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You’ve probably seen them—those smooth, creamy rolls of ice cream neatly arranged in a cup, topped with an array of vibrant garnishes. Rolled ice cream, often called 'Thai rolled ice cream' or 'stir-fried ice cream,' is a frozen dessert that likely originated in Thailand.
Many are familiar with this creamy treat that floods Instagram feeds during the summer months. If you thought rolled ice cream could only be bought from specialty shops, here’s some good news: making it at home is easy, and you only need two ingredients—plus any mix-ins you desire.
Food expert and TV host Brandi Milloy (featured in the video above!) offers a clever solution if you don’t have room for multiple trays in your freezer. Buy dry ice pellets—basically crushed dry ice—available at most grocery stores (just call ahead to check availability). With temperature-safe gloves and extra caution, spread the dry ice across a baking sheet. Then, set your rolled ice cream tray on top. The dry ice will keep the tray icy cold, making the rolling process smoother. If the dry ice makes the ice cream too hard, simply remove the tray and try again. It might take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making perfect rolled ice cream at home in no time.
Image Source: Prostock-Studio/Getty ImagesIngredients for Making Homemade Rolled Ice Cream
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is a rich dairy product with a fat content of at least 36%, which is much higher than the 2% fat found in regular milk. Half-and-half usually contains 10%-18% fat. The higher the fat content in the cream, the better it freezes, as it has less water to turn into ice crystals.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk is a thick, sugary syrup created by reducing milk and adding sugar. It is different from evaporated milk, which isn’t sweetened. Usually sold in cans, sweetened condensed milk can also be made at home.
Salt: Adding a touch of salt to ice cream is quite common, and incorporating a pinch of sea salt or any preferred salt into this recipe not only enhances the flavor but also helps lower the freezing point of water, ensuring a creamier, smoother texture in your homemade ice cream.
Ingredients
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1 pint heavy cream
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1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
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Pinch of salt
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Optional mix-ins: Chopped nuts, Oreos, cocoa powder, strawberry jam, sprinkles, caramel, cookie dough
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Optional toppings: Gummy bears, mochi, fresh fruit, sprinkles, cake chunks, chocolate chips, pretzels, whipped cream
Directions
Mix ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth ice cream base:
In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
Spread the ice cream mixture onto a sheet pan:
Transfer your ice cream mixture onto a metal sheet pan or a baking sheet with edges. Ensure that the mixture is spread to a thickness of less than ¼ inch, ideally about 1/8 inch. The base should just cover the bottom of the pan.
Add mix-ins on top:
If you wish to add any mix-ins, sprinkle them evenly over the ice cream base, then use a silicone spatula to gently fold and distribute them throughout.
Chill the sheet pan:
Place the sheet pan in the freezer and let it freeze completely, for a minimum of 4 hours.
Slice and roll the ice cream:
Once your ice cream is fully frozen, take the sheet pan out of the freezer. Position the pan with its longer edge facing you. Use a flat, sharp metal spatula or paint scraper to cut the ice cream into 3-inch wide strips. Then, quickly and carefully scrape each strip up and roll it into a tight cylinder at a 45° angle from top to bottom. Use tongs to place the rolled ice cream into your serving dish (chilled bowls with straight edges or ramekins are ideal). Repeat with the remaining ice cream on the sheet pan.
Add your favorite toppings:
Add any toppings you like to customize your ice cream to your taste.
5 Key Tips for Perfect Rolled Ice Cream
- Ensure you spread the ice cream base evenly and thinly over the pan before freezing, aiming for about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Chop any mix-ins finely to make the rolling process easier once the ice cream is frozen.
- To prevent the ice cream from melting while rolling, freeze your ice cream bowl, rollers, tongs, and serving bowls at least 1 hour ahead of time.
- If necessary, gently use a butter knife to help form the rolls at the base of the pan.
- Prepare your toppings beforehand so they are ready to add to your ice cream immediately, before it melts.
Commonly Asked Questions
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Why won't my rolled ice cream roll properly?
If the ice cream isn't rolling, it may be too frozen or hard. If it falls apart, it needs more freezing time to firm up.
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How long does it take for rolled ice cream to fully freeze?
Rolled ice cream requires at least 4 hours to freeze completely.
5 More Frozen Treat Recipes You Should Try
- Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- Raspberry-Mango Ice Cream Cake
- PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Simple Ice Cream Cake
- Amaretto Sour Popsicles
