Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream is truly summer in a scoop: think juicy roasted peaches, a lush swirl of bourbon-spiked caramel, and crispy pecans tucked into a cloud of creamy, no-churn ice cream. This decadent treat is my personal love letter to peach season, bursting with sun-ripened flavors and a hint of southern charm from the bourbon. Best of all, you don’t even need an ice cream maker—just a mixing bowl, a sheet pan, and a big appetite for dessert. Get ready for a recipe you’ll want to share (but you probably won’t want to share!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry and fridge staples can transform into the unforgettable Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream. Each ingredient here plays a crucial role—whether in unlocking that juicy peach flavor, adding a satiny caramel swirl, or lending a silky, creamy base.

5-6 Ripe Peaches: Look for fragrant, slightly soft peaches for maximum sweetness and flavor in your puree.
2 TBSP Honey: Adds a floral depth and helps caramelize the peaches as they roast.
1 C Granulated Sugar: Essential for making your homemade caramel sauce scratch-made magic.
1/4 C Water: Keeps the sugar from burning as it melts, ensuring a smooth caramel base.
2 TBSP Light Corn Syrup: Prevents crystallization, so your caramel is silky every time.
1/2 C Heavy Cream, at room temperature: Gives body and richness to your caramel (and helps it swirl easily!).
2 TBSP Salted Butter: Adds savoriness and a glossy sheen to the caramel sauce.
2 TBSP Bourbon Whiskey: Brings warmth and a subtle oakiness that elevates both caramel and peaches.
1 14 oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk: Your shortcut to ultra-creamy, luscious no-churn ice cream.
1/2 C Roasted Peach Puree: Packs the ice cream base with real fruit flavor and beautiful color.
2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the other flavors, giving depth to each bite.
2 C Heavy Cream, cold: Whipped into soft pillows for a lush and airy texture.
1/2 C Bourbon Caramel + more for serving: Swirled throughout for that irresistible ribbon of sweet, boozy goodness.
1/2 C Candied Pecans (optional): For crunch and a nutty twist that’s impossible to resist.

How to Make Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream

Step 1: Roast the Peaches

Start by cranking your oven up to 400 degrees while you slice the peaches—no need to peel unless you prefer. Toss the juicy slices with honey, letting the sweetness intensify in the oven. Spread them onto a parchment-lined pan and roast until they’re tender, bubbling, and just kissed with golden brown edges. This step coaxes out those deep, caramelized notes and sets the stage for magical peach flavor.

Step 2: Puree and Strain the Peaches

Once those beautiful peaches are cool enough to handle, blend them into a smooth puree using your trusty food processor or a high-powered blender. To ensure your Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream is perfectly silky, push that puree through a fine mesh sieve. This quick step removes bits of skin, leaving you with vibrant, fruit-packed gold.

Step 3: Make the Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Grab a medium saucepan and combine your sugar, water, and corn syrup—this tag team gives you a flawless caramel. Bring to a simmer, cover for three minutes (the steam keeps sugar crystals away), then cook uncovered until your sugar becomes a deep, amber gold. When it’s just right, gently stir in the room temp cream, then finish off the sauce with butter and a splash of bourbon. Let this cool completely—the flavor will deepen and become irresistibly rich.

Step 4: Mix the Ice Cream Base

In a mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and that gorgeous roasted peach puree. Separately, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks—this is what makes your no-churn ice cream fabulously airy. Fold a little whipped cream into the milk mixture first to lighten it, then gently fold everything together for a smooth, peachy base.

Step 5: Swirl, Layer, and Freeze

Now comes the part where you transform your Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream into a true showstopper. In a freezer-safe pan, layer one-third of the ice cream base with a generous swirl of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of pecans. Repeat twice more for three deliciously messy layers—don’t be shy with the caramel! Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours (or overnight, if you can bear the wait) until perfectly scoopable.

How to Serve Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream

Garnishes

A scoop of Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream is striking on its own, but a little flourish never hurt anyone! Drizzle on extra bourbon caramel for a glossy finish, toss a handful of candied pecans or crushed shortbread cookies over the top, or scatter a few fresh peach slices for a burst of color. Each topping invites a new texture and a little extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair your homemade ice cream with simple butter cookies, delicate madeleines, or even a warm slice of pound cake. If you’re craving contrast, serve it alongside tangy lemon bars or sharp blue cheese for a sophisticated, southern-inspired dessert board. The sweet-tart, creamy-caramel interplay makes Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream the star no matter what’s on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just stick to the classic bowl—find new ways to show off your creation! Sandwich scoops between pecan cookies, fill crispy waffle cones, or even layer in parfait glasses with extra caramel and whipped cream. For parties, try making mini ice cream sandwiches or pie-inspired sundaes. Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream is as versatile as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve satisfied your initial cravings, simply cover the ice cream tightly with plastic wrap or a well-fitting lid. It’ll stay velvety and fresh for up to two weeks in your freezer. Letting it sit out at room temp for a couple of minutes before scooping brings back its luscious, creamy texture.

Freezing

To keep Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream at its absolute best, store it in a shallow, airtight container—metal pans chill faster and help avoid icy crystals. If you’re planning ahead for a party, you can make the recipe up to a week in advance; just resist the urge to dig in until the big reveal!

Reheating

While you’ll never truly reheat this ice cream, if the caramel sauce feels too thick or cold, microwave it in short bursts or warm gently on the stovetop before spooning over your scoops. This brings back all that drizzly, glossy decadence without risking the ice cream itself.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream?

You definitely can! Thaw the peaches first and pat them dry, then proceed with roasting as usual. The flavor will still shine, and the roasting process helps coax out that summery punch from frozen fruit.

What can I substitute for bourbon if I want it non-alcoholic?

No worries—simply skip the bourbon and add a touch more vanilla extract, or a splash of apple juice for warmth. You’ll keep all the caramel-peach deliciousness in your Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream without the alcohol.

Is an ice cream maker required?

Not at all! That’s the beauty of this recipe. Thanks to whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, you’ll get scoops that are perfectly creamy and dreamy—no fancy gadgets needed.

Can I make this nut-free?

Absolutely. The candied pecans add crunch, but you can leave them out for a nut-free version without losing out on flavor or texture. Consider swirling in crunchy graham crackers or cookie chunks if you’d like.

Will the alcohol affect how the ice cream freezes?

The bit of bourbon in the sauce helps keep the texture scoopable and soft, but don’t worry—it’s not enough to cause melting. Just be sure not to add more than the recipe calls for and your Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream will set up beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends (or just spoil yourself), Bourbon Caramel Peach Ice Cream is the perfect blend of fruit, caramel, and a hint of spirited kick. It’s unexpectedly easy, endlessly customizable, and totally swoon-worthy. I can’t wait for you to dig in and take that first blissful bite!