Name: Caramel Apple Butter Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-490044H31M59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt; ½ tsp cinnamon (optional); ¾ cup apple butter; ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); Crushed speculoos or graham crackers; Toasted pecans; Apple pie spice

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If you love the comforting taste of fall desserts but crave a cool, creamy twist, this Caramel Apple Butter Ice Cream Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine luscious, no-churn ice cream swirled with rich apple butter and drizzled generously with caramel sauce—the kind of dessert that reminds you of warm apple pie a la mode on a crisp autumn evening, but effortlessly whipped up at home without an ice cream maker. It’s the perfect blend of cozy flavors and silky texture that will have you coming back for spoonful after spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view image shows six small glass bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the top center holds large, pale yellow chunks of peeled apple. Below it to the left is a small bowl of white powder, likely cornstarch, and to the right a bowl with a dark amber liquid, probably vanilla or syrup. Further down, in the middle, there is an empty glass bowl with a slightly frosted look. On the bottom left is a bowl filled with white granulated sugar, and to the right of it is a smaller bowl containing a square piece of pale yellow butter. All items are clear and clean, emphasizing the fresh ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is all you need to create a bowl of bliss. Each plays a vital role: from the creamy base to the warm spices and the sweet, tangy apple butter that gives the ice cream its signature cozy flavor.

2 cups heavy whipping cream: The rich, velvety backbone of the ice cream that whips up beautifully for that perfect airy texture.
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess, helping the ice cream set without needing a machine.
¾ cup apple butter: Brings deep apple flavor with a smooth, spiced sweetness that defines this recipe.
½ cup caramel sauce: Bursts of rich, buttery caramel elevate the dessert’s indulgence — homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant note.
½ tsp cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle hint of spice that pairs perfectly with apple butter.
Pinch of sea salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the caramel notes.
Optional Mix-Ins: Crushed speculoos or graham crackers for texture, toasted pecans for crunch, or apple pie spice for extra warmth.

How to Make Caramel Apple Butter Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream

Start by chilling a large mixing bowl and your beaters for best results, then whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this is what gives the ice cream its luscious, airy texture. Take your time here; the cream should hold its shape with soft yet firm peaks.

Step 2: Mix the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Flavorings

In a separate bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. This mixture provides the sweet, creamy base infused with warm notes that complement the apple butter.

Step 3: Fold the Whipped Cream into the Condensed Milk Mixture

Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture, being careful to keep as much air in the mixture as possible. This delicate folding is the secret to your ice cream’s dreamy texture.

Step 4: Add the Apple Butter Swirl

Spoon in the apple butter, swirling it through the ice cream mixture with a spatula, but don’t fully mix it in—you want beautiful ribbons of apple butter peeking through every scoop. This swirl is what makes this the ultimate fall treat.

Step 5: Layer with Caramel Sauce

Transfer half of the ice cream base into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Drizzle caramel sauce on top, then add the rest of the ice cream mixture followed by more caramel swirls. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently ripple the caramel for a beautiful marbled look.

Step 6: Freeze Until Firm

Pop the container into the freezer for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the ice cream to firm up to scoopable perfection without the need for an ice cream maker.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Butter Ice Cream Recipe

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with three scoops of light beige ice cream that have a smooth and creamy texture with a few soft ridges on the surface. The bowl is placed on a square piece of brown burlap cloth, which adds a rough texture beneath it. The background features another similar bowl with ice cream and a blurred brown and white object, all set on a white marbled surface. A woman’s hand is holding a metal spoon near the glass bowl, pointing towards the ice cream. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the creamy texture of the ice cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your ice cream experience by topping it with chopped toasted pecans or a sprinkling of crushed graham crackers for a playful crunch. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top makes it even more indulgent. A dash of cinnamon or apple pie spice adds a fragrant finish that will impress family and friends.

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm apple pie, cinnamon-spiced brownies, or even a simple bowl of warm caramelized apples. The creamy, cold treat perfectly balances any warm dessert, turning a simple snack into a show-stopping finale.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve scoops of this ice cream in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or apple halves. You can also create parfait layers in clear glasses with extra caramel sauce and crushed nuts for a stunning visual and textural treat. The swirls of apple butter and caramel are a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve made your Caramel Apple Butter Ice Cream Recipe, store any leftovers tightly covered in the freezer to maintain its creamy texture and prevent freezer burn. If you add crunchy mix-ins, try to keep them separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This ice cream freezes beautifully for up to two weeks. If you’re planning to keep it longer, make sure it’s sealed in an airtight container or wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil to preserve freshness and flavor intensity.

Reheating

Since it’s ice cream, reheating is not typical. However, letting the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping will make serving easier and help release the rich flavors of the apple butter and caramel sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Absolutely! The beauty of this Caramel Apple Butter Ice Cream Recipe is that it’s no-churn, relying on whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk to create a creamy, scoopable texture without any special equipment.

What if I don’t have apple butter on hand?

If you can’t find apple butter, a good-quality apple jam or puree spiced with cinnamon and cloves can work in a pinch, though the result won’t be quite as smooth and rich as the classic recipe.

Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream?

Definitely! Crushed graham crackers, toasted pecans, or even bits of caramel candy all add delightful texture contrasts, taking the ice cream from delicious to extraordinary.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base recipe is naturally gluten-free if you skip mix-ins like graham crackers. Always double-check store-bought apple butter and caramel sauce labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

How long does it take to set in the freezer?

For the best texture and flavor integration, freeze your ice cream for at least 6 hours or overnight. This resting time is key to allowing the swirls of apple butter and caramel to harmonize with the creamy base perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about turning a few simple ingredients into this enchanting Caramel Apple Butter Ice Cream Recipe that feels like a hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re treating yourself or serving it at a family gathering, this easy, no-churn delight will quickly become a celebrated favorite. Give it a try and savor every luscious, comforting bite!