Cannab-licious Creation: How to Make THCA Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Hello, fellow flavor fanatics! Ready to whip up a dessert that’s not just cool but downright chill? Today, we’re taking the classic salted caramel ice cream and giving it a special twist with THCa. This ice cream will tantalize your taste buds with creamy, sweet, and salty goodness while delivering the relaxing benefits of cannabis—all without the high. Let’s dive into this frosty adventure!

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Why THCa Salted Caramel Ice Cream?

THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the raw, non-psychoactive form of THC, offering many potential health benefits without the psychoactive effects. By adding THCa to your ice cream, you get a delightful dessert that’s both indulgent and soothing. Plus, who can resist the irresistible combination of salted caramel and cool, creamy ice cream?

Ingredients:

For the THCa Salted Caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 1-2 grams THCa flower (finely ground and ready to infuse)

For the Ice Cream Base:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the THCa Salted Caramel

Infusing the Flavor:

1. Decarboxylate the THCa Flower: Unlike traditional THC, you don’t want to decarb your THCa at high temperatures if you want to maintain its non-psychoactive properties. Instead, gently heat the ground THCa flower at 220°F (105°C) for about 30 minutes. This will lightly activate some of the cannabinoids without fully converting THCa to THC.
2. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula as it melts and turns into a deep amber liquid. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
3. Add the Butter: Carefully stir in the butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so stir with caution until the butter is fully incorporated.
4. Infuse the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the ground THCa flower. The residual heat from the caramel will help infuse the THCa into the mixture.
5. Stir in the Cream and Salt: Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. The caramel will bubble up again—keep stirring until the mixture is smooth. Add the sea salt and adjust to taste. Set the THCa-infused caramel aside to cool while you prepare the ice cream base.

Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base

Creamy Dreamy Base:

1. Heat the Cream and Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and ¼ cup of sugar. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot but not boiling.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining ½ cup of sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour about half of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from curdling and ensures a smooth custard.
4. Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any egg solids.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Mixing the Magic:

1. Blend in the Caramel: Stir the THCa-infused salted caramel into the ice cream base, saving a little extra for swirling later if you like. Mix until the caramel is fully incorporated, giving the base a luscious caramel color and flavor.
2. Chill the Base: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Chilling the base ensures that the ice cream churns up smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

Chill Out, It's Time to Churn:

1. Prepare Your Ice Cream Maker: Set up your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that your churn bowl is properly frozen if required.
2. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled base into the ice cream maker and churn until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually about 20-25 minutes.
3. Swirl in Extra Caramel (Optional): During the last few minutes of churning, drizzle in the remaining caramel if you want delightful ribbons of caramel throughout your ice cream.

Step 5: Freeze and Enjoy

The Home Stretch:

1. Transfer and Freeze: Scoop the churned ice cream into a lidded container, spreading it evenly. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
2. Final Freeze: Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
3. Scoop and Savor: When you’re ready to indulge, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Scoop it into bowls or cones, and enjoy your THCa-infused masterpiece!

Chef’s Tips:

• Quality Matters: Use high-quality cream, milk, and vanilla for the richest flavor. Fresh, high-quality THCa flower will also make a big difference in the final product.
• Adjust the Salt: The level of saltiness is personal, so taste your caramel before adding it to the base. A little goes a long way in balancing the sweetness.
• Experiment with Flavors: If you’re feeling creative, try adding a touch of cinnamon, a splash of bourbon, or a handful of chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Making THCa salted caramel ice cream is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis while treating yourself to a decadent dessert. The sweet and salty caramel combined with the creamy, smooth ice cream base creates a flavor experience that’s both indulgent and soothing. Plus, with the addition of THCa, you get a unique twist that makes this ice cream truly special. So, roll up your sleeves, get churning, and prepare for a frozen treat that’s as cool as it is calming!

Happy churning, and may your ice cream be as chill as you are!