Butterscotch Ice Cream

This Butterscotch Ice Cream is an indulgent blend of rich, buttery flavors combined with the warmth of brown sugar and a hint of vanilla. The optional bourbon adds depth, enhancing the dessert’s complexity without overpowering the main butterscotch notes. The result is a creamy, custard-based ice cream that is perfectly smooth and decadent. Ideal for any season, this ice cream is perfect when served in waffle cones or bowls. It’s great for parties, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself on a warm day. With just a few key ingredients, you can bring this gourmet-style ice cream to life, making it a go-to recipe for ice cream enthusiasts.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream – divided
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• A pinch of kosher salt

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
2. Add 1/4 cup of the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the remaining heavy cream, whole milk, and bourbon (if using). Heat over medium heat until the mixture reaches 165°F.
4. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together. Gradually temper the eggs by adding about 1.5 cups of the hot mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly.
5. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking well, and heat until the mixture reaches 165°F again.
6. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and whisk in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
7. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until very cold (at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results).
8. Churn the ice cream in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions (around 25-30 minutes for a 2-quart machine).
9. Spoon the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-4 hours before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours | Churn Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: 517 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Why Butterscotch Ice Cream is the Best Choice

Butterscotch Ice Cream stands out as one of the most indulgent and satisfying frozen treats for a number of reasons:

1. Rich, Deep Flavor: Unlike many other ice cream flavors that rely on artificial flavorings or heavy sugar content, this butterscotch ice cream recipe shines due to its natural, complex flavor profile. The combination of butter and dark brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, resulting in a flavor that is warm, slightly smoky, and full-bodied. Add to that a splash of bourbon (optional) to give the ice cream a slight hint of vanilla and oak notes, and you have a dessert that tastes as sophisticated as it is decadent.
2. Creamy Texture: The custard base in this recipe guarantees an ultra-smooth and creamy texture that feels luxurious with every bite. Custard-based ice creams are known for their rich mouthfeel, thanks to the egg yolks which create a silkier texture compared to ice creams made without them. This results in an ice cream that is dense, rich, and perfect for those who enjoy a velvety dessert experience.
3. Balanced Sweetness: While some ice creams can be overwhelmingly sweet, this recipe strikes the right balance between sweetness and richness. The butterscotch flavor from the dark brown sugar offers a mellow, molasses-like sweetness that doesn’t overpower your taste buds. The slight hint of salt also elevates the flavor, making it more complex and ensuring that every scoop leaves you craving more.
4. Versatility: This butterscotch ice cream is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a wide range of desserts. Serve it alongside warm apple pie, drizzle it with caramel sauce, or use it to top a rich chocolate brownie for a decadent twist. Its versatile flavor complements a variety of sweet treats, making it a must-have recipe in your dessert arsenal.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, butterscotch ice cream is the perfect dessert. It’s sophisticated enough to impress dinner party guests, but comforting enough to be enjoyed on a cozy evening in. You can make it in advance and store it in the freezer for when the craving strikes, or serve it at special events for an impressive homemade treat.

Health Benefits and Customizations

Although Butterscotch Ice Cream is a treat, there are ways to slightly tweak the recipe to make it more suited to specific dietary needs. For those who are concerned about consuming raw or undercooked eggs, rest assured that tempering the eggs to 165°F ensures they are safe to eat. Additionally, for those who prefer to limit their alcohol intake or are making this recipe for children, the bourbon can be omitted without compromising the flavor too much. The butterscotch flavor will still shine through, offering a classic, nostalgic taste that everyone will love.

If you’re looking to reduce the calorie content, consider swapping out some of the heavy cream with a lighter alternative like whole milk or half-and-half. This will reduce the richness slightly but still maintain the creamy texture. For a dairy-free version, you can experiment with coconut cream and plant-based milk, though it will alter the taste somewhat. The caramel-like notes from the brown sugar will still be present, and the texture should remain smooth if churned properly.

Step-by-Step Simplicity

One of the reasons this butterscotch ice cream recipe is so popular is its straightforward process. You don’t need any fancy equipment beyond an ice cream maker, and the steps are simple enough that even novice home cooks can master it. The recipe’s success lies in tempering the eggs properly and ensuring that the custard base is well-chilled before churning. As long as you follow the instructions closely, you’ll be rewarded with an ice cream that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end ice cream shop.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Butterscotch Ice Cream

1. Proper Chilling: One of the most important steps in this recipe is chilling the ice cream mixture before churning. The colder the custard base, the better the texture will be once churned. If the mixture isn’t cold enough, the ice cream may not freeze properly and could end up too soft. We recommend chilling the custard base for at least four hours, but if you can chill it overnight, even better. This ensures that your ice cream will churn into the perfect consistency.
2. Churning Technique: Make sure to start the mixer (or ice cream maker) before pouring in the chilled custard. This helps to ensure that the mixture begins churning immediately, creating those tiny ice crystals that give the ice cream its smooth texture. Keep an eye on the churning process, and don’t overfill the bowl so that the ice cream has room to expand as it freezes. Churn until the ice cream thickens and rises slightly over the top of the bowl.
3. Storage: After churning, the ice cream will still be quite soft. It’s essential to transfer it to a freezer-safe container and let it freeze for a few hours to firm up before serving. If you plan on storing it longer, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. This ensures the texture stays smooth and creamy.

A Crowd-Pleaser and Nostalgic Favorite

There’s something about butterscotch that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The deep caramel-like flavor, the creamy texture, and the buttery richness transport you back to childhood memories of enjoying homemade treats. By incorporating butterscotch into ice cream, you get the best of both worlds—a modern twist on a classic flavor that is sure to please kids and adults alike.

Butterscotch ice cream is perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or even just as a weekend indulgence. It pairs beautifully with other classic desserts, like apple pie, warm chocolate cake, or even on its own in a crunchy waffle cone.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an ice cream flavor that is luxurious, deeply satisfying, and a little bit out of the ordinary, then this butterscotch ice cream recipe is the perfect choice. With its creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and complex butterscotch flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your household. Easy to make, yet impressive to serve, this recipe offers everything you need to elevate your dessert game to the next level.