Caramelised macadamias with ice-cream

Caramelised macadamias with ice-cream is a refined dessert featuring toasted macadamia nuts coated in caramel and drizzled with a thick orange sauce. This easy-to-make dish offers a delightful blend of buttery and fruity flavours.

25 Nov 2025
Cook time 13 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1/3 cup macadamia
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp water
1 cup orange juice
Caramelised macadamias with ice-cream

Caramelised macadamias with ice-cream is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of macadamia nuts with the sweet, tangy taste of caramel and orange. This recipe is simple to make and offers a sophisticated finish to any meal. Whether you're entertaining guests or just indulging yourself, this dessert is sure to impress.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Measure out all your ingredients and have them ready. Make sure the macadamias are whole and not chopped.
2. Toast the Macadamias
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the macadamias and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and aromatic. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once toasted, remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Caramel
- In the same skillet, add the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tbsp of water.
- Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and starts to turn a light amber color. This might take around 5-8 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the sugar as it can burn quickly. Do not stir too much once it begins to caramelise; you can gently swirl the pan to ensure even coloring.
4. Combine Macadamias and Caramel
- Once the caramel reaches a nice amber color, quickly add the toasted macadamias to the caramel and stir to coat them well.
- Remove from heat.
5. Cool the Caramelised Macadamias
- Transfer the caramelised macadamias to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading them out to avoid clumping.
- Let them cool and harden completely.
6. Make the Orange Sauce
- Pour the 1 cup of orange juice into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until it reduces by half to form a thick, syrupy orange sauce. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
7. Serve
- Scoop a generous amount of vanilla ice-cream into serving bowls.
- Break the cooled, caramelised macadamias into pieces if necessary and sprinkle them over the top of the ice-cream.
- Drizzle the reduced orange sauce over the ice-cream and macadamias.
8. Enjoy
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious dessert!

Caramelised macadamias with ice-cream is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds. The combination of crunchy, sweet nuts and the tangy orange sauce pairs beautifully with creamy ice-cream. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a special treat, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!

Caramelised macadamias with ice-cream FAQ:

How long do the caramelised macadamias last when stored?

Caramelised macadamias can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, refrigeration may help maintain their crunch but can affect the texture.

Can I substitute macadamia nuts with other nuts?

Yes, you can substitute macadamia nuts with other nuts like pecans or walnuts. However, the flavor and texture may differ from the original recipe.

What pan size is best for making caramelised macadamias?

A medium-sized skillet (about 10-12 inches) works best for toasting the macadamias and making the caramel. Ensure it has a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly.

How can I tell when the caramel is done cooking?

The caramel is done when it reaches a light amber color and has a smooth consistency. Be attentive during cooking, as it can burn quickly, especially after it starts to color.

Is there a way to make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free ice-cream alternatives made from almond, coconut, or soy milk to keep the dessert dairy-free, while the caramelised macadamias remain suitable.

Tips:

- Use a non-stick pan to make the caramelizing process easier and to prevent sticking.

- Be careful when working with hot sugar as it can cause severe burns. Use a long-handled spoon or spatula to stir.

- You can prepare the caramelized macadamias in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

- Feel free to experiment with different flavors of ice-cream; vanilla, chocolate, and coffee all work wonderfully with the caramelized nuts and orange sauce.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 210kcal
Protein 1.37g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fiber 1.14g
Sugar 30g
Fat 10g

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