Step 1

Combine dulce de leche and 1/4 cup of the whipping cream in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Step 2

Add the remaining heavy cream and vanilla extract to a large bowl. Whip with the hand mixer until stiff peaks form, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the mixer blades and the peaks should stand up without falling over.

Step 3

Carefully fold 3/4 of the dulce de leche into the whipped cream just until combined. Be careful not to overmix and deflate the cream.

Step 4

Pour half of the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Carefully spread half of the remaining dulce de leche onto the mixture. Insert a knife straight up and down and swirl the dulce de leche into the whipped cream. Add the rest of the whipped cream on top, then repeat the swirling with the remaining dulce de leche.

Step 5

Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 3 hours or until firm.