Ice cream bon bons – those delightful little bites of frozen heaven, coated in a crisp shell of chocolate. They are the epitome of simple indulgence, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet treat after a long day. Today, we’re going on a journey to demystify the art of making ice cream bon bons right in your own kitchen. You might be surprised how easy and fun it is!
Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools
Before we embark on our ice cream adventure, let’s gather everything we need. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative with your flavor combinations!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the ice cream: This is where you can let your imagination run wild! Use your favorite store-bought ice cream or try your hand at a homemade batch. Vanilla bean, chocolate, pistachio, strawberry – the possibilities are endless! (About 2 pints)
- For the coating: High-quality melting chocolate is key to a beautiful, shiny finish. Dark, milk, or white chocolate – the choice is yours! (12 ounces)
- Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts, sprinkles, shredded coconut, crushed cookies – these are your secret weapons for adding texture and excitement to your bon bons!
- Neutral-flavored oil: This helps thin the melted chocolate for a smoother coating. Canola or coconut oil work well. (1-2 tablespoons)
Tools of the Trade:
- Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper, this will be your bon bon resting place.
- Ice cream scoop: A cookie scoop or melon baller will help you create those perfectly round bon bons.
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl: For melting chocolate with care.
- Parchment paper: Essential for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
Ice Cream Scoops and Chocolate Bon Bons
Let’s Make Some Magic: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you ready to unleash your inner pastry chef? Let’s dive into the fun part!
1. Prepping Your Workspace
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This is where your freshly dipped bon bons will chill and set.
2. Scooping and Freezing
- Using your ice cream scoop, portion out small balls of ice cream and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each bon bon.
- Pop the baking sheet into the freezer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the ice cream balls are completely solid. This step is crucial for a clean, mess-free dipping experience.
3. Melting the Chocolate to Perfection
- While the ice cream hardens, prepare your chocolate coating. Fill your double boiler or saucepan with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place your chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set it over the simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water directly.
- Stir the chocolate gently until it’s completely melted and smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in your neutral-flavored oil, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve a desired consistency for dipping.
4. The Grand Dip
- Retrieve your frozen ice cream balls from the freezer. Working quickly, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Lift the bon bon out of the chocolate using a fork or dipping tools, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
- Place the dipped bon bon back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle your freshly dipped bon bons with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or any other toppings you desire.
5. The Final Chill
- Return the baking sheet to the freezer for another hour, or until the chocolate coating is completely set and firm.
Dipping Ice Cream Bon Bons in Chocolate
Tips and Tricks from a Seasoned Pro
- For extra smooth chocolate: Use a high-quality couverture chocolate, which has a higher cocoa butter content. This will give your bon bons a beautiful sheen and a satisfying snap.
- Avoid condensation: Working quickly is key when dipping your frozen ice cream balls. This prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly and creating a messy situation.
- Get creative with flavor combinations! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ice cream flavors and chocolate pairings. The sky’s the limit! How about a salted caramel ice cream dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt? Or a refreshing mint chip ice cream dipped in white chocolate and adorned with crushed Oreo cookies?
Serving and Storing Your Masterpieces
Once your ice cream bon bons are fully set, they’re ready to be devoured! Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear in minutes. For optimal freshness, store any leftover bon bons in an airtight container in the freezer.
And there you have it – a delightful journey into the world of homemade ice cream bon bons. With a little practice and a lot of flavor inspiration, you’ll be creating these frozen treats like a true artisan in no time.
For other frozen treat recipes, check out our guide on how to make salted caramel gelato: https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-salted-caramel-gelato/. Happy scooping!
