A Sweet Taste of Sicily: Making Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches
Delve into the charming sweetness of Sicily with a unique twist on a classic dessert! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful treat that combines the luxurious creaminess of gelato with the soft, buttery texture of brioche buns. These Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches are a gourmet summer delight that’s easy to whip up and perfect for cooling down during those hot days or serving at your next alfresco gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 pints gelato (choose your favorites like pistachio, stracciatella, or hazelnut)
- 6 brioche buns
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions:
- Preparation of Gelato: Start by allowing the gelato to soften slightly at room temperature, making it easier to scoop and mold.
- Toast the Buns: While the gelato softens, split the brioche buns in half. Preheat your skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, coating the bottom of the pan. Toast 2 sets of buns cut-side down until they’re golden-brown, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the toasted buns from the pan, sprinkle them with a pinch of flaky sea salt, and set aside to cool slightly.
- Repeat the Process: Continue toasting the remaining buns in batches by adding a tablespoon of butter for each batch and following the same toasting steps.
- Assembling the Sandwiches: Once all buns are toasted and have cooled for about 5 minutes, scoop about 1/3 pint of the softened gelato onto each bottom half of the buns. Smoothly spread the gelato to cover the surface.
- Final Touch: Gently press the top half of the buns onto the gelato. The warmth from the toasted buns will slightly melt the gelato, ensuring the tops adhere well.
- Serve Immediately: These ice cream sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and cold. Serve them immediately after assembly to enjoy the perfect combination of warm brioche and cold gelato.
Key Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Chef’s Tip:
For an extra touch of luxury, you can drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or sprinkle some chopped nuts over the gelato before placing the top bun. This adds not only a richer flavor but also a delightful texture contrast.
These Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches offer a simple yet indulgent way to bring a piece of Italian culinary magic into your home. They’re sure to impress guests or make an ordinary day feel a bit more special. Enjoy the melding of flavors and textures that make this dessert a decadent treat. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
2 pints gelato (such as pistachio, stracciatella, hazelnut, or a combination)
6 brioche buns
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Flaky sea salt
Instructions
Let 2 pints gelato sit at room temperature to soften slightly. Meanwhile, split 6 brioche buns and toast them.
Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat and swirl the pan so the bottom is coated.
Add 2 sets of buns cut-side down and cook until toasted and golden-brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board cut-side up and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Repeat toasting the remaining buns in two more batches, adding 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the pan before each batch.
Let all the toasted buns cool for 5 minutes.
Top each bottom half of the brioche buns with 1/3 pint of gelato (about 2 scoops).
Press the top buns gently on top to adhere and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Not specified