No Churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream with Vanilla Bourbon Caramel
This easy no churn ice cream recipe features chunks of luscious chocolate brownies and a salty caramel swirl! The perfect dessert for a hot, summer day!
This recipe for Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream was created in partnership Nielsen-Massey.
Creating this Salted Carmel Brownie Ice Cream
If you ask all 4 of our kids what their top 3 favorite desserts that I make are, I’d be willing to bet that they’d all give you the exact same answers:
Chocolate Chip Cookies, Simplest Homemade Fudgy Brownies, and Caramel Sauce with Vanilla and Bourbon.
(If you’re nervous about the “bourbon” part of the caramel, don’t worry – the alcohol cooks off)
The Caramel Sauce with Vanilla and Bourbon is one of those recipes that I make with the intention of serving with something.
The kids would happily eat it by itself as the dessert if I let them.
It has made appearances in many different forms.
We’ve served it on ice cream, made cookie ice cream sandwiches and added caramel to them, and served it over cheesecake.
These favorites are so consistently loved that Logan asked for his birthday party dessert to be brownies with ice cream and caramel, rather than cake.
That way he was able to hit 2 out of 3 of his favorite desserts.
Another dessert that the kids have recently loved is the No Churn Vanilla Frozen Yogurt with Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb that I made earlier this year.
I wouldn’t say that it rivals any of their top 3, but it has a solid place in the top 5 because who doesn’t love ice cream?
Kendall and Logan especially LOVE ice cream these days.
Most evenings after the younger two go to bed Kendall and Logan are asking me if they can have a bowl of ice cream while they watch something on TV before bed.
I don’t think it really occurred to any of them before that I could make homemade ice cream or that it didn’t require special equipment.
Now that they’re aware of this fact, they have definitely asked a few times recently if we could make some No Churn Ice Cream again.
And since I’ve also been asked for brownies and caramel sauce, I decided to combine the 3 into one and experiment with a recipe for No Churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream with Vanilla Bourbon Caramel.
The first time I made it none of the kids were home.
Logan walked in to pick up a few things before he went on vacation with his dad and caught me in the middle of making it.
He was a little offended that I would make this recipe without him home and begged that I save some for him.
I told him I couldn’t promise that but that I would definitely make it again.
What’s in this Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream
This salted caramel brownie ice cream has two components to it. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand to make the caramel sauce and the ice cream base:
To Make the Caramel Sauce
- Bourbon
- Vanilla Extract
- Granulated Sugar
- Salted Butter
- Heavy Cream
- Sea salt
To Make the Ice Cream
- Heavy Cream
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Vanilla Extract
- Bourbon
- Sea Salt
- Prepared Caramel Sauce
- Brownie Chunks
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this brownie ice cream, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Make No Churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream
The first step to making No Churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream with Vanilla Bourbon Caramel is to make your favorite brownie recipe.
You already know where to find our favorite recipe.
You can make the brownies a day or two ahead of time because they’ll need to cool completely.
Just make sure they are stored in a container to prevent them from getting dried out.
You’ll also want to make some Vanilla Bourbon Caramel.
Since there is plenty of sugar in the caramel recipe, there is no need to use a vanilla extract that contains added sugar.
What you want is a high-quality vanilla extract that uses as few ingredients as possible so that the flavor really stands out in the caramel recipe.
I like to use Nielsen-Massey No Sugar Added Pure Vanilla Extract in the recipe because it offers a rich vanilla flavor from a blend of premium hand-picked vanilla beans without the added sugar.
I like that Nielsen-Massey, a family owned and operated producer, provides products that are all-natural, GMO-free, and allergen-free.
Logan has a peanut allergy, so we are always checking labels to make sure there is no cross contamination of ingredients when we are preparing recipes.
After preparing the Vanilla Bourbon Caramel Sauce, allow it to come to room temperature before adding it to the ice cream.
Like the brownies, I usually prepare the caramel in advance.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days, so that makes it easy.
The last thing you’ll do is to prepare the No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream.
The ice cream base recipe is super simple and contains only 5 ingredients
- Heavy Cream
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Sea Salt
- Nielsen-Massey No Sugar Added Pure Vanilla Extract
- Bourbon (which is totally optional)
Once you have your 3 individual components to make the No Churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream with Vanilla Bourbon Caramel you are all set to assemble the ice cream.
I like to use a loaf pan to freeze the ice cream.
First, start by drizzling some caramel sauce at the bottom of the pan and sprinkling a few chunks of brownie.
Then, add some of the ice cream base.
Repeat this process until all of the ingredients are used.
You can add as much or as little of the ice cream mix-ins as you like, or just follow the amount that I’ve outlined in the recipe.
The No Churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream with Vanilla Bourbon Caramel needs to freeze for about 6 hours until it is ready to be scooped and served.
If you want to serve it the same day, I recommend getting it in the freezer by noon at the latest in order to serve it after dinner that day.
Tips for Making Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream
- Don’t substitute milk for the heavy cream – the ice cream won’t be as rich and thick.
- This is my favorite recipe for fudgy brownies, but you could use box brownies as well to save time
- Cut the brownie cubes into 1/2 inch size pieces – you want big chunks of soft brownies throughout the ice cream
Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream FAQs
Got questions about how to make this homemade salted caramel ice cream? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
What is the best way to store leftover homemade ice cream
Reusable freezer safe storage containers in pint sizes are perfect for storing homemade ice cream.
How to Serve
This ice cream tastes GREAT served in a sugar cone.
