I was so excited when I saw that this week’s Tuesdays with Dorie recipe was another ice cream treat, but not for the reason you may think. Yes, this Chocolate Banded Ice Cream Torte is decadent and delicious, not to mention gorgeous. And yes, I do consider ice cream and chocolate to be two of the major food groups. But, the main reason I was so happy about this recipe was because it didn’t require any baking whatsoever.
You see, baking is a bit of a problem for me this week, because my oven just up and died on me the other day. Yup, it’s dead, dead, dead. Can you believe the audacity? So until I figure out a) what’s wrong with it; and b) whether it is worth the money to fix it, I won’t be doing any baking around here!
Our recipe for this week was chosen by Amy of Food, Family and Fun, and I’ve got to say, it is a doozy! Dorie calls it her version of a “grown-up ice cream cake”. There isn’t any actual cake in the dish, but there are two layers of creamy, boozy, fruit-swirled ice cream sandwiched between three layers of astonishingly rich bittersweet chocolate ganache. This ganache is not for lightweights, my friends. It contains over a half pound of chocolate and eight, yes count ’em, eight whole eggs! Before I’d even let anyone taste this torte, I made sure I had 911 on speed dial!
Dorie’s original recipe calls for vanilla ice cream which is mixed together with frozen raspberries in syrup. Would you believe that after checking three different supermarkets, I couldn’t find those raspberries? All I could find were the plain frozen berries. So, I cheated a little out of necessity. Instead of buying plain vanilla ice cream and making a raspberry syrup from scratch, I bought some Raspberry Chip Royale ice cream that I was able to find. It was a mixture of vanilla and raspberry ice creams with little chocolate chips mixed in. To that, I added some wild raspberry dessert sauce that I happened to have in my fridge. I think it worked just as well.
When I was a child, my favorite ice cream cakes in the world were from Carvel. Remember Carvel? That was some great ice cream! Their cakes had these wonderful chocolate crunchies in between each layer. Those crunchies were the best part! So, I decided to make my own chocolate crunchies and spread them on top of each ice cream layer. To make them, I crushed up half a package of chocolate wafer cookies and mixed the cookie bits with some chocolate Magic Shell ice cream topping. Magic Shell freezes in seconds when you pour it on ice cream, and hardens into a candy-coated “shell”.
Since this torte was pretty messy to work with, I needed to find some way to decorate it that wouldn’t require too much “touching”. I decided to swirl some shimmery rose pink pearl dust on the top. Not only did the pearl dust give off a lovely, glimmering sheen, it also hid a few flaws and little air bubbles that had made their way to the top.
I was very pleased with the way my torte turned out. It looked really pretty and it tasted great. That said, there was a little too much chocolate ganache for me. I love the stuff, but a little goes a long way, and this just went too far. I think that this torte would make an impressive presentation at a party or other special event, but it’s just too much for an everyday dessert. I really wish I had halved the recipe and made minis. I still have three quarters of the torte in the freezer and no hope of finishing it all. Ice cream is kind of hard to give away, because it melts so fast. I think I’ll probably palm some off give some away to our neighbors!
If you’d like to see some other great variations of this torte, click on over to the Tuesdays with Dorie web site. If you’d like the recipe to try it for yourself, visit Amy’s site. And remember, all of our great TWD recipes can be found in Dorie Greenspan’s, Baking: From My Home to Yours.
TWD: Chocolate Malted Whopper Drops aka Mothball Cookies
TWD: Chocolate Amaretti Torte
On August 26, 2008 at 10:28am, Dianne said...
Oh wow! The layers look beautiful! I may have to try this sometime and use strawberries!
On August 26, 2008 at 10:39am, Natashya said...
I love the fairy dust on the top. I was wondering what made it pink. Also the pink cake stand, I want one!
Beautiful torte.
On August 26, 2008 at 11:41am, Brilynn said...
I’ve always wanted to make this one but haven’t gotten around to it yet. Your cake looks gorgeous!
On August 26, 2008 at 12:28pm, JennDZ - The Leftover Queen said...
