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    Home » caramel

    Caramel swirl in ice cream (caramel variegate)

    Published: Apr 17, 2022 · Modified: Feb 6, 2023 by Hannah · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Caramel swirl in ice cream is made by using a caramel called "caramel variegate". It is caramel as an ice cream inclusion needs to behave in a pretty specific way.  It needs to:

    • be soft enough to scoop
    • be thick enough to form a nice ribbon throughout the ice cream
    • not have a ice texture to it when frozen
    caramel swirl in ice cream

    This type of caramel is called "caramel variegate." which refers to a caramel that is meant to be put into ice cream. 

    The term "variegate" refers to the swirl or ribbon in ice cream.  It is visually appealing, adds flavor and texture contrast, and is often what draws a customer to your flavor! Some other examples of variegates include chocolate, fruits, fudges, and marshmallow.  All variegates must be formulated correctly in order to freeze in the ice cream to deliver the appropriate consumer eating experience.

    This recipe below is for home use only. 

    The ice cream

    For this recipe I used a no churn vanilla ice cream.  The caramel is swirled in by layering ice cream, caramel swirls, ice cream, caramel swirls, ice cream, caramel swirls, etc. The ice cream is then frozen overnight. No ice cream maker was used in the making of this ice cream.

    How to make the caramel swirl in ice cream

    The caramel must be completely cooled before adding it to the ice cream.  You either manually add ribbons by spooning caramel over ice cream and swirling it together. If you are looking for a caramel sauce to go overtop of ice cream, my brown sugar butter caramel sauce is just the thing. The caramel swirl in ice cream is one of the most loved inclusions!

    Ingredients - no church ice cream

    • sweetened condensed milk
    • vanilla
    • salt
    • heavy cream

    Ingredients - caramel variegate

    • heavy cream
    • evaporated milk
    • butter
    • salt
    • corn syrup
    • brown sugar
    • soy or sunflower lecithin

    Equipment for caramel variegate and ice cream

    • heavy duty thick bottomed pot
    • high heat spatula or wooden spoon
    • candy thermometer
    • 12" x 17" sheet pan
    • 5 quart planetary mixer with wire whisk attachment
    • 8" x 8" pan (for freezing ice cream)
    • parchment paper

    Storage and shelf life of caramel variegate

    The caramel can be stored for approximately 6 weeks after making it.  Once it's frozen into the ice cream it will be good as long as the ice cream lasts in your freezer

    Caramel Variegate

    Salted caramel suitable for freezing inside ice cream as an inclusion.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Resting Time 2 hrs
    Course Dessert
    Servings 2 pounds caramel

    Equipment

    • heavy duty thick bottomed pot
    • candy thermometer
    • 12 x 17" sheet pan
    • parchment paper
    • cooking spray
    • high heat spatula or wooden spoon

    Ingredients
      

    Caramel Base

    • 680 grams brown sugar
    • 600 grams corn syrup
    • 10 grams salt
    • 370 grams evaporated milk 1, 12 ounce can
    • 650 grams heavy cream
    • 113 grams butter
    • 200 grams canola oil
    • 4 grams sunflower or soy lecithin

    Starch Slurry

    • 30 grams corn starch
    • 65 grams cold water

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare a 12 x 17" sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.
    • Combine corn starch and cold water. Set aside.
    • Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, evaporated milk, heavy cream, butter, and canola oil in heavy duty thick bottomed pot.
    • Heat caramel mix over medium heat until all ingredients are dissolved. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until 220.
    • Add in corn starch and water mixture. Bring temperature to 223.
    • Turn off heat. Pour caramel into prepared pan. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
    Keyword caramel, ice cream, variegate
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    No Churn Salted Caramel Vanilla Ice Cream

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Freeze Time 12 hrs
    Course Dessert
    Servings 2 quarts of ice cream

    Equipment

    • large mixing bowl
    • 5 quart planetary mixer
    • parchment paper
    • 8 x 8 " square pan
    • spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup caramel variegate
    • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk ( 1 can)
    • pinch salt
    • 5 grams vanilla
    • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare a 8 x 8" square pan with parchment paper.
    • Whisk together condensed milk, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
    • Whip the cream with a mixer on medium high speed until firm peaks form, about two minutes. Fold in condensed milk mix with spatula until combined.
    • Layer ⅓ of the ice cream mix into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spoon tablespoon amounts of caramel into the ice cream, making swirls with the spoon.
    • Layer additional ice cream over caramel, alternating ice cream and caramel layers until all ice cream is used.
    • Cover and freeze overnight.
    Keyword caramel, ice cream, no churn ice cream
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Caramel Recipes

    • Caramel peanut candy (recipe and video)
    • Dulce de leche cinnamon sugar cookies
    • Gingerbread molasses caramel with browned butter nougat
    • Viral caramel stuffed chocolate chip cookies

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    Hi, I'm Hannah! Candy obsessed and making everyone else that way too. I've spent over a decade in the candy industry, inventing sweets and snacks for the grocery store shelves. Now I'm showing you exactly how to make those top rated candies right out of your home kitchen. I want others to realize you can make real candy at home, really easily!

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