Ina Garten Bailey’s & Cream needs 4 ingredients, no oven, and five minutes. She spent a day testing ice cream and liqueur combos in her kitchen, and this easy no-cook dessert won hands down. Pull it together for a dinner party when baking isn’t on the menu.
Get the ice cream and sorbet soft enough to scoop but not melted, so the textures stay separate in the bowl. Sorbet adds an icy bite that plain ice cream can’t match, and that contrast is what makes this one work.
Source: Go-To Dinners (2022)
Ina Garten Bailey’s & Cream
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings5
minutes550
kcalScoops of vanilla ice cream and coffee sorbet layered in a bowl, soaked with Bailey’s Irish Cream, and topped with crunchy toasted pecans.
Ingredients
4 scoops good vanilla ice cream, such as Häagen-Dazs
4 scoops good coffee sorbet, such as Talenti Cold Brew Coffee Sorbetto
Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur
Toasted chopped pecans
Directions
- Soften and scoop: Soften the ice cream and sorbet in a microwave until it’s scoopable but not melted.
- Assemble the bowls: Place one large scoop of vanilla ice cream and one or two large scoops of coffee sorbet in each bowl.
- Add toppings and serve: Pour on the Bailey’s Irish Cream and sprinkle each dessert with toasted pecans. Serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use coffee ice cream instead of coffee sorbet?
You can, but the texture changes quite a bit. Sorbet has an icy bite that contrasts with the smooth ice cream, and that contrast is what makes this dessert special. With two ice creams, everything blends into one texture instead of two distinct layers.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
This one is best made right when you serve it. The sorbet melts faster than ice cream, so it turns soupy after about 10 minutes. Scoop everything into bowls, pour the Bailey’s, and bring them straight to the table.
What can I substitute for Bailey’s Irish Cream?
Kahlua works well if you want to double down on coffee flavor. Amaretto gives it a nutty twist that pairs nicely with the pecans. Use the same amount you would with Bailey’s.
Do I need to toast the pecans myself?
You can buy pre-toasted pecans, but toasting your own takes about 5 minutes in a 350 degree oven and the flavor is noticeably better. Spread them on a sheet pan in a single layer. Watch them closely because they burn fast once they start to brown.
How do I soften the ice cream without melting it?
Microwave each container for 15 to 20 seconds on low power. You want the texture soft enough to scoop cleanly but still holding its shape. If it goes too far and gets soupy, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes before scooping.
