shards

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber colour, about 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Swirl the pan gently if needed to ensure even caramelization.

Set the caramel

Pour the caramel onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool completely. Once hardened, break into small shards.

Pro tip: Use a sharp knife or rolling pin to break the caramel into desired sizes.

Churn and mix

Churn the chilled custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fold in the caramel shards during the last few minutes of churning.

Pro tip: Ensure the caramel pieces are evenly distributed for consistent texture.

Freeze the ice cream

Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.

Pro tip: Allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Ensure your caramel is a deep amber colour for optimal flavour.
Chill the custard base thoroughly before churning.
Use a candy thermometer to get precise caramel temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crème brûlée ice cream?

Crème brûlée ice cream is a rich custard-based ice cream with the flavour and texture of traditional crème brûlée, including crunchy caramel shards.

How do you keep caramel shards crunchy in ice cream?

The caramel is cooked to a hard crack stage, ensuring it remains crunchy in the ice cream.

How long does it take to make crème brûlée ice cream?

The total time is about 225 minutes, including preparation, cooking, and chilling.

Can I make crème brûlée ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can freeze the custard in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until firm, although the texture may vary.

What pairs well with crème brûlée ice cream?

Pair it with espresso or dessert wine to complement its rich flavours.

How many calories are in crème brûlée ice cream?

Each serving of this crème brûlée ice cream has approximately 350 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Crème Brûlée Ice Cream in elegant bowls to highlight its luxurious texture. Pair it with freshly brewed espresso or a glass of dessert wine for an indulgent experience. This ice cream can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making it a convenient option for entertaining.

Nutrition per serving

350

Calories

Protein

21g

Fat

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