Oh my goodness gracious Susan, that is one beautiful torte! I want some!!!
On August 26, 2008 at 12:52pm, kim said...
gorgeous pics, and the pearl dust looks so cool! i love the crunchies idea, those are the best
On August 26, 2008 at 2:01pm, TeaLady said...
Wowwy! Love the fairy dust on top. What a great topping. And your presentation is beautiful Great Job!
On August 26, 2008 at 2:10pm, The Food Librarian said...
Really, how dare your oven die on you! I hope it gets better or you get a cool new one. Great, great looking torte. I love the dust. That’s amazing!
On August 26, 2008 at 2:31pm, Nick said...
This looks excellent! Reminds me of a glorified version of the ice cream cakes we used to request for our birthday’s as children. Ever have those log shaped ones, with that gooey and almost chewy chocolate coating around it? Mmmm…
On August 26, 2008 at 4:12pm, Loving Annie said...
That looks absolutely gorgeous. It’s making me hungry ! I’m going to go over to the site and check out the recipe - thanks !
On August 26, 2008 at 4:15pm, Trysha@Toasted said...
Oh man…that looks soooo good. Did I mention that I’m 26 weeks pregnant and can receive postal packages at work??
LOL
On August 26, 2008 at 4:43pm, The DeL Sisters said...
Great looking torte! Your pics are wonderful! I love the little dusting on top!
On August 26, 2008 at 5:09pm, Bridgett said...
That is just beautiful! I would almost hate to cut into this masterpiece. The layers are so perfect and your photography, as usual, is fantastic. I finally joined TWD so I am looking forward to posting next week.
On August 26, 2008 at 5:13pm, Proud Italian Cook said...
I’m speechless, that is gorgeous! Seriously, If you walk in with that at a party, I guarantee jaws will drop!!
On August 26, 2008 at 5:14pm, Obsessive Foodie or Food Addict....You Decide said...
After the last couple of months I have had…….I NEED THIS, and maybe you don’t understand HOW MUCH I NEED THIS!!!!!!!!!!
On August 26, 2008 at 5:36pm, Kevin said...
That looks amazing! I like a nice ice cream cake/torte and the raspberry and chocolate combo sounds great!
On August 26, 2008 at 5:46pm, steph- whisk/spoon said...
sorry to hear about your oven, but that torte is magnificent!
On August 26, 2008 at 6:24pm, Jen of A2eatwrite said...
Oh, Susan, this looks …. too. good. must. have. chocolate!
For my WCW post, I’m putting in an amazing chocolate cake that can be microwaved. I got it from Mae’s Food Blog. So THERE to your oven! I hope your oven gets fixed soon, though. That would drive me nuts.
On August 26, 2008 at 6:55pm, Rebecca said...
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. You’ve outdone yourself.
On August 26, 2008 at 6:55pm, Engineer Baker said...
Wow - homemade chocolate crunchies, pearl dust, and perfectly lined up layers. I think I have torte envy.
On August 26, 2008 at 7:37pm, Sandy Smith said...
How I wish I could take some of that AMAZING torte off your hands! Great idea for the “crunchies” - Magic Shell is my guiltiest pleasure (nerd alert!), so imagine my joy!
Really, this is gorgeous.
On August 26, 2008 at 7:54pm, Ingrid said...
Your torte looks beautiful. The presentation of your food is always fabulous!
Sorry to hear about your oven! It’s the perfect excuse to upgrade to a “mac daddy” oven. Looking on the bright side you’re “forced” to try out other “baking” avenues. Ones that you might have put off. (a side note: you don’t seem like a “put off” kinda person)
~Ingrid
On August 26, 2008 at 7:57pm, LyB said...
It’s so beautiful! I really need to make this when I have some time. I’ll try to make it as lovely as yours!
On August 26, 2008 at 7:58pm, Erin said...
What a beautiful torte! It looks fabulous!
On August 26, 2008 at 7:58pm, Steph said...
