Homemade Dulce de Leche Ice Cream 🍦🍯

This Dulce de Leche Ice Cream is rich, creamy, and packed with the deep caramelized flavor of slow-cooked milk and sugar. With swirls of luscious dulce de leche throughout, this ice cream is a dream for caramel lovers!

Ingredients

For the Dulce de Leche: (Skip if using store-bought)

1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk

For the Ice Cream Base:

1½ cups (375ml) heavy cream
1½ cups (375ml) whole milk
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
½ cup (120ml) dulce de leche (plus extra for swirling)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dulce de Leche (If using store-bought, skip to Step 2)

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pour sweetened condensed milk into a baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
Place the dish inside a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with hot water (creating a water bath).
Bake for 1.5–2 hours, checking every 30 minutes and adding water if needed.
Stir until smooth and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base

In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar over medium heat, stirring until warm (do not boil).
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and creamy.
Slowly pour ½ cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking to temper them.
Gradually pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan, stirring continuously over low heat for 5–7 minutes, until slightly thickened (it should coat the back of a spoon).
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and ½ cup dulce de leche.
Strain through a fine sieve for a silky texture. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (20–25 minutes).

Step 4: Add Dulce de Leche Swirl

Transfer the churned ice cream into a container, layering in extra dulce de leche and gently swirling it with a knife for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Freeze & Serve

Cover and freeze for 4–6 hours until firm.
Scoop into bowls or cones, drizzle with extra dulce de leche, and enjoy!

Why This Recipe Is Special:

✅ Deep, Caramelized Dulce de Leche Flavor 🍯
✅ Ultra-Creamy & Rich Texture 🍦
✅ Beautiful Swirls of Caramel Goodness
✅ Perfect Balance of Sweet & Buttery Notes

This Dulce de Leche Ice Cream is a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth treat you’ll want to make again and again! 🍨✨