The Best Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Recipe From Scratch

If you’re a fan of rich caramel flavor, this homemade ice cream is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s ultra-creamy, rich, and packed with that deep, toasty sweetness only dulce de leche can deliver. You wanna know what the best part is? You don’t need a complicated ice cream custard base. All this rich ice cream requires is just a few simple ingredients and an ice cream machine to churn up pure dessert magic.

This rich caramel ice cream is perfect for summer holidays and Mexican parties. Make it for Cinco de Mayo or the 4th of July and watch everyone end their meal super satisfied. The next time the sun is out and it’s hot outside, there’s no better way to cool off with a treat than with this creamy ice cream.

Since you are here and love dulce de leche recipes, check out these Crumbl Dulce de Leche Cookies, this No Churn Vanilla Bean Dulce de Leche Ice Cream, these Dulce de Leche Stuffed Snickerdoodle Cookies, or this Pressure Cooker Dulce de Leche Recipe.

What is dulce de leche?

Dulce de leche is a thick, sweet sauce made by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk until it thickens and turns golden-brown. The name “dulce de leche” translates to “sweet milk” in Spanish, perfectly describing its caramelized flavor. It’s commonly used in desserts from Latin America.

Ingredients for this 4-ingredient dulce de leche ice cream recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this homemade recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Heavy Cream: provides the high fat content for the creamy texture of the ice cream base.
• Whole Milk: lightens the cream slightly.
• Dulce de Leche: is the main sweetener and flavor. You can use store-bought dulce de leche or a homemade version.
• Salt: balances the sweetness and is a delicious addition to the dulce de leche flavor.
• Extra Dulce de Leche: for adding swirls.

How to make this creamy dulce de leche ice cream recipe

This is how you can make this thick caramel ice cream. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions! 

• Whisk together the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, dulce de leche, and salt in a saucepan.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the dulce de leche is fully dissolved and everything is smooth. Do not let it boil.
• Remove it from the moderate heat and transfer it to a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate the ice cream mixture overnight until well chilled.

• Once it’s cold, pour the base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Scoop half of the churned ice cream into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container.
• Add a few spoonfuls of the remaining dulce de leche and gently swirl it in with a knife or skewer.
• Repeat with the other half of the ice cream and add more dulce de leche ribbons on top for decoration.

• Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is set and scoopable. Then just grab a spoon and dig in or scoop into cups or cones and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the best results

• Don’t skip the salt. I know it might sound weird at first, but the salt actually enhances the flavor of the dulce de leche and balances out the sweetness, so be sure to add it!
• Be patient and chill your mixture thoroughly. Plan ahead and chill the ice cream overnight. This ensures a smoother texture and helps the ice cream freeze more evenly.
• Let the ice cream soften slightly before serving. Homemade ice cream can be a little firmer than store-bought. But since we are using an actual ice cream machine here, I wouldn’t worry about this too much!

Why do you need to make this easy dulce de leche ice cream recipe?

• This easy recipe only requires simple ingredients that you can find at all grocery stores.
• It’s bound to become one of your new favorite ice cream flavors.
• Homemade ice cream can be intimidating, this recipe makes it simple!
• Customize flavors and add mix-ins to suit your specific tastes.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

No this recipe is specifically designed to be made in an ice cream maker. Use this no churn dulce de leche ice cream for the no churn version.

How do I make my own dulce de leche?

There are three ways to do it, and all of them are pretty easy, some more than others though. The first option is to cook it on a stovetop. You’re going to pour a can of sweetened condensed milk into a heavy saucepan and simmer it over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. As it heats up, the milk thickens and turns golden. When it reaches a smooth, caramel-like consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. This option is pretty hands on and requires you to stand over the pot for a while.

The second option is even easier. Simply put the closed can of sweetened condensed milk into a pot filled with water. Make sure the can is fully submerged by a couple inches to account for evaporation. Then cook on low for 6-8 hours as it thickens into the perfect golden caramel.

The third one is similar to the second one but you cook the sweetened condensed milk cans in a pressure cooker for 20-30 minutes on high and allow the pressure to naturally release before opening the pressure cooked and carefully pulling out the dulce de leche cans (they will be super hot, so be careful!). Use them once they cool down.

How do I store leftover ice cream?

The easiest way to store this eggless dulce de leche ice cream recipe is to keep the it in the loaf pan and tightly wrap the top with plastic wrap. If not, transfer ice cream to an airtight container with a good lid and keep it in the freezer. It should last for up to two weeks before starting to get a little icy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

If you can find the ingredients and don’t mind a slightly less creamy texture, then yes you can! You’ll need dairy-free alternatives for the dulce de leche, heavy cream, and milk. Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk might have thicker, heavy cream versions available or use coconut cream and a coconut sweetened condensed milk.

How can I add more flavor to this recipe?

For an added boost of flavor, put a few drops of pure vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon, or espresso powder into the ice cream base. Mix-ins like chopped candied pecans or walnuts, chocolate chips, and edible cookie dough pieces are what I would do. Get creative with this simple dulce de leche recipe with heavy cream and explore your possibilities!

The Best Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Recipe