I love the combination of the creamy vanilla base swirled with the salty vanilla bourbon caramel and the chewy chunks of brownie mixed with the crunch of a cone.
But, it tastes great served in a bowl with as spoon as well.
It doesn’t last long because it is so good, so if you’re feeding a crowd or wanting any leftovers after your family gets ahold of it, you might want to make a double batch.
Our crew of 6 can easily devour this entire recipe in an evening (if I let them!).
It is a winner for sure, and thanks to Nielsen-Massey’s quality vanilla products, the flavors really stand out as something special.
More Dessert Recipes
Looking for more ways to incorporate Nielsen-Massey Vanilla into summer desserts? Check out some of these delicious recipes, or browse the recipe index archives:
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is a delicious no-churn, low-fuss ice cream recipe. No special tools required!
Strawberry Fool is an easy fruit dessert recipe made with whipped cream and fresh strawberries – a perfect simple, dessert to highlight summer’s juicy berries.
Satisfy your summertime cheesecake cravings without turning on the oven by making this No Bake Mango Lime Cheesecake with Fruit Salsa. You won’t be sorry!
Popsicles are a great way to beat the heat this summer. They’re a fun and easy snack for kids to prepare that doesn’t heat up the kitchen or make a lot of mess. Try these Creamy Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles for a fun take on some favorite summer flavors.
This recipe for No Churn Vanilla Frozen Yogurt with Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb swirls creamy vanilla frozen yogurt with sweet and tangy balsamic roasted strawberries and rhubarb. The perfect fruity dessert!
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No Churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream with Vanilla Bourbon Caramel
Creamy vanilla no churn ice cream is layered with chewy brownie chunks and swirled with sweet and salty vanilla bourbon caramel sauce. The perfect dessert for a hot, summer day!
Ingredients
VANILLA BOURBON CARAMEL SAUCE
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon, optional
- 1/2 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey No Sugar Added Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup (200 grams) Granulated Sugar
- 6 tablespoons (84.75 grams) Salted Butter, sliced into tablespoons
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) Heavy Cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
NO CHURN VANILLA ICE CREAM
- 2 cups (473 ml) Heavy Cream, chilled
- 1 - 14 ounce can (396 grams) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey No Sugar Added Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 tablespoons Bourbon, optional
- 1/8 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/4 cup (120 grams) prepared Caramel Sauce
- 1 1/4 cup (180 grams) Brownie Chunks, approx. 1/2 inch cubes (Favorite Recipe: Simplest Homemade Fudgy Brownies)
Instructions
VANILLA BOURBON CARAMEL SAUCE
Note: You will have extra caramel sauce after preparing the ice cream recipe. It stores well in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
- In small bowl, combine the bourbon and vanilla extract. Stir and set aside.
- Add the granulated super to a medium sized saucepan (3-quart size works well). Place it over medium-high heat and cook, watching the entire time and stirring occasionally, until the sugar is golden brown and completely melted.
- Carefully add the butter and the vanilla bourbon mixture. Whisk the ingredients vigorously until the butter is completely melted. The contents of the saucepan will bubble up, so caution should be used.
- Remove the pan from the heat and very carefully and slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. The caramel sauce will bubble, but keep whisking until the mixture is completely incorporated. Stir in the sea salt.
- Let cool to room temperature - do not attempt to lick the spoon or the whisk as the caramel will be incredibly hot. Set aside.
NO CHURN VANILLA ICE CREAM
- Chill the mixing bowl for the whipping cream and beaters in the freezer until very cold.
- In another medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, salt, and bourbon (if using). Mix until combined.
- Remove the mixing bowl and beaters from the freezer. Beat the cream on medium high until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes.
- Add the whipped cream to the sweetened condensed milk mixture and gently fold together until well combined. A spatula works well for this.
LAYERING THE ICE CREAM
- A bread pan works really well for freezing the ice cream. Add a few large dollops of the vanilla bourbon caramel to the bottom of the pan along with some chunks of brownies.
- Then, add a layer of ice cream over top. Repeat, making several layers, until all of the ice cream mixture is used. You can use as much or as little of the vanilla bourbon caramel and brownie bits as you like.
- Freeze until firm, about 5 - 6 hours.
Notes
For best results, the cream should be very cold and kept refrigerated until ready to prepare. The caramel sauce and brownies should both be cooled completely.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 349Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 258mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 0gSugar: 41gProtein: 6g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
This recipe was created in partnership with Nielsen-Massey. I have been compensated for my time creating this recipe for No Churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream with Vanilla Bourbon Caramel Swirl, however all of the contained opinions are my own.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
This is sooo delicious 🙂 I love no churn ice cream!
Gina/Running to the Kitchen says
Even though it’s freezing right now in NY, I totally want this!
Liren | Kitchen Confidante says
It’s no wonder this is a kid favorite – I can see why! I love the richness that the bourbon adds!
Julia says
This looks like one delicious ice cream. I love the brownie and the caramel flavor in there!
Amy says
Wow! This looks amazing and I can’t wait to try this technique. You always have the best ice cream treat and dessert ideas. Off to the store ASAP to buy supplies!!! YUM!!
Kristen says
My favorite brand of vanilla and my favorite desserts combined into one? You’re speaking my love language! Looks so good!
Katie says
Thanks for stopping by Kristen!
Laura says
As if I needed another recipe to add bourbon too this sounds delicious, and I’d totally make it year round, even if I do have 8 months of winter.. thanks for posting another delicious recipe!
Katie says
I know, right? It is SO GOOD.
Jessica says
This looks amazing!
Katie says
Thanks!