Baskin Robbins Turkey Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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Among the plethora of traditional dishes and desserts on the menu, there’s one unconventional, eye-catching treat that never fails to gather intrigue and excitement: the Baskin Robbins Turkey Ice Cream Cake. Imagine stepping away from the conventional pumpkin pies and pecan tarts and presenting a dessert that looks exactly like a roasted turkey, but surprise—it’s ice cream!

How to make Baskin Robbins Turkey Ice Cream Cake

Baskin Robbins Turkey Ice Cream Cake is a fun and festive ice cream cake offered by Baskin-Robbins, typically around Thanksgiving. The cake is designed to resemble a turkey and is made with layers of ice cream and cake. The ice cream flavors can vary, but they often include a combination of popular choices like chocolate and vanilla.

Ingredients:

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 quarts of your favorite ice cream flavor(s) (Choose flavors that complement each other if you’re going for a layered effect.)
• Caramel sauce (for glazing)
• 2 sugar cones (for the legs)

For Decoration:

• Chocolate frosting (for detailing)
• Candied pecans or pralines (for garnishing)
• Optional: Additional icing or edible decorations to personalize your turkey

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ice Cream

1. Soften the Ice Cream: Leave the ice cream at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until it’s malleable but not melted.
2. Mold the Base: Choose a large, round bowl to act as the body of your turkey. Line the bowl with plastic wrap for easy unmolding later. Scoop the softened ice cream into the bowl, pressing down to eliminate air pockets. If you opt for multiple layers, freeze each layer briefly before adding the next.
3. Shape the “Drumsticks”: For the drumsticks (legs), shape two large scoops of ice cream on a parchment paper-lined tray. Utilize your hands or a utensil to mold them into a leg shape.
4. Freeze: Place the ice cream body and drumsticks back in the freezer until they are completely firm, ideally overnight.

Step 2: Assemble Your Turkey

1. Unmold: Once firm, invert the bowl onto a serving platter to unmold the ice cream body. Position the drumsticks on each side to mimic a turkey.
2. Attach the “Legs”: Use a small dab of softened ice cream or frosting as “glue” to attach the sugar cones to the drumsticks, creating the illusion of legs.

Step 3: Decorate

1. Glaze: Drizzle or brush caramel sauce over the ice cream turkey for a glossy, “roasted” finish.
2. Detailing: Use chocolate frosting to add any desired details, such as wing outlines or feather accents.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle candied pecans or pralines around the turkey for an added festive touch.
4. Serve immediately, or store in the freezer until ready to amaze your guests.

Tips for Success:

• Work Quickly: Ice cream can melt rapidly, especially when you’re molding and shaping it. Try to work in a cool environment and return the ice cream to the freezer if it begins to soften too much.
• Personalization: Feel free to get creative with your decoration. Edible food coloring sprays can add color to your turkey, while different icing and edible decorations can bring it to life in your unique style.
• Serving: A chilled serving platter can help keep your ice cream creation intact for longer, allowing everyone to admire it before it’s devoured.

What to serve with

Pairing the perfect accompaniments with your Baskin Robbins Turkey Ice Cream Cake can elevate the entire dining experience, turning a delightful dessert into an unforgettable holiday feast finale. Since the turkey ice cream cake is already a standout centerpiece, consider complementary sides and beverages that enhance its flavors without overpowering them.

Complementary Desserts:

1. Warm Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from berries, apples, or even a mix of seasonal fruits can offer a lovely contrast in temperature and texture to the ice cream. Plus, the slight acidity and sweetness of the fruit can cut through the richness of the ice cream.

2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps with a hint of vanilla or bourbon, can add a luxurious element to each serving. Its lightness can beautifully complement the denseness of the ice cream.

3. Ginger Cookies: Serve your Baskin Robbins Turkey Ice Cream Cake with a side of ginger cookies for a spicy-sweet crunch. Their warm, aromatic flavors are perfect for the holiday season and provide an interesting textural contrast.

Beverages

1. Dessert Coffees: To accompany the ice cream cake, serve a selection of dessert coffees, such as a rich espresso or a flavored latte. Coffee and ice cream are a classic pairing, and the warmth of the coffee makes it a cozy choice for colder weather.

2. Sweet Dessert Wines: Select a dessert wine that compliments the flavors of your ice cream. For instance, a Sauternes or Moscato d’Asti with its sweet, fruity profile can be a lovely match if your ice cream includes nutty or fruity flavors.

3. Hot Chocolate: For a non-alcoholic and kid-friendly option, serve rich, gourmet hot chocolate. It’s a comforting and indulgent choice that pairs well with nearly any flavor of ice cream.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of the Baskin Robbins Turkey Ice Cream Cake can be a delightful project for the holiday season or any festive occasion. Given its unique nature, you might not find specific ingredients or require substitutes for dietary preferences or restrictions.

Base Substitutes (Ice Cream)

The original uses a variety of ice creams to mimic the look of a turkey dinner, including flavors that replicate the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

• Turkey Flavor Substitute: Since actual ‘turkey-flavored’ ice cream may not be available or appealing for a homemade version, opt for a more universally enjoyed flavor for the ‘turkey’ part, such as vanilla or butter pecan. These flavors offer a neutral base that can be customized with mix-ins or colors.
• Stuffing Flavor Substitute: For the stuffing, pumpkin spice or cinnamon ice cream can mimic traditional stuffing spices without replicating the exact flavor of bread and herbs.
• Cranberry Sauce Flavor Substitute: If you can’t find cranberry ice cream, a raspberry or strawberry sorbet can be a delightful and visually similar substitute, refreshingly contrasting the richer ‘turkey’ and ‘stuffing’ segments.

Glaze Substitutes (Caramel or Fudge)

The ‘skin’ of the turkey is often mimicked using a caramel or chocolate fudge glaze for a glossy finish.

• Caramel Substitute: If you prefer not to use a pre-made caramel sauce, a mix of melted and slightly browned butter with brown sugar and cream can create a simple, homemade caramel. Coconut cream and vegan butter can work with brown sugar for a non-dairy alternative.
• Fudge Substitute: For those avoiding traditional chocolate fudge due to dietary reasons, a dark chocolate ganache with a higher percentage of cocoa can be used. To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.

Decoration Substitutes

The decorations on the Turkey Ice Cream Cake usually include frosting for details like the wings and tail, as well as colored sugar or edible paint for added effect.

• Frosting Substitute: If you need a dairy-free frosting, shortening or non-dairy butter with powdered sugar and plant-based milk can be a suitable alternative. Natural food coloring can replace synthetic dyes for any color work.
• Edible Paint Substitute: For a healthier or allergy-friendly option, mix a small amount of natural food powders (beet for red, spirulina for green, turmeric for yellow) with a bit of vodka or lemon extract to create natural edible paint.
• Feather Effect Substitute: Instead of using fondant or sugary decorations for the feathers, thinly sliced almonds or shaved chocolate can create a textured, feather-like appearance with a more natural approach.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Baskin Robbins Turkey Ice Cream Cake is not just about following a recipe—it’s about infusing fun, creativity, and personal touch into your holiday celebrations.

More Ice Cream Cake Recipes:

• Copycat Reese’s Ice Cream Cake Recipe
• Homemade Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe
• Copycat Salt and Straw Ice Cream Cake Recipe