Chill & Caramel: The Ultimate Summer Slushie

During the scorching months, I crave a dessert that’s refreshing yet indulgent. This caramel slushie takes me back to lazy afternoons when the smell of roasted caramelized sugar filled the air, and every sip cools my senses.

What sets this recipe apart is its unexpected depth. Instead of a simple fruity frozen drink, it offers a rich, buttery caramel flavor paired with icy smoothness. It’s a comfort treat that also sparks nostalgia and invites moments of quiet joy.

Perfect for summer gatherings or a solo escape, this slushie balances decadence with simplicity. It’s a reminder that even the simplest ingredients—cream, caramel, ice—can come together to create something truly delightful.

Caramel Slushie

This caramel slushie combines rich, buttery caramel with icy blended ice to create a smooth, refreshing dessert. The process involves cooking caramel to develop deep flavor, then blending it with cream and ice until icy and velvety in texture. The final beverage is thick, chilled, and visually appealing with swirls of caramel throughout.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for caramel
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to enrich the caramel
• 1/2 cup heavy cream to stabilize caramel
• 2 cups ice cubes for blending
• 1/2 cup whole milk for blending
• 1/4 cup heavy cream for blending

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Start by heating a saucepan over medium heat, then sprinkle the sugar evenly into the pan. Watch as it begins to melt and turn a golden amber color, swirling gently to promote even caramelization. This process takes about 5-7 minutes and fills your kitchen with a warm caramel aroma.
2. Once the sugar is fully melted and has a rich amber hue, add in the butter carefully—it will bubble vigorously. Stir continuously until the butter is fully incorporated and the caramel becomes smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up again, so pour steadily and stir until the caramel is thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly—this helps the caramel set up just enough without becoming too firm.
4. Transfer the warm caramel to the blender, then add the whole milk and heavy cream for smooth blending. Toss in the ice cubes afterward, so they don’t start melting immediately, maintaining the slushie’s icy texture.
5. Blend on high speed until the mixture is thick, frosty, and velvety, usually about 30-45 seconds. Check for smoothness; if needed, blend a bit longer to achieve a uniform, slushie consistency.
6. Pour the caramel slushie into glasses, swirling gently to showcase the rich caramel streaks throughout. Serve immediately for the best icy texture.

Enjoy making this recipe whenever you need a cooling escape or a sweet pick-me-up. Each sip is a little reminder that simple pleasures often bring the most satisfaction.