Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Recipe
Introduction
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream is a creamy, luscious treat that combines the rich caramel flavor of dulce de leche with smooth homemade ice cream. Perfect for warm days or any dessert craving, this recipe is both indulgent and simple to make at home.

Ingredients
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 13.4 oz can dulce de leche (store bought or homemade)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Extra dulce de leche for swirling (about ¼ cup or to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, dulce de leche, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the dulce de leche is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Step 2: Remove the mixture from heat and pour it into a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for six hours or preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Once chilled, churn the mixture in your ice cream maker following the manufacturer’s instructions. This process usually takes 20-25 minutes.
- Step 4: Spread half of the churned ice cream into a loaf pan or suitable ice cream container. Swirl in a few spoonfuls of extra dulce de leche. Add the remaining ice cream on top and swirl in more dulce de leche. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Step 5: Scoop the ice cream into serving cups or cones and enjoy your delicious homemade dulce de leche ice cream!
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper caramel flavor, try using homemade dulce de leche made from sweetened condensed milk cooked until golden.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips during the final swirl for extra texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until creamy and frozen.
Storage
Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week for best flavor and texture. To soften before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Using low-fat milk will affect the creaminess and texture of the ice cream. Whole milk provides the richness that balances the heavy cream and dulce de leche, so it’s best to stick with whole milk for the best results.
Is it possible to make this ice cream vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk or another plant-based cream. Use a dairy-free dulce de leche alternative or make your own with coconut milk and sugar.
Print
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (including chilling and freezing time)
- Yield: Approximately 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
Description
A creamy and indulgent Dulce de Leche Ice Cream recipe featuring a luscious blend of heavy cream, whole milk, and rich dulce de leche. This homemade treat is churned to perfection and swirled with extra dulce de leche for a delightful caramel flavor, perfect for cooling off on a warm day.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (13.4 oz) can dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ tsp salt
Swirl
- ¼ cup extra dulce de leche (or to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, dulce de leche, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently to fully melt the dulce de leche and achieve a smooth mixture. Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
- Chill Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the base to cool thoroughly.
- Churn Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer’s directions. This typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Layer and Swirl: Spread half of the churned ice cream into a loaf pan or ice cream container. Spoon and swirl in some of the extra dulce de leche. Add the remaining ice cream on top and swirl more dulce de leche on the surface to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Freeze Until Firm: Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until it is firm enough to scoop.
- Serve: Scoop the Dulce de Leche Ice Cream into serving cups or cones and enjoy the rich, caramel-infused dessert.
Notes
- Do not boil the cream mixture to avoid curdling.
- For a smoother swirl effect, slightly warm the extra dulce de leche before swirling.
- The recipe requires an ice cream maker for churning; if unavailable, consider alternative freezing methods but expect a different texture.
- Chilling the mixture overnight improves the final texture and flavor.
- Store homemade dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator if using homemade instead of canned.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning (Ice Cream Maker)
- Cuisine: Latin American
Keywords: Dulce de Leche Ice Cream, Homemade Ice Cream, Caramel Ice Cream, Latin Dessert, Creamy Ice Cream Recipe

