Summer days often call for a sweet, chilly treat to beat the heat. But as the mercury rises, so does the drippy, sticky mess from our beloved ice cream sandwiches. What if I told you that you could enjoy this classic dessert without the meltdown? That’s right, ice cream lovers! Imagine biting into a perfectly frozen ice cream sandwich that holds its shape and deliciousness, regardless of the oppressive summer sun.
I’m going to share with you the seemingly magical world of the non-melting ice cream sandwich. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s food science at its most delightful. As someone who has personally experienced the disappointment of a rapidly melting treat on a sweltering day, I sought out the secret to enjoying an ice cream sandwich without the need to rush. And now, I’m thrilled to take you through a step-by-step guide to creating your own ice cream sandwich that doesn’t melt (or at least takes its sweet time).
Table of Contents
What is an Ice Cream Sandwich That Doesn’t Melt?
An “Ice Cream Sandwich That Doesn’t Melt” is a type of ice cream sandwich that has been designed or processed so that it resists melting for a longer period compared to traditional ice cream sandwiches.
Ingredients:
For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or any flavoring of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (helps prevent crystallization)
- 2 tablespoons milk powder (increases milk solid content for a smoother texture)
- 1 teaspoon guar gum (stabilizer to improve texture and reduce melting)
For the Cookies:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Making the Ice Cream:
- Pre-mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the sugar, milk powder, and guar gum.
- Heat the Base: Combine the heavy cream, milk, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Gradually add the dry mix, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cool and Flavor: Remove from heat, add vanilla extract or your desired flavoring, and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Churn: Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a container. Cover and freeze until firm, about 4 hours or overnight.
Making the Cookies:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let them cool completely.
Assembly:
- Once the cookies are cooled, take the ice cream out of the freezer. Place a generous scoop of ice cream between two cookies and press gently. If desired, smooth out the edges with a knife or offset spatula.
- Freeze the assembled ice cream sandwiches for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This step ensures they hold their shape better when served.
Tips:
- Stabilizers: Guar gum is key to reducing iciness and slowing down the melting process. Xanthan gum can serve as an alternative if guar gum is unavailable.
What to serve with
An ice cream sandwich is delightful on its own, but serving it with complementary sides and beverages can elevate the overall experience. When planning what to serve with your ice cream sandwich that doesn’t melt consider balancing flavors and textures, as well as adding a touch of whimsy to your dessert presentation. Here are some thoughtful pairing suggestions for your next sweet gathering:
Complementary Sides:
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad can add a refreshing and light contrast to the rich taste of your ice cream sandwich. Mix seasonal fruits like berries, mango, and kiwi for a colorful accompaniment.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, perhaps flavored with vanilla or citrus zest, adds a creamy touch that guests can spoon onto their ice cream sandwich bites.
- Chopped Nuts: Offer small bowls of chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. These can be sprinkled on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Sauces and Syrups: Warm chocolate sauce, caramel, or berry coulis can be drizzled over the ice cream sandwich for an extra sweetness and elegance.
- Miniature Desserts: Consider petite desserts like macarons, small brownie squares or lemon bars; this allows your guests to enjoy a variety of flavors alongside their ice cream sandwich.
Drinks:
- Coffee or Espresso: Serve hot or iced coffee or espresso to complement the sweetness with bold, roasted flavors. This is particularly delightful with chocolate or mocha-flavored ice cream sandwiches.
- Cold Milk: A classic pairing—cold milk with an ice cream sandwich is a nostalgic choice that pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Sweet Wine: Offer a dessert wine like Moscato, Riesling, or a port, which pairs wonderfully with ice cream desserts and can enhance the tasting experience.
- Sparkling Water or Soda: For a non-alcoholic and refreshing option, serve sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a fun-flavored soda to cleanse the palate.
For Entertainment and Atmosphere:
- Interactive Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar where guests can customize their ice cream sandwich with various toppings like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or cookie crumbles.
