Description
Have you ever dreamed of a dessert that’s so cool and colorful it feels like a trip to a sunny island? That’s what a Tropical Ice Cream Terrine is – a layered ice cream cake with fruity flavors and a creamy topping! But here’s the big question: How can something so fancy be so easy to make at home? The secret is in the tropical ice creams, crunchy cookie crumbs, and a few simple tricks we’ll share today.
Ingredients
To make a Tropical Ice Cream Terrine, you’ll need ingredients for the layers, filling, and whipped cream topping. Here’s what you’ll use and why each one matters:
Layer Ingredients
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Cookie Crumbs (1 ½ cups, from 8-12 coconut or white chocolate–macadamia nut cookies): Adds a crunchy, tropical base and texture between layers.
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Dulce de Leche (¾ cup, warmed): A sweet, caramel-like drizzle that binds the layers and adds richness.
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Strawberry Rhubarb Ice Cream (3 cups, slightly softened): A tangy, fruity layer with rhubarb’s zesty kick (use the no-churn recipe from your previous request or store-bought). Replaces strawberry or cherry-vanilla ice cream.
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Mango Ice Cream (3 cups, slightly softened): Brings a sweet, tropical flavor to the terrine.
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Coconut Ice Cream (3 cups, slightly softened): Adds a creamy, island-inspired taste.
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Maraschino Cherries (½ cup, stems removed): Provides a pop of color and sweet-tart flavor in the mango layer.
Whipped Cream Topping Ingredients
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Cold Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups): Whips into a fluffy, creamy topping.
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Confectioners’ Sugar (3 tbsp): Sweetens the whipped cream lightly.
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Pineapple Extract (¾ tsp): Adds a tropical, fruity note to the topping.
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Pure Vanilla Extract (¾ tsp): Enhances the whipped cream’s flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free coconut or macadamia nut cookies.
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Vegan: Use vegan ice cream, coconut cream for whipping, and a dairy-free dulce de leche alternative.
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Ice Cream Swap: Use pineapple, passion fruit, or strawberry ice cream instead of mango or coconut.
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No Dulce de Leche: Use caramel sauce or melted white chocolate.
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No Maraschino Cherries: Use fresh mango chunks or dried pineapple pieces.
These ingredients are easy to find and make a terrine that’s both delicious and gorgeous!
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Pan
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Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang on all sides to lift the terrine later.
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Sprinkle ½ cup coarsely crushed cookie crumbs evenly over the bottom of the pan.
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Drizzle ¼ cup warmed dulce de leche over the crumbs.
Tip: Smooth the plastic wrap to avoid wrinkles. Warm dulce de leche in the microwave for 10 seconds if it’s too thick to pour.
Step 2: Add the First Ice Cream Layer
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Let 3 cups strawberry rhubarb ice cream soften slightly at room temperature (about 10 minutes).
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Spread the ice cream over the cookie crumbs in an even layer using a spatula.
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Sprinkle ½ cup more cookie crumbs over the ice cream and drizzle with ¼ cup dulce de leche.
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Freeze until somewhat firm, about 1 hour.
Tip: Soften ice cream just enough to spread, not melt. Smooth with an offset spatula for neat layers.
Step 3: Add the Second Ice Cream Layer
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Let 3 cups mango ice cream soften slightly at room temperature.
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Spread the mango ice cream over the first layer in an even layer.
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Press ½ cup maraschino cherries (stems removed) into the ice cream, then smooth the layer again.
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Top with the remaining ½ cup cookie crumbs and ¼ cup dulce de leche.
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Freeze until somewhat firm, about 1 hour.
Tip: Pat cherries dry to prevent excess liquid. Press gently to keep the layer even.
Step 4: Add the Final Ice Cream Layer
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Let 3 cups coconut ice cream soften slightly at room temperature.
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Spread the coconut ice cream over the second layer in an even layer.
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Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until hardened, about 4 hours or overnight.
Tip: Press plastic wrap directly on the ice cream to prevent ice crystals. Freeze overnight for the firmest terrine.
Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
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In a large bowl, beat 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream, 3 tbsp confectioners’ sugar, ¾ tsp pineapple extract, and ¾ tsp vanilla extract with a mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
Tip: Chill the bowl and beaters for faster whipping. Don’t overbeat, or the cream will turn grainy.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
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Remove the terrine from the freezer and lift it from the pan using the plastic wrap overhang.
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Invert onto a chilled serving plate and peel off the plastic wrap.
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Spread the whipped cream all over the terrine, using the back of a spoon to make peaks.
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Freeze until the whipped cream is firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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Slice with a sharp knife dipped in warm water and serve immediately.
Tip: If the terrine is hard to lift, let it sit for 5 minutes. Wipe the knife between slices for clean cuts.