Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream Sundae

Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream Sundae

This recipe combines creamy strawberry ice cream with fresh strawberries, a delightful crumble, and a dollop of whipped cream, offering a symphony of textures and flavors.

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 20-30 minutes (plus ice cream freezing time if making from scratch)

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Ice Cream (Homemade – highly recommended for best results, but you can use store-bought premium vanilla and strawberry swirls as a shortcut):

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (enhances strawberry flavor)

For the Strawberry Swirl/Sauce (if using vanilla ice cream or for extra strawberry flavor):

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (quick or old-fashioned)
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

For Assembly:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced or quartered for garnish
• 1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
  • For homemade whipped cream: 1 cup cold heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Equipment:

• Ice cream maker (if making homemade ice cream)
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Electric mixer or whisk (for whipped cream)

Instructions:

Part 1: Prepare the Strawberry Ice Cream (If Making Homemade)

1. Macerate Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the hulled and quartered strawberries with lemon juice. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out juices.
2. Blend Strawberries: Transfer the macerated strawberries (and their juices) to a blender. Blend until smooth. You can strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother ice cream, or leave as is for a more rustic texture with small strawberry pieces.
3. Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Combine and Chill: Stir the blended strawberry puree into the cream mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure it’s very cold. This is crucial for proper churning.
5. Churn Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20-30 minutes), until it reaches the consistency of soft-serve.
6. Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm, before serving.

Part 2: Prepare the Strawberry Swirl/Sauce (Optional, but enhances flavor)

1. Simmer Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Reduce: Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, mashing the strawberries with a spoon, until the sauce thickens slightly and the strawberries are soft.
3. Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool completely. You can leave it chunky or blend it for a smoother sauce. If using with vanilla ice cream, you can swirl this into the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning or layer it when scooping.

Part 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or a fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
4. Bake: Spread the crumble mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the crumble is golden brown and fragrant.
6. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The crumble will crisp up as it cools.

Part 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream (If Making Homemade)

1. Chill Bowl and Whisk: Place a metal mixing bowl and whisk attachment (or beaters) in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill thoroughly.
2. Whip Cream: Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Using an electric mixer (or whisking by hand), start beating on medium speed.
3. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Once the cream starts to thicken, gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Whip to Stiff Peaks: Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or it will turn grainy.

Part 5: Assembly (The Fun Part!)

1. Scoop Ice Cream: In a large serving bowl (like the one in the image), place generous scoops of your Strawberry Ice Cream (or vanilla ice cream with strawberry swirl/sauce). Aim for a mounded presentation.
2. Add Fresh Strawberries: Artfully arrange the sliced or quartered fresh strawberries around and on top of the ice cream.
3. Dollop Whipped Cream: Pipe or spoon generous dollops of whipped cream on top of the ice cream and strawberries.
4. Sprinkle Crumble: Liberally sprinkle the cooled crumble topping over the whipped cream and ice cream.
5. Garnish with Mint: Place a few fresh mint sprigs strategically for a pop of color and freshness.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve your magnificent Strawberry Sensation Ice Cream Sundae immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Quality Ingredients: Use ripe, flavorful strawberries for the best results.
• Chilling is Key: Ensure all ice cream ingredients are very cold before churning.
• Don’t Overmix Crumble: When making the crumble, avoid overworking the butter into the flour; you want some small butter pieces for texture.
• Customize: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the ice cream and sauces to your preference. You could also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a few white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Presentation Matters: Take a little extra time to arrange the components beautifully, as seen in the inspiring image!