Butterscotch is one of those flavors that doesn’t get nearly the respect it deserves. Beyond pudding and the classic hard candies most people don’t give butterscotch a second thought, and really that’s a shame. Salted caramel has gotten the spotlight but it’s sister butterscotch deserves some love too. Richer, and with a greater depth of flavor butterscotch is really the next level version of salted caramel and is perfect for ice cream. The only way to make butterscotch even better? A little boozy kick of bourbon of course. My Bourbon Butterscotch Ice Cream is equal parts retro and modern and 100% delicious.
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What is the difference between caramel and butterscotch?
Butterscotch and caramel are pretty similar but there are a few key differences. Caramel is made by melting white sugar until it browns (or caramelizes); you can add water, milk or other flavorings to suite your taste. Butterscotch is made with butter and brown sugar (a combination of white sugar and molasses) resulting in a deeper, more layered flavor.
Equipment
To make this ice cream you’ll need a saucepan and an ice cream machine. I absolutely love my ice cream machine from Cuisinart or if you have a Kitchenaid stand mixer this ice cream maker attachment is fantastic. To store your ice cream after it’s made I recommend this freezer safe ice cream container. Be sure to take a look at my Fresh Blueberry Ice Cream too!
How to Make Bourbon Butterscotch Ice Cream
Start by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it’s fully combined. Add in heavy cream and milk (when you do this the brown sugar mixture will harden initially but will melt and fully incorporate as everything heats up) and bring to a simmer.
As the cream mixture heats up whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla in a large bowl. Add a generous ladle of the warm cream mixture to the egg yolks whisking continuously. Return this to the saucepan, again whisking continuously to ensure the eggs don’t scramble. Cook the ice cream base until the mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the salt and bourbon (you can certainly leave out the bourbon if you wish and the ice cream will still be delicious). Transfer to a container and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare the ice cream per manufacturer’s instructions (the ice cream is complete in about 20 minutes with the Cuisinart but will differ depending on your machine). Transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
If you like this Bourbon Butterscotch Ice Cream be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Honey Ice Cream with Pistachios
If you make this Bourbon Butterscotch Ice Cream please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Bourbon Butterscotch Ice Cream
Equipment
- ice cream machine
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp bourbon optional
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add the brown sugar, stirring to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cream and milk to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. When you initially add the cold milk and cream the brown sugar will harden but will melt as the liquid warms up. Stir to make sure the brown sugar is fully incorporated. Remove from heat
- Whisk together egg yolks and vanilla. Add a generous ladle of the warm cream mixture whisking briskly to combine. Add this mixture back into the saucepan whisking constantly so that the eggs don't curdle. Place the pan back on medium heat and cook until the mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Remove the pan from heat and stir in salt and bourbon (if using).
- Pour the ice cream base into a large container and cover. Place this in the refrigerator and allow to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Add the ice cream base to your ice cream machine and churn following manufacturer's instructions.
- After the ice cream has churned transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
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Kayla DiMaggio says
Ohhh, that is all I can say about this ice cream! This is so out of this world delicious! The butterscotch is my favorite and every bite was delicious!
Elizabeth Swoish says
SO DELICIOUS! I will never eat another flavor of ice cream again. I toasted some Pecans in the oven and added them as a topping. So good! And thank you for the detailed post and pictures, it was super helpful!
Bianca says
Yummmmm! This might be one of my new favorite ice cream flavors! This was so good 😀
Anaiah says
This has got to be my new favorite ice cream! I loved the bourbon with the butterscotch. It tasted amazing and was pretty simple to make. Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Arica says
I love butterscotch just as much as I love caramel (which is a lot). This ice cream sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Addie says
So smooth and creamy! Loved this flavor!
Julia says
Wow! This was delicious… it’s definitely in the realm of ‘naughty but nice’, definitely a grown-ups ice cream and actually pretty perfect on a hot summer’s day. We enjoyed these at the end of BBq… lovely.
Bernice says
I 100% agree with you that butterscotch doesn’t get enough respect AND that it is amazing with a boozy kick. Have you ever tried butterscotch with real scotch?! They were made for each other!
Amy Liu Dong says
This ice cream flavor really makes my heart so happy, and it sounds really delicious!
Yum, yum, yum!
Mikayla says
I just love homemade ice cream Your step by step directions made this extremely flavor filled ice cream a winner for our afternoon snack on a warm day!
Marie says
I make ice cream and gelato year-round and when cooler seasons come by, I love using comforting flavors. This bourbon butterscotch ice cream looks so irresistible! I can just imagine it served with an apple crumble or a pie, just dreamy!
LaKita says
This ice cream is so creamy, delicious, and loaded with flavor. Butterscotch is definitely underused and appreciated!
EA Stewart says
I am such a big fan of butterscotch. This ice cream is amazing! The bourbon is a tasty addition too. I never knew the difference between butterscotch and caramel-thanks for sharing!
Naïby says
I’ve always been intimidated by making ice cream but you make it seem so easy. I too love the deep and complex flavor of butterscotch (call my old school too). And the fact that you added bourbon makes it even more sinful.
Nicole washington says
All I’m going to say is I’m making this foe sure!!!
Michelle says
I love this bourbon and butterscotch ice cream! It was the perfect blend of flavors and such a treat. I added some chopped nuts in mine and it turned out great!
Natalie says
I have to make this before summer is over. Yum, what delicious flavors. My family will devour this ice cream I just know it. Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe.