What To Keep In Mind For Making The Perfect Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cake is a dessert that combines the best of two worlds: the creamy, cool delight of quality ice cream and the satisfying texture of a baked sweet. When you slice into an ice cream cake, it's like revealing a hidden surprise with each layer, from the baked base to the smooth ice cream and the mix-ins like candies, cookies, or fruit. The layers not only add visual appeal but also contribute to the overall deliciousness of the dessert.
Out of all the layers, keep in mind what you use as the base. This bottom layer is crucial because it sets the foundation for the entire dessert and influences both the flavor and the structure. While some recipes suggest using a traditional cake as the base, this can be tricky. Ice cream cakes need to be stored in the freezer, therefore, a cake base can easily dry out, losing its softness and becoming tough. Moreover, freezing can turn the cake rock-solid, making it difficult to cut and even harder to eat.
One way to work around these issues is to use a very thin layer of cake which can soak up melting ice cream, keeping it moist and preventing it from drying out. By using a thinner layer, you still get the familiar cake texture without the drawbacks of a thicker, potentially hard base. That said, there's an even better solution to be found in brownies.
Brownies and biscuits: a better base for ice cream cake
Unlike regular cake, brownies and blondies have a higher sugar and fat content, which helps them stay moist and soft even in the freezer. This means they won't dry out or become too hard to cut and eat. Plus, their dense and fudgy texture complements the creaminess of the ice cream, making each bite a delightful mix of flavors and consistencies. The deep chocolatey or buttery notes from the brownies or blondies also add an extra layer of taste that pairs beautifully with ice cream.
Another great alternative for the base is using crushed cookies or biscuits. When mixed with melted butter and then chilled, they create a crumbly yet stable base that doesn't harden in the freezer. This type of base is also easier to prepare and can add a different texture to your ice cream cake. It has a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the ice cream. Additionally, cookies or biscuits open up a world of flavor possibilities — think chocolate gingersnap cookies for a rich base or graham crackers for a hint of honeyed sweetness.
In essence, by using brownies, blondies, or cookies as your ice cream cake base, you can avoid the common pitfalls of a hardened cake layer while adding unique flavors and textures. These bases are not only practical but also make your ice cream cake stand out as a deliciously memorable dessert.