Recipe: Caramel Ice Cream with Pear Chunks

Recipe: Caramel Ice Cream with Pear Chunks

Caramel ice cream with pear chunks is a luxurious and refreshing treat that brings together the smoothness of caramel with the subtle sweetness of ripe pears. The creaminess of the ice cream, combined with the tender, juicy pear pieces, creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This dessert is perfect for hot summer days, casual gatherings, or any time you're craving a sophisticated yet comforting dessert.

Homemade ice cream may sound like a challenge, but this recipe is surprisingly simple to make, and the result is well worth the effort. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create a creamy, flavorful ice cream that will impress your friends and family. The caramel is rich and sweet, while the pears add a fresh, fruity touch that lightens up the richness. This is a dessert that offers the best of both worlds—decadent and refreshing at the same time.

Let’s dive into how to make this delightful caramel ice cream with pear chunks from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pear Chunks:

• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Equipment:

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Ice cream maker
• Fine mesh strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar
   In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the granulated sugar over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt slowly, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The sugar will begin to melt into a golden amber color after a few minutes.

2. Add the Butter
   Once the sugar has melted, add the butter and stir until the mixture is smooth and the butter is fully incorporated. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up.

3. Stir in the Cream
   Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up again, so be cautious. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.

4. Add Vanilla and Salt
   Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This will enhance the caramel flavor. Let the caramel simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

1. Prepare the Pears
   Peel, core, and dice the pears into small chunks. Place them in a bowl and toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning. If you prefer your pears a bit sweeter, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over the chunks.

2. Chill the Pears
   Set the pears aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the ice cream base. This will help them stay firm when mixed into the ice cream.

Step 3: Make the Ice Cream Base

1. Heat the Cream and Milk
   In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil.

2. Whisk the Egg Yolks
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become slightly pale. Once the cream and milk mixture is hot, slowly ladle a small amount of the hot liquid into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This step is important to temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.

3. Combine the Egg Mixture with the Cream Mixture
   Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot cream and milk. Stir constantly and continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).

4. Strain the Mixture
   Once the custard is thickened, pour it through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

5. Cool the Custard
   Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. The colder the custard, the better the ice cream will turn out.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Churn the Custard
   Once the custard has chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The ice cream will begin to thicken and freeze as it churns.

2. Add the Caramel Sauce and Pears
   When the ice cream is almost finished churning, gradually pour in the caramel sauce and allow it to swirl into the ice cream. Be sure to reserve some of the caramel for drizzling on top when serving. Then, fold in the chilled pear chunks gently to distribute them evenly throughout the ice cream.

3. Freeze the Ice Cream
   Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. The ice cream will continue to freeze and harden as it sits in the freezer.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Once the ice cream is firm and ready, scoop it into bowls or cones. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top for extra sweetness and garnish with a few pear slices if desired.

2. Enjoy
   Enjoy this rich, creamy caramel ice cream with the fresh, juicy pear chunks in every bite. It’s the perfect indulgence for a hot day or whenever you need a sweet treat.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Nuts
   For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the ice cream base before churning. The nuts will pair wonderfully with the caramel and pears.

2. Vegan Version
   To make this recipe vegan, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk. You can also use maple syrup instead of sugar in the caramel sauce for a plant-based sweetener.

3. Flavored Caramel
   For an added twist, try flavoring the caramel with a dash of cinnamon or vanilla. This will give the ice cream an even more complex and aromatic flavor.

4. Fresh Fruit
   If fresh pears are in season, you can substitute the canned or pre-chilled pears with fresh, diced pears. Simply add them at the end of the churning process to maintain their texture.

Health Benefits

1. Pears
   Pears are rich in dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and maintaining a healthy weight. They’re also high in vitamin C, supporting the immune system and promoting healthy skin.

2. Caramel
   While caramel is sweet and indulgent, using it in moderation can satisfy your sweet tooth without overloading on refined sugars. Plus, it adds a rich, comforting flavor that complements the fresh fruit.

Conclusion

Caramel ice cream with pear chunks is a unique and delightful dessert that combines the creaminess of caramel with the freshness of pears. It’s a luxurious treat that’s easy to make at home and will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this homemade ice cream is the perfect choice.

Try this recipe today and indulge in the rich, sweet, and fruity flavors of caramel and pear in every scoop!