Did you know that a serving of French toast ice cream - like it size - contains 330 calories? If you're a fan of this creamy frozen treat with a twist, read on to learn more about it and how to make it at home.
French toast ice cream is a decadent dessert that combines the flavors of buttery, syrupy French toast with creamy vanilla ice cream. It's made with a variety of ingredients that give it its unique taste and texture.
In this article, we'll explore the history of French toast ice cream and different ways to enjoy it, as well as its nutritional facts and variations.
What is French Toast Ice Cream?
French toast ice cream is a flavorful and creamy dessert that combines the taste of French toast with vanilla ice cream. The base of the ice cream is made with milk, cream, eggs, and sugar, while the French toast flavor is added in through a combination of ingredients such as maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The result is a rich and indulgent treat that is perfect for anyone who loves French toast or ice cream, or both! It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various toppings to add even more flavor and texture to the dessert.
The Ingredients Used to Make French Toast Ice Cream
The ingredients used to make French toast ice cream vary depending on the recipe, but some common ones include milk, cream, eggs, sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Some recipes also call for bread or French toast bits to be mixed into the ice cream mixture. The ratio of these ingredients can vary depending on the desired taste and texture of the ice cream. For example, some recipes might use more cream and fewer eggs or more maple syrup and less cinnamon to achieve a certain flavor profile. Overall, the combination of these ingredients gives French toast ice cream its unique taste and texture that sets it apart from other ice cream flavors.
Nutritional Facts of French Toast Ice Cream
The nutritional facts of French toast ice cream vary depending on the recipe and serving size, but on average, a serving of French toast ice cream - like it size - contains around 330 calories, 18 grams of fat, 36 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein. While French toast ice cream can be high in calories and fat, it can also be enjoyed in moderation as a special treat. There are also ways to make healthier versions of French toast ice cream by using low-fat milk and cream or sugar substitutes.
How to Make French Toast Ice Cream at Home?
Making French toast ice cream at home is surprisingly easy and requires just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it begins to steam.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks. Gradually add about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This will temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling when added to the rest of the hot milk mixture.
- Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or curdled eggs. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Pour the cooled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the ice cream is frozen, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
This recipe yields about 1 quart of French toast ice cream and can easily be doubled to make more. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to make the recipe your own!
Ways to Top French Toast Ice Cream
French toast ice cream is delicious on its own, but it can also be topped with a variety of ingredients to add even more flavor and texture to the dessert. Some popular toppings for French toast ice cream include:
- Fresh sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate chips or chunks
- Crumbled bacon or candied bacon bits
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your own unique French toast ice cream sundae!
Variations of French Toast Ice Cream
There are many variations of French toast ice cream that you can make at home, depending on your personal preferences and taste. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Ice Cream - Add chunks of cinnamon roll to the ice cream mixture for an extra burst of cinnamon flavor.
- Maple Bacon French Toast Ice Cream - Mix in crumbled bacon and maple syrup to give the ice cream a salty-sweet twist.
- Pumpkin Spice French Toast Ice Cream - Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to create a fall-inspired version of the dessert.
- Berry French Toast Ice Cream - Mix in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist on the classic flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature French toast ice cream flavor!
Serving Suggestions for French Toast Ice Cream
French toast ice cream can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preference and occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
- In a bowl or cup topped with your favorite toppings
- In a waffle cone or sugar cone for a handheld treat
- As a base for a French toast ice cream sandwich with cinnamon-sugar toast as the buns
- As a topping for a warm slice of apple or pumpkin pie
- As a garnish for a brunch cocktail like a Bloody Mary or mimosa
The History of French Toast Ice Cream
French toast ice cream is a relatively new dessert that has gained popularity in recent years. While the exact origin of the dessert is unknown, its inspiration comes from the classic breakfast dish of French toast. French toast has been enjoyed for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to ancient Rome. However, it wasn't until the Middle Ages in Europe that the dish began to resemble the French toast we know and love today - a mixture of bread, eggs, milk, and spices cooked until golden brown and served with syrup or jam. Fast forward to the 21st century, and chefs and home cooks alike have experimented with putting a twist on this classic dish by turning it into a frozen dessert. The result is French toast ice cream, a creamy and indulgent treat that combines the flavors of French toast with the texture of ice cream.
What Makes French Toast Ice Cream Unique?
French toast ice cream is unique because it combines two classic comfort foods - French toast and ice cream - into one delicious dessert. It's also unique because it allows for endless variations and flavor combinations, from adding fruit to incorporating bacon or pumpkin spice. Additionally, French toast ice cream is a great choice for anyone who loves sweet breakfast foods but wants to enjoy them in a new and exciting way. It's perfect for special occasions or just as a fun treat to enjoy on a weekend at home.
Best Brands of French Toast Ice Cream
While French toast ice cream can be easily made at home, there are also a number of brands that offer their own versions of the dessert. Some popular and highly-rated brands of French toast ice cream include:
- Ben & Jerry's French Toast Ice Cream
- Talenti Gelato Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Ample Hills Creamery French Toast Ice Cream
- Haagen-Dazs Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream
- Meaningful Munchies French Toast Ice Cream
Check your local grocery store or ice cream parlor for these brands and others that offer French toast ice cream.
5 FAQ about Serving French Toast Ice Cream
1. What are the ingredients in Serving French Toast Ice Cream?
Serving French Toast Ice Cream typically contains eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and pieces of French toast.
2. Is Serving French Toast Ice Cream gluten-free?
No, Serving French Toast Ice Cream is not gluten-free due to the pieces of French toast included in the recipe.
3. How many calories are in a serving of Serving French Toast Ice Cream?
A serving of Serving French Toast Ice Cream (size 330) contains 330 calories.
4. What are some toppings that go well with Serving French Toast Ice Cream?
Some toppings that go well with Serving French Toast Ice Cream include maple syrup, chopped nuts, whipped cream, and caramel sauce.
5. Can you make Serving French Toast Ice Cream at home?
Yes, you can make Serving French Toast Ice Cream at home using an ice cream maker and a recipe that includes eggs, milk, cream, and pieces of homemade or store-bought French toast.