How to Make Chocolate Coated Vanilla Ice Cream Bar (Traditional & Healthy Version)
The Chocolate Coated Vanilla Ice Cream Bar is a beloved Indian dessert, often enjoyed during hot summers and festive occasions. This indulgent treat pairs creamy vanilla ice cream with a crisp chocolate shell, evoking nostalgia for childhood days when street vendors and ice cream carts brought delight to every neighborhood. In India, ice cream bars have become a staple at celebrations like birthdays, Holi, and family gatherings, offering a sweet respite from the heat. This health-conscious recipe gives a classic favorite a nutritious twist by using homemade vanilla ice cream crafted from low-fat milk (doodh) and natural vanilla, enveloped in a rich dark chocolate coating. The use of gud (jaggery) or coconut sugar as a sweetener keeps it lower on the glycemic index, making it suitable for calorie trackers. Relish this guilt-free delight, which brings together the magic of Indian flavors and festival cheer, all in a frozen bar!
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · In a heavy-bottomed pan
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring low-fat milk to a gentle boil. In a small bowl, mix cornflour with 2 tbsp cold milk to form a slurry.
Step 2 · Add the cornflour slurry to the boiling milk
Add the cornflour slurry to the boiling milk, stirring constantly. Simmer until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency.
Step 3 · Remove from heat
Remove from heat. Mix in jaggery powder or coconut sugar and pure vanilla extract. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Step 4 · Pour the mixture into ice cream bar moulds
Pour the mixture into ice cream bar moulds. Insert sticks and freeze for 6-8 hours or until completely set.
Step 5 · For the chocolate coating
For the chocolate coating, melt dark chocolate and coconut oil together over a double boiler or in a microwave. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 6 · Unmould frozen vanilla bars
Unmould frozen vanilla bars. Dip each into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Quickly sprinkle with chopped dry fruits if using.
Step 7 · Place coated bars on a tray lined with butter paper and freeze for ...
Place coated bars on a tray lined with butter paper and freeze for 10 minutes to set the shell.
Why this recipe is healthy
By using low-fat milk, natural sweeteners, and dark chocolate, this recipe offers an indulgent dessert with less sugar and saturated fat. The inclusion of dry fruits enhances nutrition, and the absence of preservatives or artificial flavors makes it a cleaner choice. It’s a healthier alternative to commercial ice cream bars, suitable even for those watching their calorie intake.
A note on tradition
Ice cream bars are widely enjoyed across India, especially during summer festivals like Holi and family functions. While not originally from any specific Indian region, their popularity has led to creative adaptations using local ingredients like jaggery, nuts, and spices. In cities and small towns, these treats are often associated with childhood memories and festive indulgence, making them a must-have during celebrations.