Aloe vera is a well-known ingredient, celebrated for its many health benefits, including its ability to hydrate skin, aid digestion, and soothe sunburns. But did you know that aloe vera can also be used in desserts, particularly ice cream? This super plant, with its refreshing and slightly tangy taste, is a surprising yet delightful addition to ice cream recipes. Aloe vera ice cream sandwiches are a unique twist on the classic dessert, combining the plant's natural properties with creamy, sweet indulgence.
In this blog, we will guide you step by step on how to make aloe vera ice cream sandwiches from scratch, starting with homemade aloe vera ice cream and finishing with the creation of the sandwich cookies. With this dessert, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds—a creamy, cold treat with a health-conscious ingredient that offers a refreshing take on the typical ice cream sandwich.
Ingredients for Aloe Vera Ice Cream Sandwiches
Before diving into the recipe, let's first gather all the necessary ingredients for both the aloe vera ice cream and the sandwich cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Aloe Vera Ice Cream:
2 cups fresh aloe vera gel (preferably from a home-grown plant)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to add a slight citrus zing)
For the Sandwich Cookies:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional if you want chocolate cookies)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Preparing the Aloe Vera Gel
The first step is to extract and prepare your aloe vera gel. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can easily harvest the gel by cutting a mature leaf and scooping out the inside gel with a spoon. Rinse the gel thoroughly to remove any latex residue (which can have a bitter taste) and blend it until it becomes a smooth puree.
Alternatively, you can use store-bought aloe vera gel, but make sure it's food-grade and not mixed with any unnecessary chemicals. The fresh gel will provide the best flavor and health benefits.
2. Making the Aloe Vera Ice Cream Base
Once your aloe vera gel is prepared, it’s time to make the ice cream base. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, fold in the pureed aloe vera gel.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice. It enhances the refreshing quality of the aloe vera and balances the sweetness of the cream.
3. Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the aloe vera ice cream mixture into an ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer's instructions. This should take about 20-25 minutes, depending on your machine. The mixture will start to thicken and turn into soft-serve consistency.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can also use a no-churn method by freezing the mixture in a shallow dish. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals until you achieve a creamy texture (this usually takes 4-5 hours).
4. Freeze the Ice Cream
Once the ice cream has reached the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a firmer texture. While the ice cream freezes, you can start making the cookies for your sandwich.
5. Preparing the Sandwich Cookies
To make the cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
For classic vanilla cookies, omit the cocoa powder. However, if you want a more decadent chocolate-aloe combination, the cocoa powder will give your sandwiches a rich, chocolatey twist.
6. Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon or a fork to gently flatten each ball, giving them the iconic ice cream sandwich shape.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Assembling the Aloe Vera Ice Cream Sandwiches
Now that you have your aloe vera ice cream and cookies ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches! Start by placing a scoop of the aloe vera ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, pressing down gently to create the sandwich. For a neater presentation, use a butter knife or spatula to smooth out any excess ice cream around the edges.
If you want to get creative, you can roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or even sprinkles for added texture and flavor.
8. Freeze and Serve
Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour to firm up. Once they’ve set, your aloe vera ice cream sandwiches are ready to enjoy!
These sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week, making them a perfect treat to have on hand for hot summer days or after-dinner desserts.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera in Desserts
Aloe vera might seem like an unconventional ingredient in ice cream, but it brings unique health benefits to the table. Aloe vera is known for its hydrating properties, which can help you stay cool and refreshed, especially during the summer. Additionally, aloe vera is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, which promote healthy skin and digestion.
Incorporating aloe vera into desserts, like these ice cream sandwiches, allows you to enjoy its benefits while indulging in a sweet treat. The plant’s subtle, slightly tangy flavor also pairs surprisingly well with creamy textures, creating a balanced and refreshing dessert.
Final Thoughts
Aloe vera ice cream sandwiches are a unique, refreshing, and slightly healthier alternative to traditional ice cream sandwiches. The blend of the cool, creamy aloe vera ice cream with soft, homemade cookies creates a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. This dessert is sure to surprise and impress your family and friends with its creativity and delicious taste.
So the next time you’re looking for an inventive dessert, why not try aloe vera ice cream sandwiches? With their refreshing aloe vera gel base and indulgent cookie layers, they offer a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of this incredible plant in a fun, summer-ready dessert. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be amazed by how well aloe vera works in an ice cream sandwich!
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