Learn How To Make A Homemade Viennetta Ice Cream Dessert

Last Updated on June 8, 2024 by Cherie

Learn to make a Homemade Viennetta Ice Cream Dessert. Create layers of rich chocolate and creamy goodness for a decadent treat. Perfect for any occasion!

In this article, we’re going to take you back to a classic frozen dessert that you might remember from special occasions or family gatherings: Viennetta. And we’re not just reminiscing here, we’re going to show you how to recreate the magic of this fancy ice cream dessert right in your kitchen.

And don’t worry, while it looks complex, when we break it down, you’ll see that it’s quite achievable with a little patience and the right guidance.

Viennetta’s origin story begins in the 1980s, introduced by the dessert masters at Walls, UK. Making this classic ice cream dessert over 40 years old! This uniquely layered ice cream dessert came to symbolise a touch of luxury, often reserved for celebrations. Decades later, its appeal hasn’t faded, but the dessert itself can be harder to find in shops and stores.

Why choose the homemade route with Viennetta? Well, first, there’s the fun and accomplishment of handcrafting a dessert that’s both visually appealing and delicious. Second, you have the freedom to select quality ingredients, cater to any dietary preferences, and ensure the freshest possible creation.

It’s not just about rekindling those nostalgic tastes; it’s also about customising this classic to suit your palate and that of your family’s too.

The experience of making and enjoying Viennetta is a treat for the senses: the contrast of smooth, creamy layers with brittle chocolate, the pleasant chill on your tongue, and the beauty of its signature waves and chocolate layers.

Now, if that’s got you excited, let’s gather our ingredients and we’ll guide you through selecting the finest components to craft your own spectacular Viennetta.

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Guide to Quality Selection

Great ingredients are not just the foundation of taste, they’re also about texture and structure. The focus here is on quality because when you’re creating a dessert as delicate as Viennetta, every element matters.

You’ll find out about choosing the right type of cream, which is pivotal for achieving a luxuriously creamy texture. Double Cream (aka Heavy Cream) with high-fat content, typically around 36%, works best because it whips well and holds air, giving us that light, yet rich mouthfeel synonymous with Viennetta.

Selecting the finest chocolate for layering is next; and trust me, it makes all the difference. The quality of chocolate dictates the final flavour and the snap of those iconic layers. Opt for higher percentage cacao for a deeper flavour. Chocolate that’s around 60-70% cacao strikes a perfect balance between bitter and sweet.

If you have any dietary restrictions, then there are alternative ingredients that you can use, for instance, you can replace dairy cream with coconut cream for a vegan alternative, and consider allergy-friendly chocolate options that don’t compromise on taste.

Viennetta Ice Cream Dessert Recipe & Method:

Listed below is all you’ll need to make a Viennette Ice Cream Dessert with a quick method guide to prepare your own. We will talk you through in greater detail each stage of creating this classic in the following sections:

Ingredients required:

• 500ml double cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100g dark chocolate, melted

Quick Method:

• In a large mixing bowl, whip the double cream until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold in the vanilla extract until well combined.
• Pour a layer of the mixture into a loaf tin lined with parchment paper.
• Drizzle a layer of the melted dark chocolate over the mixture.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining cream mixture and melted chocolate.
• Use a knife to create swirls in the mixture for a marbled effect.
• Freeze the Viennetta ice cream dessert for at least 6 hours or until set.
• Once frozen, remove from the tin, slice, and serve.

We haven’t added any sugar or sweetener, as we feel the chocolate provides sufficient sweetness, but if you like a sweeter dessert, you can add your preferred sweetener at step 2. Best to add a little, then taste and again until you have reached your desired taste preference.

If you have special dietary needs, below is a recipe and method that provides alternative ingredients:

Ingredients (alternative diets):

• 400ml coconut cream (chilled overnight)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100g dairy-free dark chocolate, melted

Quick Method (alternative diets):

• Chill the can of coconut cream in the refrigerator overnight.
• Open the can of coconut cream and scoop out the solidified coconut cream into a mixing bowl, leaving behind any liquid.
• Whip the coconut cream until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold in the vanilla extract until well combined.
• Proceed with steps 3-8 as in the previous recipe, using the alternative ingredients.

Mastering the Technique: Step-by-Step Layering

If you want to create an authentic homemade Viennetta, the magic lies in the layering. This stage isn’t just about stacking cream and chocolate; it’s also about achieving the right texture and balance of flavours.