- Ice Cream Sandwich Cutting Station: Provide cookie cutters in different shapes so guests (especially kids) can transform their sandwiches into creative shapes before eating.
Seasonal Suggestions:
- Summer Affair: Pair with refreshing iced teas, like peach or mint, and a side of summer fruits to embrace the warm weather.
- Autumn Delight: Serve with hot apple cider or pumpkin-spiced beverages, and side it with cinnamon-sugar-dusted apple slices for a cozy fall treat.
- Winter Gathering: Accompany with hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or a peppermint stick, adding warmth to a cold day.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating an Ice Cream Sandwich That Doesn’t Melt involves some innovative tweaks to the ingredients, ensuring slow melting and optimal texture. Here’s a look into substitutes for various common ingredients, catering to different dietary needs and preferences while maintaining the desired structural integrity:
Heavy Cream and Milk
- Substitute: Coconut Milk or Almond Milk
For a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk is an excellent substitute for heavy cream and almond milk can replace whole or skim milk. Coconut milk is especially beneficial as its high-fat content helps mimic the creamy texture of traditional dairy.
- Substitute: Oat Milk
Oat milk can also be used for its creaminess and subtle sweetness, making it a suitable vegan alternative.
Sugar
- Substitute: Honey or Agave Syrup
If avoiding refined sugar, natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup can be used. Keep in mind that liquids might slightly alter the texture, so adjustments to the total liquid content may be necessary.
- Substitute: Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener
These are good alternatives for those monitoring caloric intake. They are much sweeter than sugar, so you would need significantly less, which should be adjusted based on taste preference.
Corn Syrup
- Substitute: Golden Syrup or Brown Rice Syrup
These can act as direct substitutes for corn syrup, offering similar viscosities and anti-crystallization properties important for texture.
Milk Powder
- Substitute: Coconut Milk Powder or Soy Milk Powder
For dairy-free alternatives, coconut milk powder or soy milk powder can be used to enhance the milk solids without lactose, contributing to the creamy texture.
Guar Gum
- Substitute: Xanthan Gum
If guar gum is unavailable or if you wish to try something different, xanthan gum can be used in the same proportion to prevent ice crystals and improve the texture.
Flour (For Cookies)
- Substitute: Gluten-Free Flour Mix
If accommodating a gluten-free diet, a pre-mixed gluten-free flour blend is suitable. Ensure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to compensate for the lack of gluten.
Egg (For Cookies)
- Substitute: Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds
For a vegan option, use chia or flaxseeds. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit until gelatinous, and use per egg required in the recipe.
Butter (For Cookies)
- Substitute: Coconut Oil or Vegan Margarine
These can be used one-for-one in place of butter and are excellent for adding richness without using dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Ice Cream Sandwich That Doesn’t Melt recipe combines creativity with food science to create an ice cream sandwich that’s less likely to turn your treat time into a race against the sun. Enjoy crafting this delicious, resistant dessert that promises to keep you cool during those hot summer days!
More Ice Cream Recipes:
- Homemade Blue Bell Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Homemade Blue Bell Crazy Cookie Dough Recipe
- Copycat Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream
- Helados Churro Ice Cream Sandwich
- Churro Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons milk powder
- 1 teaspoon guar gum
For the Cookies:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Making the Ice Cream:
- Pre-mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the sugar, milk powder, and guar gum.
- Heat the Base: Combine the heavy cream, milk, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Gradually add the dry mix, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cool and Flavor: Remove from heat, add vanilla extract or your desired flavoring, and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Churn: Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a container. Cover and freeze until firm, about 4 hours or overnight.
Making the Cookies:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let them cool completely.
Assembly:
- Once the cookies are cooled, take the ice cream out of the freezer. Place a generous scoop of ice cream between two cookies and press gently. If desired, smooth out the edges with a knife or offset spatula.
- Freeze the assembled ice cream sandwiches for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This step ensures they hold their shape better when served.