Salted Caramel Lager Ice Cream: Buttery, Boozy, and Laced With Sweet-Salty Beer Caramel

Salted Caramel Lager Ice Cream is creamy, golden, and luxuriously rich — made with a swirl of homemade beer caramel that brings a smooth, malty backbone to the classic sweet-salty combo.

It’s the kind of frozen dessert that hits every note: creamy, boozy, indulgent, and just balanced enough to keep you going back for “one more bite.”

Ingredients (Makes ~1 quart)

For the Ice Cream Base

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Salted Lager Caramel

• ½ cup lager (Vienna lager, helles, or cream ale — smooth, not hoppy)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
• Optional: 1 tsp bourbon or dark rum for depth

Optional Add-Ins

• Crushed pretzels or candied nuts
• Flaky sea salt for topping
• Swirl of chocolate fudge or toffee bits

Instructions

Make the Salted Lager Caramel

• In a saucepan, combine brown sugar and beer. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until reduced and syrupy.
• Stir in butter and cream. Simmer another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add salt and optional booze. Let cool — it should be pourable, thick, and glossy. Chill before swirling into ice cream.

Make the Ice Cream Base

• In a saucepan, heat milk and cream until just steaming.
• In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
• Slowly temper yolks with hot cream, whisking constantly.
• Return to pan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (170–175°F).
• Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt. Chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Churn & Swirl

• Churn ice cream base in your machine until soft-serve consistency.
• Layer ice cream and spoonfuls of chilled beer caramel in a container. Swirl gently with a knife — don’t overmix.
• Freeze at least 4 hours to firm up before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

• Warm apple pie or skillet blondies
• Chocolate bark or peanut brittle
• Caramel corn or soft pretzel rods
• A drizzle of warm stout sauce or more caramel

Garnish With

• Flaky salt or hop sugar
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Crushed pretzels or caramelized oats

Beer Pairing

In the Caramel

• Vienna lager or cream ale (smooth, bready, and clean)
• Helles or blonde ale
• Avoid overly bitter or citrusy styles

In Your Glass

• Same lager you used in the caramel
• Milk stout or brown ale for richer pairing
• Kolsch or wheat beer for contrast
• BBA barleywine if you’re going full dessert mode

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Lager Ice Cream is what happens when comfort food goes craft — buttery, boozy, and with that sweet-salty kick that makes you want to hide the pint from your guests.

The beer doesn’t just fade into the background; it builds caramel depth and gives this ice cream a toasty, malty edge that elevates it way above store-bought.

Cheers to salted sweetness, beer caramel swirls, and frozen decadence in every bite! 🍺🍦🧂

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