I talk a lot when I’m nervous. Like, ramble to the point where I look back and sigh, really, Kristin? REALLY? Networking events makes this introvert sweat – I never know what’s going to come out of my mouth!
While I’m never nervous typing to you, I feel like I’m on the cusp of an incredibly wordy, word-vomit post because I’m just so excited about this recipe for Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Ice Cream. I’ll try to come to a happy place in the middle for you though. You’re welcome.
Here’s the deal: KitchenAid recently challenged me to COOL DOWN HOT CHOCOLATE and make a homemade hot chocolate ice cream recipe with my KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer. Ben got me this baby, gosh, 4 or 5 years ago and it is an absolute work horse. I use it for everything from mixing up cakes and muffins, to making whipped cream, and now churning homemade ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. (Don’t mind my plaid PJs!)
Now, you might think the season that shall not be named is not the best time of year to make homemade ice cream, but I beg to differ. When you’re snuggled into your couch on a chilly, blustery night, perhaps with a fire roaring in front of you, a scoop of cold ice cream can be Heavenly in the cozy warmth.
KitchenAid sent me their Ice Cream Maker Attachment to complete the challenge, which affixes to the base of the stand mixer and produces soft-consistency ice cream, and I knew exactly what flavor of ice cream I’d be making when it showed up on my doorstep. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Ice Cream.
Have you ever had Starbucks’ Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate? (If not, get in your car and drive straight to the nearest store for a fix.) This hot chocolate ice cream tastes exactly like it! Intensely chocolaty, thick and creamy, with a salted caramel twist. Buttery smooth and decadent.
The reason I’m loving this recipe so much, besides the mind-melting (har) flavor is because it’s Philadelphia-style ice cream vs French-style which means you don’t need to make an egg custard for the ice cream base. If you can heat ingredients in a saucepan – you can make this ice cream. Also because while my KitchenAid Stand Mixer and Ice Cream Maker Attachment made whipping up this ice cream very easy, you don’t need either to make it. I’ll show you!
Start by collecting all your ingredients. Many of them are fridge and pantry staples (granulated sugar refused to join the group photo, FYI.)
First add 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 cup 2% milk, and 1/4 cup each sugar and cocoa powder to a large saucepan over medium heat.
Next add 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt (look for this in the bulk bins if you don’t want to buy an entire container.) The sea salt is what takes this ice cream over the top. That slightly salty bite is perfect to cut the richness. Whisk the ingredients together then bring to a simmer, stirring every so often.
Meanwhile get your chocolate ready. Mmm…chocolate. You’ll need 4oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped finely.
And 1 King-size Caramello Bar. This bar is serving double duty to both amp up the chocolate factor and provide sweet caramel flavor to the ice cream.
Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate and Caramello bar squares to the ice cream base then whisk until melted. It helps to kind of crush the Caramello squares to get ’em going.
Once the chocolate has melted, remove the pan from the heat then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Now you could certainly drink the hot chocolate at this point (guilty,) but since we’re making ice cream we need to cool it down. Pour the mixture into a large glass bowl then place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on top to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely chilled, 4-6 hours, or overnight.
The result is a thick and ultra-decadent mixture that has the consistency of pudding. YUM.
Alas, our final goal is ice cream, so pop the mixture into the Ice Cream Maker Attachment and proceed according to package instructions.
Once the mixture is ready, scoop it into a shallow dish, cover with another sheet of plastic wrap, and then freeze until hardened a bit, 2-3 hours.
Finally, scoop then savor the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Ice Cream!
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Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Ice Cream
Description
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Ice Cream tastes like Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Thick, luxurious, ultra-decadent - and no ice cream maker required!
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 4oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 King-sized Caramello Bar (2.7oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
- Whisk together heavy whipping cream, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, whisking every so often. Add bittersweet chocolate and Caramello bar, crushing squares slightly with fingers, then whisk until melted and smooth. Remove pan from heat then stir in vanilla.
- Pour mixture into a large glass bowl then place saran wrap directly on top to prevent a skin from forming. Cool slightly then place in the refrigerator to chill completely, 4 hours or overnight. Freeze according to your ice cream maker's instructions.
- If making without an ice cream maker: Pour chilled ice cream base into a large glass bowl or in the bowl of your electric mixer then place in the freezer until the sides have begun to freeze, 45-60 minutes. Using a whisk, hand-held mixer, or electric mixer, mix ice cream on low speed until smooth. Scrape sides then place back in the freezer and repeat mix/scrape process until ice cream is thick, 4-5 rounds (I needed 4.) Scoop into a shallow dish then place plastic wrap on top and freeze for 2-3 hours or until firm. Hand churned is best when consumed within 2 days.
Notes
Inspired by A Beautiful Mess.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
This was my first attempt at making homemade ice cream and I was THRILLED with how it turned out. Such a treat, and I loved the cold twist on a hot drink.
Now, as promised, you CAN make ice cream without an ice cream maker. Here’s how you do it:
- Pour the chilled ice cream base into a large glass bowl or in the bowl of your electric mixer then place it in the freezer until the sides begin to freeze, 45-60 minutes.
- Next, using a whisk, hand-held mixer, or electric mixer, mix the ice cream on low speed until smooth. Scrape the sides then place the bowl back into the freezer and repeat the mix/scrape process until the ice cream is thick, 4-5 rounds (I needed 4.)
- Scoop the ice cream into a shallow dish then place a piece of plastic wrap on top and freeze for 2-3 hours or until firm. Hand churned is best when consumed within 2 days.
Enjoy!
Mai 12.23.2013
I made chocolate chip ice cream once with the Girl Scouts by placing the ingredients and ice in a metal coffee can and rolling it around for quite a while. It was fun, but much more low-tech and complicated than your recipe. I have been eying the Kitchen Aid ice cream maker attachment, and your post may have just convinced me to take the plunge.
Terry 12.23.2013
I have made Vanilla and Cookies and Cream with my Kitchen Aid.
Amy 12.23.2013
Gosh, I’ve never made ice cream! Or done a cooking challenge. Homemade ice cream will be on the agenda for this next summer!
Kristen B 12.23.2013
I’ve never made ice cream at home but this recipe may change that!
Amanda Lee 12.23.2013
I have not made ice cream before, but with your instructions I might just have to give it a try! This looks so delicious!
Julie M 12.23.2013
I have made kick the can ice cream both with simple cans and with the newer versions that look like soccer balls. A great activity to do with kids in the summer and one I enjoyed as a kid. I enjoy adding mini chocolate chips and fresh mint to the basic vanilla ingredients.
Megan W 12.23.2013
I have never made ice cream before! But I’ve always wanted to – I think this salted caramel hot chocolate flavor will be the perfect place to start!
K. Dinkins 12.23.2013
I received a KitchenAid stand mixer for Christmas about 3 years ago. I’m saving up for more attachments, since they can be a little $$$. I used to have a regular ice cream maker, but my hubby put it in my daughter’s garage sale (I can’t seem to turn my back on him for more than 5 minutes….)
This recipe looks like something that I should make, just to make him sorry he gave my equipment away!
Jenna 12.23.2013
I’ve never made ice cream, but I recently tackled making another Starbucks-themed treat, cranberry bliss bars!
Auntiepatch 12.23.2013
We mostly make vanilla or Chocolate ice cream. I’m going to try this one though! I love hot chocolate!
Ashley 12.23.2013
I’ve never made homemade ice cream, but it is definitely on my cooking “Bucket List” and I would love to get the ice cream attachment to add to my beloved Kitchen Aid!
Sarah T 12.23.2013
The last time I made ice cream was when I was a kid, using those old fashioned ice cream makers. I remember it being a lot of work so your version sounds much better! :)
Kacie 12.23.2013
Everytime My family has tried to make homemade ice cream it fails! I think it has been a few too many cooks in the kitchen with a not so fail proof recipe that leads to our failure. I would love the gift card, so I could buy the kitchen aid attachment and try your recipe. It looks amazing!
Amy O'Connor 12.23.2013
I have never made ice cream before but I know my husband would love if I did!!!
Shannon 12.23.2013
I have made vanilla ice cream- I know boring! I used my kitchen aid ice cream maker!
Tiffany 12.23.2013
I’ve made ice cream by double bagging cream & sugar inside a bag of ice and salt and shaking it repeatedly — it was a kids activity at the dude ranch where I worked after college! Does that count? =)
WendyM 12.23.2013
I once made a pumpkin custard ice cream and it was really good. My recent ice cream creations are basic vanilla bean (no eggs), so that my egg and corn allergic child can enjoy it.
Chelsea 12.23.2013
I’ve never made ice cream but I’m eager to try as ice cream is one of my weekly necessities for a happy life! I have however made many batches of banana/peanutbutter “ice cream” in my food processor!
Not the same, but it sometimes does the trick! Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Shayla 12.23.2013
I’ve made vanilla ice cream before and I remember my grandma making some type of orange-sherberty thing when I was little. It was delicious!
Jess 12.23.2013
I’ve made one similar to this. Also using the strawberry flavor. =)