Golden Gaytime, an iconic Australian ice cream bar since the 1950s, combines creamy vanilla ice cream with a crunchy biscuit crumb layer, caramel coating, and a thin chocolate layer. This delicious dessert offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a favorite in Australia and beyond. While indulgent, it provides some key nutrition like calcium and protein from the ice cream, which can help strengthen bones and muscles. However, the caramel and chocolate coatings add sugar and fats, which, if consumed in excess, can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Moderation is key to enjoying this iconic dessert while maintaining a balanced diet.
ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup biscuit crumbs (e.g., shortbread or digestive biscuits)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 4 wooden popsicle sticks
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use low-fat vanilla ice cream or non-dairy alternatives such as almond ice cream or oat milk.
- Replace regular caramel sauce with a sugar-free version to reduce the amount of added sugars. Or, you can make your own caramel sauce using stevia or other natural sweeteners.
- Choose dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage (e.g., 85% or higher) as it contains less sugar and is rich in antioxidants.
- Replace regular cookies with whole grain or gluten-free cookies to meet specific dietary needs.
Here are the steps to make Golden Gaytime ice cream bars:
- Soften the vanilla ice cream by leaving it at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, spread out the biscuit crumbs.
- Take a scoop of the softened ice cream and shape it into a rectangular shape, roughly the size of a popsicle.
- Roll the ice cream rectangle in the biscuit crumbs until it is fully coated.
- Place the ice cream rectangle onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and insert a wooden popsicle stick into one end.
- Repeat with the remaining ice cream and biscuit crumbs until you have four ice cream bars.
- Place the baking tray in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up the ice cream.
- Once the ice cream bars are firm, take them out of the freezer and drizzle them with caramel sauce. You can use a spoon to spread the caramel over the surface of the ice cream.
- Place the ice cream bars back in the freezer for another 10-15 minutes to set the caramel.
- 10- In a small bowl, melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Take the ice cream bars out of the freezer and dip them into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to coat the sides.
- Place the ice cream bars back on the baking tray and return them to the freezer for at least an hour, or until the chocolate is fully set.
Notes:
- Eating too much of this ice cream can have negative health effects. The combination of sugar, fat, and calories can lead to weight gain if consumed regularly without proper balance.
- High sugar content can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of diabetes.
- The fats in caramel and chocolate coatings, especially saturated fats, can raise cholesterol levels and negatively impact heart health if consumed in excess.
- To make the biscuit crumbs, you can crush plain biscuits in a food processor or put them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- If you don't have popsicle sticks, you can use wooden skewers or even plastic spoons.
- You can customize this recipe by adding nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings to the biscuit crumbs or chocolate coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Golden Gaytime ice cream bars be stored in the freezer for a long time?
- Yes, Golden Gaytime ice cream bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To keep them fresh, ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Can the recipe be adapted for special dietary needs (like gluten-free or dairy-free)?
- Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free biscuits or substitute the biscuit crumbs with crushed gluten-free cereals. For a dairy-free version, opt for non-dairy ice cream made from almond, soy, or coconut milk, and make sure the caramel sauce is dairy-free as well.
Can I reduce the sugar or fat content in the recipe?
- Yes, you can reduce the sugar and fat content by using sugar-free ice cream, sugar-free caramel sauce, or dark chocolate with a lower sugar content. Opting for low-fat or non-dairy alternatives will also help cut down on fat without compromising the flavor too much.
Can the recipe be adjusted to be suitable for children or individuals with food allergies?
- Yes, adjustments can be made to cater to children’s preferences or food allergies:
- For children, reduce the sweetness or opt for a more playful topping such as colorful sprinkles or mini marshmallows.
- For allergy concerns, substitute common allergens (like dairy and gluten) with allergy-friendly alternatives. For instance, use dairy-free ice cream and gluten-free biscuits for those with sensitivities.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 368
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 34g
- Protein: 4g
1. 2 Cups of Vanilla Ice Cream:
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 8g
Benefits:
- Rich in Calcium: Vanilla ice cream contains dairy, offering calcium which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Quick Energy Source: Ice cream’s carbs, fats, and sugars provide a rapid energy boost.
- Mood Enhancer: The sugar content triggers serotonin production, contributing to a positive mood.
2. 1 Cup of Biscuit Crumbs (Digestive Biscuits):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 8g
Benefits:
- Digestive Support: High in fiber, digestive biscuits promote healthy digestion.
- Quick Energy: The carbs in biscuits provide a fast energy release.
- Trace Minerals: Depending on the type, digestive biscuits contain essential minerals like iron and magnesium.
3. 1/4 Cup of Caramel Sauce:
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Instant Energy: High in sugar, caramel sauce gives an immediate energy boost.
- Antioxidants: If made with natural ingredients, it can contain antioxidants that combat free radicals.
- Flavor Enhancer: Adds a rich, indulgent flavor to desserts.
4. 1/4 Cup of Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Dark Chocolate:
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Benefits:
- Packed with Antioxidants: Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, antioxidants that reduce inflammation and support heart health.
- Promotes Heart Health: Moderate consumption of dark chocolate can improve circulation and lower blood pressure.
- Enhances Brain Function: Caffeine and theobromine found in dark chocolate help improve cognitive function and boost mood.
5. 4 Wooden Popsicle Sticks:
- Nutritional Value: Negligible (virtually zero calories, fats, carbs, protein, and sodium).
Benefits:
- Eco-friendly: Wooden popsicle sticks are biodegradable, offering a more sustainable option compared to plastic alternatives.
- Safe for Use: These sticks are non-toxic and suitable for food-related uses.
- Versatile: Useful for making popsicles, crafts, or other creative projects.
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used. Always check product labels for the most accurate information.
Enjoy your homemade Golden Gaytime ice cream bars!
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