Baked ice cream

Baked ice cream is a dessert that wonderfully combines textures and flavors, bringing to the table a culinary experience that is as surprising as it is delicious. This recipe, with origins lost in culinary history, is a captivating combination of creamy ice cream, sponge cake, and crunchy meringue, resulting in an elegant dessert, perfect for special occasions or to impress guests. Let’s explore together each step of this refined recipe to achieve a perfect result!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 minute
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients:
- 200 g sponge cake or 12 round biscuits (digestive type)
- 3 scoops of ice cream (choose your favorite flavors: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon of berry jam (or any preferred jam)
- 2 egg whites
- 100 g sugar
- 50 g chocolate topping (optional, for decoration)

Preparing the sponge cake:
If you want to make a sponge cake from scratch, here’s how to do it:
1. In a large bowl, beat 3 eggs with 100 g of sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.
2. Add 100 g of flour and 1/2 packet of baking powder, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.
3. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes at 180°C.
4. Allow the sponge cake to cool, then cut out circles with a cutter or a glass, suitable for the ice cream servings.

Preparing the dessert:
1. Carefully choose your favorite ice cream and let it soften slightly at room temperature for easy shaping.
2. Place the sponge cake circles or biscuits on a baking tray covered with parchment paper.
3. On each sponge cake circle, place a scoop of ice cream, followed by a tablespoon of berry jam. The jam will add an extra flavor and a note of freshness to the dessert.
4. Cover each portion with meringue, made from whipped egg whites and sugar. Ensure that the meringue fully covers the ice cream to prevent it from melting during baking.

Preparing the meringue:
1. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on medium speed until they form a foam.
2. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture becomes firm and glossy. Test if the meringue is ready by turning the bowl upside down; if it doesn’t move, it’s perfect.
3. Use a spatula to form peaks on the meringue, giving it a decorative appearance.

Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to a high temperature (about 220-250°C).
2. Place the tray with the desserts in the oven and bake for 1 minute until the meringue becomes golden and crunchy. Be careful, as the meringue can brown quickly.
3. Remove the desserts from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Serving:
1. Place each portion of baked ice cream on a beautifully decorated platter or plate.
2. For an extra touch of refinement, drizzle with melted chocolate topping. This will add a delicious contrast between crunchy and creamy.
3. You can also add some fresh fruits or mint leaves for a note of freshness.

Useful tips:
- Experiment with different flavors of ice cream; combinations like chocolate with chili or vanilla with caramelized nuts can be pleasantly surprising.
- Ensure that the meringue is well beaten; otherwise, it will not remain crunchy.
- If you want a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the meringue.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fruit ice cream?
Yes, fruit ice cream will add a note of freshness and acidity to the dessert.
- What can I do with leftover sponge cake?
You can use the leftovers to create a delicious parfait, alternating layers of sponge cake with yogurt and fruits.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each portion of baked ice cream has approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Ice cream provides calcium and energy, while the fruit jam adds vitamins and antioxidants, making this dessert not only a treat but also a slightly healthier choice.

Delicious combinations:
This dessert pairs perfectly with a sweet wine or a fruit cocktail. You can also serve it alongside a fragrant coffee or a relaxing tea to complete the culinary experience.

Baked ice cream is truly a dessert that impresses, both in its appearance and its refined taste. It will surely become a favorite for special occasions as well as for moments when you crave something sweet. Experiment with the ingredients and customize the recipe to make it truly yours!