Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Coconut Caramel Sundae?
It is a layered dessert consisting of French vanilla ice cream topped with homemade coconut caramel sauce and toasted coconut flakes.
What are the main ingredients in this sundae?
The ingredients include sugar, water, heavy whipping cream, cream of coconut, sweetened flaked coconut, and French vanilla ice cream.
What kind of ice cream is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1.5 pints of purchased French vanilla ice cream.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 6 key ingredients used in this recipe.
What is cream of coconut?
Cream of coconut is a sweetened, thick coconut product often used in tropical desserts; a common brand mentioned is Coco Lopez.
How much sugar is used to make the caramel?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sugar for the caramel sauce.
Is the caramel sauce homemade?
Yes, the recipe features a decadent homemade caramel sauce enriched with cream of coconut.
How do you prepare the coconut topping?
The sweetened flaked coconut should be toasted until it is crispy and golden-brown.
What amount of coconut flakes is needed?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of loosely packed sweetened flaked coconut, which is about 3 1/2 ounces.
Is this a good dessert for parties?
Yes, it is tagged as a party dessert and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
How is the caramel sauce made creamy?
The sauce uses 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1/4 cup of cream of coconut to achieve its rich texture.
Why is water used in the recipe?
1/4 cup of water is combined with sugar to begin the process of making the caramel.
What gives the sundae its tropical flavor?
The tropical flavor comes from the combination of cream of coconut and toasted coconut flakes.
Is the caramel sauce served warm or cold?
The description suggests layers of warm caramel are served over the cold ice cream.
Can I use regular vanilla ice cream instead of French vanilla?
While French vanilla is recommended for its richness, regular vanilla ice cream can be used as a substitute.
How much cream of coconut is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of cream of coconut.
Is the coconut topping sweetened?
Yes, the recipe calls for sweetened flaked coconut.
What is the texture of the finished sundae?
The sundae features creamy ice cream, smooth caramel, and crispy toasted coconut flakes.
Is this a sweet treat?
Yes, it is categorized as a sweet treat due to the sugar, caramel, and sweetened coconut.
Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
While best served fresh, the homemade caramel sauce can be made in advance and gently reheated.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
The listed ingredients are generally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on the ice cream and cream of coconut.
How many servings does 1.5 pints of ice cream provide?
Depending on the scoop size, 1.5 pints usually serves between 3 to 6 people.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert and more specifically a sundae.
Does the recipe use coconut milk?
No, it specifically uses cream of coconut, which is much thicker and sweeter than coconut milk.
How should the coconut be packed when measuring?
The 1 1/4 cups of coconut should be loosely packed.
What brand of cream of coconut is suggested?
Coco Lopez is suggested as a suitable brand for this recipe.
Is the ice cream made from scratch?
No, the recipe suggests using purchased ice cream to save time.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, sundae, coconut, caramel, ice cream, tropical, sweet treat, and party dessert.
Is this an indulgent recipe?
Yes, it is described as an indulgent and heavenly treat.
Can I add nuts to this sundae?
While not in the original recipe, macadamia nuts or almonds would be a great addition to the tropical theme.