Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Hearts
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy ice cream and rich chocolate in these Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Hearts. Perfect for celebrating special occasions, this simple yet elegant dessert features heart-shaped ice cream drizzled with a luscious bittersweet chocolate sauce. Adorned with fresh strawberries and mint, these treats will impress your guests and make your dessert table shine. Prepare them ahead of time for an effortless and charming finale to any meal!
2
Servings
240
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ice Cream
2 cups (Choose your favorite flavor and soften slightly before spreading in the pan.)
Strawberries
2 (Fresh, sliced for garnish.)
Mint
2 sprigs (Fresh, for garnish.)
Heavy Cream
1/4 cup (Use for making the chocolate sauce.)
Corn Syrup
1 tablespoon (Adds sweetness and shine to the chocolate sauce.)
Bittersweet Chocolate
3 ounces (Chopped finely for easy melting.)
Instructions
1
Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure a smooth process. Take a small square pan and spoon in the ice cream, spreading it to a uniform depth of about 1/2 inch (or 1 1/2 inches for a thicker heart). Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, corn syrup, and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Cook over low heat, whisking continuously until the chocolate has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3
Once the ice cream has set, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out two hearts from the frozen ice cream. Carefully transfer the ice cream hearts to a chilled dessert plate.
4
Using a squirt bottle or spoon, drizzle the warm chocolate sauce over the ice cream hearts, creating enticing patterns on the plate.
5
For an elegant presentation, fan out the sliced strawberries and place them artfully on the plate alongside the hearts. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs for a pop of color and freshness.
6
These beautiful ice cream hearts can be made up to two weeks in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
27g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these Ice Cream Hearts?
The dessert features creamy ice cream paired with a rich bittersweet chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What equipment is needed to create the heart shapes?
You will need a small square pan for freezing the ice cream and a heart-shaped cookie cutter.
How long does the ice cream need to freeze before cutting?
The ice cream should be frozen for at least 4 hours or until it is completely solid.
What are the ingredients for the chocolate sauce?
The sauce is made from heavy cream, corn syrup, and finely chopped bittersweet chocolate.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, the ice cream hearts can be made and stored in the freezer for up to two weeks.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What type of chocolate is recommended for the sauce?
Bittersweet chocolate is recommended for a rich and decadent flavor.
How deep should I spread the ice cream in the pan?
Spread it to a uniform depth of about 1/2 inch, or up to 1 1/2 inches if you prefer a thicker heart.
Can I substitute the strawberries with another fruit?
Yes, you can use other fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries for garnish.
What is the role of corn syrup in the chocolate sauce?
Corn syrup adds sweetness and a glossy shine to the finished chocolate sauce.
How should I store the ice cream hearts?
Store them in an airtight container in the freezer until you are ready to serve them.
How should I apply the chocolate sauce for the best presentation?
You can use a squirt bottle or a spoon to drizzle the sauce in artistic patterns over the hearts.
Is the ice cream softened before being put into the pan?
Yes, you should soften your favorite flavor of ice cream slightly before spreading it into the pan.
How do I prevent the ice cream from melting while serving?
Transferring the hearts to a chilled dessert plate helps maintain their shape and temperature.
What occasions is this dessert suitable for?
It is perfect for romantic celebrations, Valentine's Day, or any special occasion.
Can I use dairy-free ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute the ice cream and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.
What is the purpose of adding fresh mint?
Fresh mint sprigs are used as a garnish to provide a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
How should the strawberries be prepared?
The strawberries should be fresh and fanned out or sliced artfully for the plate presentation.
What size pan is best for this recipe?
A small square pan is ideal for achieving the correct ice cream depth.
Can I use milk chocolate for the sauce instead?
Yes, though bittersweet chocolate provides a more sophisticated balance to the sweet ice cream.
Should the chocolate sauce be hot when served?
The sauce should be warm enough to drizzle easily but cooled slightly so it does not immediately melt the ice cream.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 14 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries for garnish?
Fresh strawberries are preferred for garnish as they maintain their structure and look better for presentation.
What if I don't have a heart-shaped cutter?
You can use any shape of cookie cutter or even cut the ice cream into squares or circles.
Is the chocolate sauce cooked over high heat?
No, the sauce should be cooked over low heat while whisking continuously to prevent burning.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How many ice cream hearts are served per plate?
The recipe instructions suggest cutting out two hearts for a single dessert plate presentation.
How long does it take to melt the chocolate sauce?
It only takes a few minutes of whisking over low heat until the mixture is smooth.