Great Ice Cream Dish
A decadent ice cream dessert featuring toasted almonds, coconut, and a rich caramel-like topping, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat for caramel and nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the brown sugar and margarine in a frying pan.
- Add toasted almonds, coconut, and stir the mixture constantly for 5 minutes.
- Press half of the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Layer in half a gallon of vanilla ice cream over the mixture.
- Top with the remaining mixture and freeze.
- Serve with strawberry topping and whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating chopped dried fruits like apricots or raisins. If you're looking for a nut-free version, simply omit the toasted almonds and replace them with more coconut or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for texture. Also, stirring the mixture constantly helps to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful ice cream dish pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For added texture, serve it alongside a light salad like Wild Rice And Pepper Salad. You can also top it with Jeneva'S Sweet Pickle Slices for an unexpected sweet-savory contrast. Garnish with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ice cream dish covered in the freezer to maintain its texture. It can be kept for up to two weeks. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before cutting and serving. This helps achieve clean slices and a smoother texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Ice Cream Dish contains roughly 811 calories, with 2g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the toasted almonds with pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts. Each nut will give the dish a unique flavor profile. Just ensure they are toasted for the best taste and crunch.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this ice cream dish dairy-free by using coconut oil instead of margarine and opting for a dairy-free ice cream. There are many delicious vegan recipes available that will work perfectly in this dish.
How can I make this dish more chocolatey?
To add chocolate flavor, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the vanilla ice cream before adding the top layer. Alternatively, you can mix in chocolate chips with the almond and coconut mixture for a delightful chocolate crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).