Playful Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe for Sweet Fun

These classic Sicilian ice cream sandwiches dance between crisp brioche and creamy gelato, offering a delightful Mediterranean treat that melts hearts instantly.

Summer afternoons in Sicily pulse with sweet traditions and delectable moments.

Street vendors craft these beloved desserts with generations of culinary wisdom.

Cool, soft gelato nestles between golden, pillowy brioche rolls, creating a sensory experience that transports you directly to sun-drenched Italian streets.

Local bakers have perfected this simple yet extraordinary combination for decades.

Each bite whispers stories of Sicilian summers, rich with flavor and nostalgic charm.

Dive into this authentic recipe and savor a taste of pure Italian happiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery bread that provides a rich, tender foundation for the ice cream, select fresh, high-quality buns with a golden crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps create a crispy, golden-brown toasted surface for the buns, choose European-style butter for enhanced flavor.

• Gelato: Creamy Italian-style ice cream with intense flavor, select premium flavors that complement each other, allow to soften slightly for easy scooping.

• Flaky Sea Salt: Adds a delicate crunch and enhances the overall sweetness, use a high-quality salt like Maldon for a sophisticated finishing note.

Tools Needed for Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches

• 12-inch skillet: Heavy-bottomed cast iron preferred for even toasting.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing and toasting buns.
• Measuring tablespoon: Helps accurately measure butter for toasting.
• Spatula or tongs: Essential for flipping and transferring toasted buns.
• Ice cream scoop: Creates perfect gelato portions for the sandwiches.
• Knife: Used for splitting brioche buns evenly.

How to Make Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Gelato Preparation

Let gelato rest at room temperature to become soft and spreadable.

• Brioche Toasting

Split brioche buns and crisp them in a skillet with a touch of butter until golden and warm.

• Skillet Technique

Use a cast iron pan to create a perfect toasted surface, swirling butter to coat evenly.

• Seasoning Touch

Sprinkle a delicate pinch of sea salt over the toasted bun surfaces to enhance flavor complexity.

• Cooling Moment

Allow toasted buns to rest briefly, letting them reach an ideal temperature for gelato pairing.

• Gelato Assembly

Generously layer soft gelato onto bottom bun halves, creating a creamy foundation.

• Sandwich Completion

Gently press top bun halves onto gelato, creating a delightful Sicilian-style ice cream sandwich ready to enjoy.

Creative Tips for Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Warm brioche buns slowly in the skillet to develop a rich, golden-brown color without burning, ensuring a crispy exterior that perfectly complements the creamy gelato.
• Mix and match gelato flavors like pistachio, chocolate, and stracciatella to create unique combinations that reflect traditional Sicilian taste profiles.
• Allow gelato to soften just enough for easy scooping, but not so much that it becomes runny – aim for a smooth, spreadable consistency that holds its shape.
• Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the toasted buns to elevate the sweetness of the gelato and add a subtle, sophisticated flavor contrast.
• Prepare the ice cream sandwiches ahead of time by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and freezing for up to 2 hours before serving to maintain perfect texture and shape.

Best Ways to Serve Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Summer Beach Picnic Companion: Pack these sandwiches in a cooler with ice packs for a refreshing oceanside treat that will delight friends and family.
• Festive Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange these gelato sandwiches on a beautiful platter with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant dinner party finale.
• Kid-Friendly Customization Station: Let children choose their favorite gelato flavors and create personalized combinations, making dessert time a fun interactive experience.
• Gourmet Drizzle Enhancement: Add a quick drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel, or fruit coulis over the top of each sandwich to elevate the dessert's presentation and flavor profile.

How to Keep Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches Fresh

• Cool Chill Strategy: Enjoy these Sicilian ice cream sandwiches right after assembly to maintain the perfect gelato texture and crispy brioche crunch.
• Quick Serving Window: Consume within 10-15 minutes of preparation to experience the optimal temperature and flavor balance between warm toasted buns and cold gelato.
• Smart Leftover Management: If any sandwiches remain, wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 days, allowing quick recovery for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Temperature Handling Tip: Keep gelato in the refrigerator before serving, removing it 5-10 minutes prior to softening, which ensures smooth scooping and easier sandwich construction.

Dreamy Sicilian Ice Cream Sandwiches

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cannoli-inspired Sicilian ice cream sandwiches blend classic Italian flavors with creamy gelato nestled between crisp, sweet shells. Ricotta and pistachio notes create a delectable dessert that transports you straight to Sicily’s charming streets.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 brioche buns
• 2 pints (0.95 kg) gelato (pistachio, stracciatella, hazelnut, or combination)
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) unsalted butter
• Flaky sea salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Retrieve gelato from freezer and let it soften naturally to achieve spreadable consistency.
2. Brioche Transformation: Slice brioche buns horizontally, creating distinct top and bottom sandwich components.
3. Toasting Technique: Heat cast iron skillet over medium flame, melt butter to ensure complete pan coverage, and position bun halves cut-side down for golden caramelization.
4. Bread Crafting: Monitor toasting process carefully, achieving rich caramel hue within 2-3 minutes, then transfer to cutting board and garnish with sea salt flakes.
5. Cooling Interval: Allow toasted brioche to rest and stabilize for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring structural integrity.
6. Assembly: Layer softened gelato generously onto bottom bun halves, creating a luxurious creamy center.
7. Final Composition: Delicately press corresponding top bun halves onto gelato, forming a compact, cohesive Sicilian ice cream sandwich.
8. Serving Recommendation: Present sandwiches immediately to maintain optimal temperature and textural harmony.

Notes

• Soften Gelato Strategically: Remove gelato 5-10 minutes before assembly to achieve perfect spreadable consistency without melting completely.
• Toast Brioche Precisely: Watch carefully during skillet toasting to achieve golden-brown color without burning, which takes exactly 2-3 minutes.
• Salt Enhances Flavor: Sprinkle sea salt flakes immediately after toasting to elevate the sweet-savory profile and create complex taste dimensions.
• Serve Swiftly: Assemble and consume sandwiches immediately to maintain ideal temperature, texture, and prevent gelato from becoming too runny.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg