There’s something incredibly charming and delicious about a waffle turned into a fun, sweet treat, and that’s exactly what the Heart Shaped Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe brings to your kitchen. Imagine fluffy, perfectly shaped heart waffles hugging your favorite creamy ice cream, dotted with the magic of rich chocolate ganache and colorful sprinkles—this dessert is a heartwarming celebration wrapped in every bite. It’s a playful yet elegant way to make any day feel special, combining textures and flavors that are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Heart Shaped Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe is surprisingly simple to pull together, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor. Gather these essentials to make your dessert both delightful and unforgettable.
- Waffles (homemade or store bought): These form the cozy, buttery base and top of your sandwich, ideally heart shaped to keep things festive.
- 1 pint ice cream of your choice: The star filling—pick your favorite to match your mood or the occasion.
- 16 oz good quality chocolate chips: Essential for the silky, decadent chocolate ganache that adds richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what transforms the chocolate chips into a smooth, luscious ganache coating.
- Heart shaped sprinkles: These bring a whimsical touch of color and texture, perfect for brightening up your dessert.
How to Make Heart Shaped Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Start by placing your chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Then gently heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips but resist the urge to stir right away. Let this sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This waiting game allows the cream to melt the chocolate perfectly, setting you up for the creamiest ganache.
Step 2: Whisk to Perfection
After the 5-minute rest, whisk the chocolate and cream together in slow, circular motions starting from the center, working outward. Keep going until the ganache is silky smooth and lump-free. This glossy chocolate will be the decadent seal for your waffle sandwiches.
Step 3: Assemble the Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
Take one heart shaped waffle and spread or scoop a generous layer of your chosen ice cream on top. Place a second waffle on top to form a sandwich. If your waffles are warm, allow them to cool first so the ice cream doesn’t melt too fast. Then, dip or brush the edges of the sandwiches with your chocolate ganache to coat them beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Sprinkles
Before the ganache sets, sprinkle the edges with heart shaped sprinkles to add a festive, crunchy finish. This step not only boosts the visual appeal but also puts a sweet surprise in every bite.
How to Serve Heart Shaped Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
While the sprinkles add a playful touch, you can also serve these sandwiches with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These garnishes add layers of flavor and a bit of elegance, turning your treats into a show-stopping dessert.
Side Dishes
Pair your Heart Shaped Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe with a light fruit salad or a refreshing mint-infused lemonade. These sides help balance the richness of the dessert and keep your palate engaged.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can be everything, especially when you’re showing off a dish this cute. Serve the sandwiches on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper or a doily and sprinkle extra heart sprinkles around for a fun, festive vibe. You could also stack a few together for a stunning dessert tower at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and who wouldn’t?), wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep the waffles from drying out and prevent ice cream from absorbing freezer odors.
Freezing
Freezing your Heart Shaped Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe is the best way to preserve their freshness. Freeze them individually on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This makes for easy grab-and-go treats later.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy again, let the waffle ice cream sandwiches thaw at room temperature for a few minutes so the ice cream softens slightly without melting completely. Avoid microwaving as it can make the waffles soggy and the ice cream melt too fast.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought waffles for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought heart shaped waffles save time and still deliver great flavor, making this recipe accessible and quick to prepare.
What flavors of ice cream work best?
Classic vanilla or chocolate are crowd-pleasers, but don’t hesitate to get creative with strawberry, mint chip, or even salted caramel to tailor your sandwiches to your taste.
How long can I store these sandwiches in the freezer?
They can be kept in the freezer for up to two weeks without sacrificing taste or texture, perfect for making ahead for parties or treats.
Is there a way to make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free waffles, a plant-based ice cream, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream to keep the ganache creamy and vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare the chocolate ganache ahead of time?
Certainly, the ganache can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before using to bring back its spreadable texture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Heart Shaped Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe is not just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s about bringing a smile to the faces of everyone you share it with. This recipe is a wonderful way to blend whimsy with comfort, turning simple ingredients into a joyful experience. I encourage you to try it out, whether for a special occasion or just because—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with sweetness and love.
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Heart Shaped Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including freezing)
- Yield: 8 ice cream sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these charming Heart Shaped Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches, featuring fluffy waffles paired with creamy ice cream, then dipped in a luscious homemade chocolate ganache and finished with festive heart-shaped sprinkles. Perfect for a fun and romantic treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Waffles
- Waffles – homemade or store bought (quantity as needed for 8 sandwiches)
Ice Cream
- 1 pint ice cream of your choice
Chocolate Ganache
- 16 oz good quality chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Toppings
- Heart shaped sprinkles (as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Place the 16 oz of chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and set aside.
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 cup of heavy cream just until it is about to boil, watching carefully to avoid overheating.
- Combine Cream and Chocolate: Turn off the stove and immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Do not stir; let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.
- Mix Ganache: After 5 minutes, use a whisk or spatula to stir gently in a circular motion from the center outwards until the ganache is smooth, fully combined, and lump-free.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Sandwich your choice of ice cream between two heart-shaped waffles, then carefully dip the edges of the sandwich into the chocolate ganache, allowing excess to drip off.
- Add Sprinkles: Immediately decorate the ganache-coated edges with heart shaped sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Freeze: Place the assembled sandwiches on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour to set the ganache and firm up the ice cream before serving.
Notes
- Waffles can be toasted lightly before assembling for extra crispness.
- Use firm ice cream to prevent melting during assembly.
- Feel free to customize with different ice cream flavors or sprinkle designs.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut cream and vegan chocolate chips.
- Ganache can be reheated gently if it hardens before dipping.
