Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard Recipe

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If you’ve ever found yourself craving the irresistibly smooth and decadently sweet combination of salted caramel and chocolate, then I have a treat for you. Imagine being able to whip up your very own Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard right in your kitchen. That’s right, no need to head to Dairy Queen every time the craving strikes.

How to make Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard

The Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard is a popular seasonal treat offered by Dairy Queen. It combines several indulgent ingredients to create a rich and satisfying dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup heavy cream at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (add more or less according to taste)

For the Mix-ins:

• 1 cup salted caramel truffles, chopped (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chips
• Additional sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

Vanilla Ice Cream Base:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
3. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container if you’re not using it immediately.

Salted Caramel Sauce:

1. Heat granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula. The sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick brown liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Once the sugar is completely melted, carefully add the butter. Be cautious as the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added.
3. Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Very slowly, drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will rapidly bubble when added. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. It will rise in the pan as it boils.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Allow to cool down before using. It will thicken as it cools.

Assembling the Blizzard:

1. If you haven’t done so, chop the salted caramel truffles and prepare your chocolate chunks.
2. Take the vanilla ice cream base and layer it with spoonfuls of the salted caramel sauce, chopped truffles, and chocolate chunks. Use a knife or a spoon to swirl the mix-ins throughout the ice cream.
3. For an authentic Blizzard experience, serve immediately in a chilled glass or cup. If desired, sprinkle additional sea salt over the top.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can make the vanilla ice cream base a day ahead. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully in the freezer.
• If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe! Simply freeze the vanilla base for about 2 hours until it’s partially set, then remove it, add the mix-ins, and freeze again until firm.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of salt in the caramel sauce according to your preference. Some may prefer a bolder salty contrast to the sweet caramel.
• If using store-bought caramel truffles, choose high-quality ones for the best flavor.

What to serve with

Serving your homemade Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard is an experience in itself. While it’s absolutely divine on its own, pairing it with complementary treats can elevate it to a whole new level of indulgence.

1. Espresso or Coffee: A hot cup of espresso or freshly brewed coffee is an excellent accompaniment to the rich and sweet flavors of the Blizzard. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the dessert, creating a harmonious taste experience. Opt for a simple espresso to cut through the sweetness or a latte for a creamy combination.

2. Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread cookies are a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the Blizzard. Their simple flavor doesn’t overshadow the complex flavors of salted caramel and truffle but instead complements them, adding a nice crunch to your dessert experience.

3. Warm Brownies: Imagine a warm, gooey brownie alongside your cold Blizzard. The contrast in temperatures not only makes for an exciting eating experience, but the rich chocolate flavor of the brownies pairs beautifully with the caramel and truffles within the Blizzard. It’s truly a match made in dessert heaven.

4. Grilled Peaches: For a slightly healthier pairing that still doesn’t skimp on flavor, try serving grilled peaches with your Blizzard. The peaches’ natural sweetness and slight tartness offer a delightful contrast to the dessert’s creamy sweetness. Plus, the warm peaches and ice cream are a textural delight.

5. Nutty Biscotti: If you’re looking for something to dunk in your Blizzard, biscotti are a perfect choice. These Italian twice-baked cookies, especially the nutty varieties like almond or hazelnut, add a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the caramel and chocolate notes in the Blizzard.

6. Cheesecake Bites: Small bites of cheesecake, whether homemade or bought from your favorite bakery, can be an exquisite side to your Blizzard. The creamy tanginess of cheesecake contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy, and salty flavors of the Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard.

7. A Glass of Dessert Wine: For an adult twist, pair your Blizzard with a glass of dessert wine such as Port, Sauternes, or Riesling. The sweetness of the wine along with its complex flavor profile can amplify the dessert experience, making it an elegant and sophisticated pairing.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of the Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard allows you to substitute ingredients to accommodate different dietary preferences or to work with what you have on hand.

Vanilla Ice Cream Base

• Dairy-Free Ice Cream: If you’re avoiding dairy, seek out vanilla ice cream made from almond, coconut, soy, or cashew milk.
• Low-Fat Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt: For a lighter version, you might opt for a low-fat ice cream or even a vanilla-flavored frozen yogurt.
• Homemade Ice Cream: If you have an ice cream maker, you can create homemade vanilla ice cream using alternative sweeteners or milk products to suit your dietary needs.

Salted Caramel Sauce

• Store-Bought Caramel Sauce: If making caramel from scratch isn’t your thing, you can find store-bought varieties, including those that are vegan or made with alternative sweeteners.
• Honey/Maple Syrup: For a more natural approach, substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup when making caramel, keeping in mind the flavor will be different.
• Dairy-Free Margarine and Milk Alternatives: When making caramel, use dairy-free butter substitutes and non-dairy milk like coconut or almond milk for a vegan version.

Chocolate Truffles

• Dark Chocolate Bonbons: If you can’t find chocolate truffles, any small chocolate bonbons or even chunks of a chocolate bar can work.
• Dairy-Free or Vegan Truffles: For those avoiding animal products, source dairy-free or vegan chocolate truffles.
• Homemade Truffle Balls: You can make your truffle balls using a mix of crushed cookies and cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative rolled into dark cocoa powder.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy crafting this indulgent, creamy treat that perfectly balances the richness of salted caramel and the texture of truffles with the classic favorite, which is vanilla ice cream. Your homemade Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard is sure to be a hit, whether as a personal treat or as a delightful dessert for guests.

More Caramel Recipes:

• Wendy’s Salted Caramel Frosty Recipe