Copycat Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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Salt and Straw, the artisanal ice cream company known for its innovative and mouth-watering flavors, has set the bar high with their ice cream cakes. Drawing inspiration from their repertoire, I went on a cake experiment to capture the essence of what makes their cakes so special. And let me tell you, the journey was as delightful as the destination! This homemade Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake recipe is so easy and fast to make

How to make Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake

Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake is a delightful dessert created by the popular ice cream shop known for its artisanal flavors. The cake typically features layers of their unique ice creams, often combined with cake layers, creamy frosting, and various toppings.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk

For the Homemade Ice Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling and Garnish:

• 1 cup of your favorite jam or fruit preserves (like blackberry to mimic Salt and Straw’s blend)
• Sprinkles, for garnish
• Optional: Whipped cream for layering

Instructions:

Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Making the Ice Cream:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Churn: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
3. Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid, approximately 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Slice Cake: Once your cake is cooled, use a serrated knife to carefully slice it horizontally into two even layers.
2. Layer Ice Cream: Place the bottom layer of cake on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of homemade ice cream over the cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
3. Add Filling: Spread jam or preserves over the ice cream layer for an added flavor twist.
4. Second Layer: Carefully place the second layer of cake on top of the ice cream.
5. Freeze: Return the assembled cake to the freezer and let it firm up for at least 2 hours.
6. Serve: When ready to serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier slicing. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles as desired.

Tips for Success:

• Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different cake flavors or ice cream mix-ins. Salt and Straw is known for their imaginative blends, so don’t hesitate to get creative.
• Smooth Layers: Consider using a springform pan for easier assembly and release for neat layers.
• Keep It Cold: Work quickly when assembling to prevent the ice cream from melting. Keep the cake chilled until just before serving.
• Presentation: A warm knife (run under hot water and dried) will make slicing the ice cream cake easier and give you clean, smooth cuts.

What to serve with

When serving an indulgent dessert like Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake, it’s important to balance the richness with other items that complement its flavors and textures.

Beverages:

Hot Drinks:

• Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of ice cream cake, helping to enhance the flavors while providing a warm contrast to the cold dessert.
• Espresso: A strong shot of espresso, perhaps served as an affogato with a small scoop of the ice cream from the cake, can create a delightful combination.
• Tea: Choose a tea that matches well with the flavors in your Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake. For example, a blackberry preserve filling could pair nicely with a floral black tea or an herbal berry infusion.

Cold Drinks:

• Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk is always a safe bet with any cake or sweet dessert.
• Iced Coffee: An iced coffee can provide a refreshing and bold contrast on warmer days.
• Sparkling Water: A splash of fizzy water helps cleanse the palate between bites and offsets the sweetness.

Complementary Sweets & Snacks:

• Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries or seasonal fruit slices offer a tart, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the ice cream and cake.
• Nuts: Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the softness of the cake.
• Chocolate Shavings or Sauce: If your ice cream cake flavor profiles align, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or some shavings can enhance the chocolatey elements, if present.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake involves selecting high-quality ingredients that match the innovative and rich flavors Salt and Straw is known for. However, depending on dietary preferences, allergies, or availability of ingredients, you might need alternatives.

Ice Cream Substitutes:

• Dairy Free/Vegan Options: Choose coconut, almond, or cashew milk-based ice creams. Brands like So Delicious and Ben & Jerry’s offer a range of dairy-free options that can work well in ice cream cakes.
• Reduced Sugar Options: Look for ice cream brands that offer reduced sugar or sugar-free versions. Substitute sugar in homemade recipes with stevia or monk fruit sweetener in a ratio that achieves your desired level of sweetness.

Cake Layer Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free Flour: If you’re making the cake layers from scratch, substitute the regular all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Flour both offer 1:1 baking flour that can be used as an easy substitute.
• Egg-Free Alternates: For egg allergies or vegan preferences, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes until thickened).

3. Sweeteners:

• Natural Sweeteners: Substitute refined sugar with coconut sugar, agave syrup, or maple syrup in both the ice cream and cake recipes. Note that liquids like agave and maple syrup might alter the texture, so adjust the quantity of liquid ingredients accordingly.

Mix-ins and Flavors:

• Nut-Free Options: For people with nut allergies, use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin as a crunchy mix-in instead of nuts. Seed butters can also replace nut butters in any recipe.
• Chocolate: Use cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips for a healthier substitute. If you need a non-dairy alternative, look for dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Fruit: When specific fruits are out of season, frozen fruits are a great alternative. Ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained to avoid extra moisture in your cake.

Frosting and Decorations:

• Dairy-Free Frosting: Use coconut cream or vegan butter as a base for your frosting to keep it dairy-free.
• Food Coloring: Opt for natural food coloring made from vegetables or fruits to avoid synthetic dyes if you’re coloring your frosting or decorations.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a homemade version of a Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake that promises to bring a piece of artisanal dessert craftsmanship into your home.