Homemade Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream Recipe

If you love the rich, bold flavor of coffee paired with the sweet, buttery taste of caramel, then this Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream Recipe is the ultimate treat. Inspired by the popular caramel macchiato coffeehouse drink, this frozen dessert brings together two of the best worlds: caffeine and dessert.

With smooth vanilla cream, bold espresso swirls, and golden ribbons of caramel sauce, this ice cream offers the perfect balance of bitter and sweet. Whether you’re cooling down on a hot summer day or treating yourself after dinner, it’s hard to go wrong with this decadent creation.

Best of all? You don’t need an ice cream maker. This is a no-churn recipe that’s beginner-friendly and requires minimal equipment—perfect for home cooks, coffee lovers, and dessert enthusiasts alike.

---

📋 Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American / Fusion

• Course: Dessert

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Active Time: 10 minutes

• Resting/Freezing Time: 6–8 hours

• Total Time: Approx. 8 hours 25 minutes

• Servings: 8

• Calories per serving: Approx. 300 kcal

• Skill Level: Easy

---

🥄 Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

For the Espresso Swirl:

• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder (or ¼ cup brewed strong espresso)

• 1 tbsp hot water (if using espresso powder)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel variation)

---

🍽 Equipment

• Mixing bowls

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Rubber spatula

• Loaf pan or freezer-safe container

• Small saucepan (for caramel)

• Measuring cups and spoons

---

🧾 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Espresso Mixture

If using instant espresso powder, dissolve it in hot water and let it cool to room temperature. If you prefer brewed espresso, let it cool completely before using. You want it strong and chilled.

Step 2: Make Homemade Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add sugar and stir constantly as it melts into a golden-brown liquid. Add the butter and stir until combined (it will bubble up). Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Remove from heat and let it cool. Add a pinch of sea salt if making salted caramel.

💡 Tip: Make the caramel sauce in advance so it cools before adding to the ice cream.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using a hand or stand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3–5 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip.

Step 4: Create the Ice Cream Base

In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Gently fold in the whipped cream using a spatula. Mix until just combined to maintain the airiness.

Step 5: Add the Espresso

Drizzle the cooled espresso into the mixture and gently swirl with a spatula. Do not overmix—you want lovely coffee-colored streaks throughout the base.

Step 6: Assemble with Caramel Swirls

Pour half of the ice cream mixture into your loaf pan. Add a few spoonfuls of cooled caramel and swirl with a knife or skewer. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and caramel. Finish by drizzling a bit of caramel on top.

Step 7: Freeze

Cover the loaf pan with cling wrap or an airtight lid and freeze for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until firm.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Scoop into bowls or cones and drizzle with extra caramel or espresso powder for garnish.

---

🍨 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

---

☕ Why You’ll Love This Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream Recipe

• No-Churn Simplicity: No fancy equipment required.

• Bold Flavors: Inspired by your favorite coffee drink.

• Creamy Texture: Thanks to whipped cream and condensed milk.

• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, cookie bits, or a salted caramel twist.

---

🍦 Tips for Success

• Chill All Components: Cold cream whips better and espresso should be cooled to prevent melting the base.

• Don’t Overmix Swirls: Gentle swirling ensures beautiful marbling and layered flavor.

• Storage: Keep frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

---

🧁 Serving Suggestions

• Affogato-Style: Serve a scoop with a shot of hot espresso.

• With Brownies: Use as an ice cream layer over fudgy brownies.

• In a Waffle Cone: Drizzle caramel before scooping in.

---

☕ Variations

• Salted Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream: Add sea salt to caramel.

• Mocha Macchiato Ice Cream: Mix cocoa powder into the espresso swirl.

• Keto Version: Use sugar-free caramel and low-carb condensed milk alternatives.

---

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream Recipe is a coffee lover’s dream come true—smooth, rich, and incredibly easy to make. With the perfect swirl of espresso and luscious caramel, it’s the ideal dessert to impress guests or indulge yourself after a long day. No ice cream maker? No problem. This freezer-friendly treat proves that gourmet flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether enjoyed solo, with toppings, or sandwiched between cookies for an ice cream sandwich, this homemade delight will become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy all the bliss of your favorite café beverage in frozen form—right from your freezer.