Wow!! Your torte is so pretty!! I absolutely love your pictures. Your neighbours would be lucky to be able to taste your torte, especially with all the chocolate chunkies you added (I love them too!)
On August 26, 2008 at 8:07pm, karen said...
your torte is absolutely beautiful! wow. i love the pink dust on top. i’m with you, i thought the ganache was a little too much after a while and i even had super thin layers in mine.
On August 26, 2008 at 8:47pm, n.o.e said...
Your torte is stunning! I was surprised that I was able to transport mine, packed in a cooler with ice packs, to a dinner about 15 minutes away. Upon arrival I put it right in their freezer, and it held up great. At serving time it was hard as a rock. And the best part is that I got to leave the leftovers with them!
Nancy
On August 26, 2008 at 9:28pm, PheMom said...
Yours is the most gorgeous torte I have seen! I swear mine started melting as soon as it came out of the freezer.
On August 26, 2008 at 9:42pm, KayKat said...
*wow*
This looks phenomenal. Too much of chocolate ganache? Is there such a thing?
On August 26, 2008 at 10:01pm, Jude said...
Can’t say anything that hasn’t been said before. Amazing! That picture belongs on a cookbook cover.
On August 26, 2008 at 10:07pm, rainbowbrown said...
Beautiful, as always! Can’t find anything to do with the leftovers? I’ll be right over.
On August 26, 2008 at 10:09pm, Jodie said...
Gorgeous! I love what you did on the top!
On August 26, 2008 at 10:38pm, StickyGooeyCreamyChewy said...
Thanks so much everyone! I’m thrilled that you liked my torte! If anyone wants a slice, come on over. I’ve got plenty!
Thanks also for your sweet comments. It’s so nice to read them.
On August 26, 2008 at 11:51pm, Emiline said...
How come everything you make looks so perfect!
I am drooling…this ice cream cake looks magnificent.
I like your Twitter balloon, by the way. I wish more people would join.
On August 27, 2008 at 12:27am, Big Boys Oven said...
Wow! I love this, I love this, looks so beautiful, the color is so intense, a great job well executed!
On August 27, 2008 at 2:06am, Bria said...
Absolutely perfect! Next time i’ll have to make a conscious effort to make sure my ice cream and ganache reach the edges of the tin tightly (like yours). Perfection!
On August 27, 2008 at 3:22am, FFichiban said...
:O you can palm some off to me anytiiimmmeee ^^ lookkss so scrumptious!
On August 27, 2008 at 4:45am, Grace said...
if you don’t mind, i’ll just open my mouth and tilt my head whilst you pour some wild raspberry dessert sauce down my gullet.
seriously, what an amazing creations-nicely done.
On August 27, 2008 at 7:05am, Mike of Mike's Table said...
Yikes about the oven-I’d be nearly paralyzed without one. Well maybe not, but I’d be screwed up to some degree, lol.
As for that torte, the post title sounded good, but when I saw that first photo-WOW! That looks absolutely beautiful. Excellent work!
On August 27, 2008 at 7:09am, The Short (dis)Order Cook said...
Oh yum! You are the ice cream queen.
Hope you get your oven back soon. That would drive me nuts.
On August 27, 2008 at 7:32am, Just Serving Ice Cream said...
This is incredible! I definitely agree ice cream cake is my favorite kind of cake! The pearl dust looks amazing!
On August 27, 2008 at 7:38am, Prudy said...
That’s downright spectacular. Sorry about your oven, but what perfect timing for our TWD treat.
On August 27, 2008 at 7:54am, RecipeGirl said...
This is one gorgeous dessert that I’m glad I don’t have in my house right now!!! What on earth do you do with all of your wonderful, decadent treats? Your neighbors must love you…
On August 27, 2008 at 8:29am, Patricia Scarpin said...
I have never had an ice cream cake/torte of any sort, Susan… This is one of the most divine desserts I have ever seen. Can I come over for a slice? 😉
On August 27, 2008 at 8:40am, StickyGooeyCreamyChewy said...
