Caramel Crunch from Swensen's features rich vanilla ice cream swirled with buttery caramel sauce and sprinkled with crunchy caramelized nuts, delivering a delightful mix of creamy sweetness and satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel sauce)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for caramel sauce)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel sauce)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for caramel sauce)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, cashews)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelized nuts)
- 2 tablespoons water (for caramelized nuts)
Using high-quality heavy cream and whole milk is essential to achieve the rich, creamy texture characteristic of Swensen's Caramel Crunch ice cream. When making the caramel sauce, careful attention is needed to prevent burning the granulated sugar, ensuring a smooth, buttery consistency. Toasting the mixed nuts before caramelizing enhances their crunch and flavor, balancing the sweetness of the ice cream. Precise measurements of vanilla extract and salt in both the ice cream base and caramel sauce help to deepen the flavor profile and avoid overpowering sweetness. Your homemade Caramel Crunch from Swensen's copycat menu will deliver a perfect harmony of creamy vanilla, buttery caramel, and crunchy caramelized nuts.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine 1 cup mixed nuts, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons water in a bowl.
- Spread nut mixture on baking sheet; bake 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Let cool, then chop.
- In a saucepan, heat 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until sugar dissolves. Cool mixture.
- In a clean saucepan, melt 1 cup sugar over medium heat until amber.
- Stir in 1/4 cup butter, mixing well.
- Slowly add 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat; add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cool to room temperature.
- Pour chilled ice cream base into ice cream maker; churn as instructed by manufacturer.
- Once churned, swirl in caramel sauce and fold in chopped caramelized nuts.
- Transfer to a container; freeze until firm.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
Caramel Crunch from Swensen's copycat menu combines creamy vanilla ice cream with rich caramel sauce and crunchy caramelized nuts for a perfect texture contrast. If you don't have whole milk, you can substitute with 2% milk, though the ice cream may be slightly less creamy. When making the caramel sauce, watch the heat carefully to avoid burning the sugar, and use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even cooking. If mixed nuts aren't available, use a single type like pecans or almonds to maintain the crunch and flavor profile. Your preparation will be smoother if you chill the mixing bowl and ice cream maker parts prior to use to speed up freezing time.
Tips
Ensure the heavy cream and milk mixture is fully cooled before adding to the ice cream maker to prevent melting and achieve the right texture. When melting sugar for caramel sauce, watch closely to avoid burning, stirring gently once it turns amber to maintain smoothness. Caramelized nuts should be spread evenly on parchment to ensure uniform coating and prevent clumping. Your patience in chilling and freezing each component thoroughly will result in the perfect creamy crunch experience.
Nutritions
Caramel Crunch ice cream from Swensen's provides a rich source of energy from its high-fat content, mainly derived from heavy cream and butter. The inclusion of whole milk adds protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Caramelized nuts contribute healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium, enhancing the nutritional value. When enjoying this dessert, you should be mindful of its sugar content, which adds sweetness but can impact your daily sugar intake.
Storage
Store your Caramel Crunch ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals and preserve its creamy texture. Place a piece of parchment paper on the surface before sealing to minimize freezer burn and maintain the swirl of caramel sauce and nuts. Keep it in the coldest part of your freezer at 0degF (-18degC) or below for optimal freshness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the nut selection by using walnuts or hazelnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile. Swap out vanilla extract in the ice cream base with almond extract to add a subtle nutty aroma. For a quicker caramel sauce, try a microwave method to melt sugar and butter, carefully stirring in cream afterwards. To elevate texture, replace some heavy cream with coconut milk for a slight tropical twist in your ice cream.
Allergies
Caramel Crunch from Swensen's contains common allergens such as dairy from heavy cream and whole milk, as well as tree nuts like almonds, pecans, and cashews. If you have a nut allergy or lactose intolerance, you should exercise caution when consuming this dessert. Always check ingredient lists and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure the dessert is safe for your specific dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
Swensen's Caramel Crunch menu captivates customers with its rich, buttery caramel sauce layered over creamy ice cream and topped with crunchy nuts, creating a perfect balance of smooth and crispy textures. The blend of sweet caramel and toasted caramelized nuts delivers an indulgent flavor that satisfies cravings for both sweetness and crunchiness. You will find that recreating this delightful dessert at home allows you to customize ingredient quality and portion size, making it an enjoyable and rewarding culinary experience. Mastering this copycat recipe is worth it for those who want to enjoy Swensen's iconic treat anytime without a restaurant visit.