Too much cream versus the chocolate can make the end result a tad sickly, you require the correct balance of chocolate to temper the creaminess and the same can be said vise versa. Too much chocolate or perhaps if the chocolate is too thick, can unbalance the flavours and you lose a little something in recreating this classic dessert.

So to get going, you start by whipping the cream until it holds stiff peaks. You’re looking for a texture that’s airy yet stable enough to support the delicate chocolate layers you’ll be adding.

Here’s a quick tip: chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer beforehand. This helps the cream whip up faster and increases its volume.

When it comes to the chocolate, you need a smooth, thin consistency that will harden into crisp layers. Melt your chocolate gently, either in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.

Pour the chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading it out to create a thin sheet. Place this into the freezer for 20 minutes to help it set. Once set, break it into shards that will fit the container you’re using for your Viennetta. Don’t worry too much about perfect shapes; the irregular shards add character to your dessert.

Your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last. You can always adjust as you master your craft.

Layer the cream and chocolate shards systematically, smoothing out each cream layer before adding chocolate. Repeat this process until you’ve built up multiple layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.

This methodical approach ensures that every slice of your homemade Viennetta will have that perfect creamy crunch. You could place the layered dessert in the freezer between each chocolate addition; this will keep the layers distinct and prevent the chocolate from sinking into the cream.

And once you’ve mastered the basics, you might be inspired to personalise your Viennetta.

Choose something that resonates with you, like mixing a splash of liqueur into the cream or adding a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the chocolate layers.

Decorating Your Viennetta: Tips for a Show-Stopping Presentation

Now what’s a beautiful dessert without a little bit of dazzle? Decorating your homemade Viennetta isn’t just about the flavours, it’s also about visual appeal. Think of it as the icing on the cake—or, in this instance, the garnish on the ice cream!

First, consider your toppings. You can always go classic with a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. If you’re feeling extra creative, how about a few edible flowers or chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance or even some slithers of gold leaf?

Creating that signature Viennetta look is all about those waves. After your final cream layer, take a fork and gently drag it across to create peaks and valleys. This not only looks outstanding but also creates little pockets that catch the toppings perfectly.

The key to a great presentation is thinking about the contrast. If you’ve used white cream, darker toppings can really work visually. If you want to maintain a minimalist aesthetic, stick with a monochrome palette and maybe just a subtle dusting of cocoa powder.

As for plating, a long, flat dish emphasises the layering and shows off your hard work. When it’s time to serve, think about the backdrop: a clear glass plate can showcase the Viennetta’s layers beautifully from the side.

And remember, Viennetta is traditionally known as white cream with dark chocolate, but there’s nothing to stop you from trying out other flavours and colours too. How about trying a Mint green version? Once you get comfortable with creating this dessert, you may want to try other variations out.

Remember, you eat first with your eyes. So, taking a bit of time to adorn your Viennetta not only makes it more inviting but it’s also a way of saying you care about the whole experience.

Enjoying Your Creation: Best Practices for Serving and Storage

The final act of your homemade Viennetta experience is all about savouring the flavours and appreciating the textures. To do that, you’ll want to serve it at just the right moment.

Generally, Viennetta should be served slightly softened for the full benefit of it’s creamy and chocolatey flavours to shine through.

You’re probably curious about the best way to slice into your masterpiece without destroying the delicate layers you’ve meticulously created. Using a sharp, warmed knife will make cutting cleaner and easier. Simply run the blade under hot water, and you’re ready to cut through the ice cream with precision.

If you’re not likely to polish off the entire dessert in one go (though we can’t blame you if you did!), storing your Viennetta properly is crucial for maintaining its quality. The trick is to cover it with cling film / plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn, then place it in an airtight container. When stored like this, your Viennetta can retain its fabulous flavour and crisp texture for up to two weeks.

We hope you find great joy in both making and indulging in your homemade Viennetta.

It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress guests or simply elevate your own dessert experience at home. Remember, don’t rush the process, enjoy each step, and the end result will be worth it.

We hope you have enjoyed our article, focusing on the classic that is a Viennetta Ice Cream Dessert and we hope that we have inspired you to give this recipe a go yourself.

If you have any questions, please feel free to drop us a comment below and we’ll happily get back to you. And of course, if you do give our recipe a try, we would love to hear from you on how you get on.

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