The dead oven definitely is a bummer. I keep thinking, “Oh, I think I’ll bake cookies, bread, chicken, etc.” and then I walk over and realize I can’t. It’s like having your hands tied behind your back!
Emiline- I really like the Twitter baloon as well, but Twitter has blocked this app for some reason. The developer is working on a fix.
Grace- I found the raspberry sauce at Williams-Sonoma. It is divine!
RecipeGirl- I have some neighbors and a hungry office staff who are always happy to take leftovers. I also have 2 six year-old nephews who love to get special treats, since usually all they ever get is Chik-fil-a and Happy Meals!
On August 27, 2008 at 9:05am, Glass Slipper Cakery said...
WoW!! Absolutely beautiful!! Niceky done. I am glad we made it through Fay!! Thank goodness you guys didn’t get any rain!! We needed SOME, but NOT that much!!
On August 27, 2008 at 9:07am, Susie Homemaker said...
Geez. I have seen a lot of good looking ones out there today, but this one - WOW!! Amazing Amazing!!
On August 27, 2008 at 9:30am, Tracey said...
Looks gorgeous! I had a few air bubbles too but no biggie. Nice work!
On August 27, 2008 at 9:50am, Teanna said...
So, so, so, so, so, so gorgeous and that wild raspberry dessert sauce sounds SO good!
On August 27, 2008 at 10:25am, Jules Someone said...
This looks just beautiful. We call maple sugar “fairy dust” around here. Nice!
On August 27, 2008 at 11:34am, Katrina said...
Your torte looks beautiful and yummy!
On August 27, 2008 at 11:49am, Andrew's Mom said...
Your torte looks amazing! I would be so sad without my oven (but I’m praying this old piece of junk goes toward the light soon - I want a new one!) Jenny
On August 27, 2008 at 3:27pm, Linda F said...
What a work of art, you wouldnt have wanted to cut into it. Looks incredibly delicious too!
On August 27, 2008 at 7:58pm, Heather B said...
Great job! Love the layers! Looks delicious!
On August 27, 2008 at 9:08pm, Cakelaw said...
This is gorgeous Susan - it takes my breath away.
On August 27, 2008 at 11:20pm, mimi said...
this looks gorgeous, i love the dust on top. and i loved carvel when i was little!
On August 28, 2008 at 4:10am, Foodycat said...
My gosh that is a beautiful dessert. Why won’t my husband eat icecream? It just isn’t fair!
On August 28, 2008 at 2:05pm, My Sweet & Saucy said...
Definitely the perfect party cake…gorgeous and delicious!
On August 28, 2008 at 5:51pm, Ivy said...
This looks so amazing, I am speechless. Wow, wow, wow!
You have talent.
On August 29, 2008 at 8:42am, Nina Timm said...
THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST VERSION OF ALL THE ONES i HAVE SEEN THIS WEEK. BUT I SHOULD NOT BE AMAZED….EVERY-FREAKIN-THING-YOU MAKE IS SO DELICIOUS!!!!
On August 29, 2008 at 6:44pm, Barbara said...
I’ve seen a lot of fabulous ice cream tortes this week, but yours “takes the cake.” Wow!
Hope the oven is fixed / replaced soon.
On August 29, 2008 at 8:25pm, Sarah said...
Oh I could eat this for the next 3 years. Straight. Not even kidding. Looks amazingly delicious!
On August 30, 2008 at 9:20pm, Kristen said...
That is one gorgeous torte! Wow - very impressive.
I love that pink cake stand plate!
On September 03, 2008 at 10:27pm, Chez US said...
WOW! So pro. This is really brilliant! Great job! Sorry that I missed this one, I will have to add it as a must try.
On September 28, 2008 at 8:56pm, Jaime said...
so beautiful. i was wondering what you sprinkled on top to make it so pretty and pink!
On October 07, 2009 at 8:19pm, ValleyWriter said...
I just found this now - and I’m bummed I didn’t find it back in the summer! It looks incredible! Oh well - just something to look forward to making when the weather warms up again. You have a beautiful blog and lots of amazing-looking recipes. I look forward to reading more!