Name: Wendy's Salted Caramel Frosty
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla ice cream; 1/2 cup whole milk; 3 tablespoons salted caramel sauce (Plus more for drizzling.); A pinch of sea salt; Whipped cream (Optional for topping.); Additional caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt

Being a die-hard Frosty fan and knowing that not everyone can always make it to Wendy’s to indulge in this new delight, I’ve gone on a quest in my own kitchen. I aimed to recreate the magic of the Wendy’s Salted Caramel Frosty at home.

How to make Wendy’s Salted Caramel Frosty

Wendy’s Salted Caramel Frosty is a frozen dessert that combines the classic Frosty texture with a rich salted caramel flavor. It features a creamy base that’s both smooth and thick, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a sweet and slightly salty treat.

Ingredients:

2 cups vanilla ice cream (Use a high-quality ice cream for the best flavor and texture.)
1/2 cup whole milk (Adjust depending on your desired Frosty thickness.)
3 tablespoons salted caramel sauce (Plus more for drizzling.)
A pinch of sea salt (Adjust to taste. Be cautious as the caramel sauce also adds saltiness.)
Whipped cream (Optional for topping.)
Additional caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt (For garnish.)

Instructions:

Prep Your Ingredients: Make sure your ice cream is slightly softened for easier blending. A good tip is to take it out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes before you start.
Blend the Frosty: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, salted caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth. If you find the mixture too thick, add more milk to achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too runny, adding a bit more ice cream will thicken it up.
Taste Test: Give your Frosty mixture a taste. If you’d like it a bit saltier or more caramelized, feel free to mix in a bit more caramel sauce and sea salt to suit your palate.
Serve: Pour the blended Frosty into glasses. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, and a light sprinkle of sea salt for that gourmet touch.
Enjoy: Dive into your homemade Salted Caramel Frosty! Best enjoyed with a spoon and perhaps a side of your favorite cookies for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Frosty:

Ice Cream Quality Matters: The better the vanilla ice cream, the creamier and richer your Frosty will taste.
Chill Your Glasses: For an extra frosty experience, chill your serving glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving.
Adjust to Taste: The beauty of homemade is making it exactly how you like it. Feel free to adjust the levels of caramel and salt until you find your perfect balance.
Freeze for Later: If you prefer a thicker consistency or have leftovers, pour the Frosty mixture into a container and freeze for a few hours. Give it a quick blend or stir before serving again.

What to serve with

Wendy’s Salted Caramel Frosty is a decadent treat that can stand on its own, but sometimes you might crave a little accompaniment to round out the indulgence.

Sweet Bites

Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic combination of cookies and milkshake is a no-brainer. Dunking a crispy chocolate chip cookie into the Frosty adds a delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness.
Brownie Chunks: If you feel incredibly indulgent, serve your Frosty with chunks of gooey brownies. You can even mix some brownie pieces directly into the Frosty for a fun twist.
Donuts: Pairing your Frosty with a soft, sugar-coated donut creates a wonderful contrast. The light and fluffy donut alongside the creamy Frosty makes for a heavenly match.

Savory Snacks

Pretzels: Salt and caramel are a tried and true pairing, and the addition of crunchy pretzels plays up the salty aspect, offering a texture contrast to the smooth Frosty.
Bacon Strips: It may sound unconventional, but sweet and savory enthusiasts know that bacon can be a delightful companion to caramel. The crispy, smoky flavor of bacon creates a tantalizing combo when teamed with a sweet Frosty.
Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness and slight earthiness of sweet potato fries make them an excellent partner for the caramel Frosty, especially if they’re lightly salted.

Cold Beverages

Coffee or Espresso: For a caffeine kick and a flavor enhancement, serve a small coffee or a shot of espresso alongside the Frosty. The bitterness of the coffee pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty notes of the Frosty.
Sparkling Water: A refreshing glass of sparkling water can help cleanse the palate between sips of the rich Frosty, and it’s a great non-alcoholic option for those who prefer a lighter drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of Wendy’s Salted Caramel Frosty can be a delightful treat, and it allows the flexibility to substitute ingredients based on dietary preferences, availability, or taste.

Base Ingredients Substitutes

Vanilla Ice Cream:

Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk ice cream, almond milk ice cream, or any other plant-based ice cream to make it vegan or lactose-free.
Lower Calorie Alternative: Opt for low-fat or no-sugar-added ice creams to reduce calorie intake.

Milk:

Non-Dairy Options: Almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used as alternatives for a dairy-free version. These will also impact the flavor slightly, enriching the frosty with their distinct tastes.
Low-Fat Options: Choose skim milk or low-fat milk to cut down on fat without compromising too much on texture.

Salted Caramel Sauce:

Homemade Option: Make your caramel using sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. This allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness. Use coconut cream, vegan butter, and a plant-based sweetener for a vegan version.
Store-Bought Alternative: Choose a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce, but be mindful of the ingredients if dietary restrictions are a concern.

Whipped Cream:

Non-Dairy Option: Use coconut whipped cream or any other plant-based whipped topping.
Homemade Alternative: Whip heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form for a fresher, potentially less processed topping.

Flavor Enhancers and Additives

Vanilla Extract:

Alternative: Use a small amount of almond extract or scrapings from a vanilla bean pod for a more intense vanilla flavor.

Sea Salt:

Type of Salt: Depending on your preference for the size and texture of salt granules, you might opt for coarse sea salt, flaked sea salt, or even Himalayan pink salt for a different mineral profile and appearance.

Sweeteners (if adjusting sweetness in homemade caramel)

Sugar (in caramel):

Healthier Options: Substitute white sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners might change the consistency and will need adjustments in cooking time and component ratios.

Toppings and Decorations

Caramel Drizzle:

Sugar-Free Alternative: Look for or make a sugar-free caramel sauce using substitutes like erythritol or stevia.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own Wendy’s Salted Caramel Frosty at home offers not just a delicious treat but also the joy of tailor-making it to suit your taste buds perfectly.

More Wendy’s Recipes:

Copycat Wendy’s Krabby Patty Sauce Recipe