If you’re a lover of gulab jamun, one of India’s most beloved sweets, but also a fan of creamy indulgence, this dessert will hit all the right notes. Gulab Jamun Ice Cream Cups takes the essence of a classic gulab jamun and pairs it with the cool, refreshing twist of ice cream, all nestled in a crispy, golden bread cup. These ice cream cups offer a balance of rich flavors and textures—crunchy bread, creamy ice cream, and soft, syrupy gulab jamun—all in one delightful bite.
This recipe is perfect for when you want to add a little elegance and creativity to your Diwali spread or any festive gathering. The crispy bread cups, brushed with ghee, bring a buttery crunch, while the gulab jamun ice cream offers a modern fusion of flavors, combining a cool, refreshing dessert with the warmth of traditional Indian sweets. Topped with a halved mini gulab jamun and a sprinkling of chopped pistachios, each cup is a visual and flavorful masterpiece that’s sure to impress your guests. It’s a great example of how classic ingredients can be transformed into something entirely new, making it perfect for those who want to celebrate their roots while embracing innovation.
INGREDIENTS USED IN GULAB JAMUN ICE CREAM CUPS
White Bread
The white bread serves as the structure or base for the dessert. Flattened and shaped into small bowls, it holds the gulab jamun ice cream and toppings, creating an edible container for the dessert. It provides a subtle backdrop that allows the rich, sweet ingredients to shine. Its soft texture is pliable enough to press into the cupcake molds without tearing or breaking.
Once brushed with ghee and baked, the white bread crisps up, providing a crunchy contrast to the soft, creamy ice cream and gulab jamun. This adds an essential texture contrast, making the dessert more enjoyable with different layers of crisp and soft textures.
Ghee
Ghee is used to brush the bread circles, which helps them crisp up in the oven. The fat in ghee ensures that the bread toasts evenly and turns golden brown, creating a crunchy, sturdy base for the ice cream. It helps keep the bread from becoming too dry during baking, adding moisture that ensures the cups are crispy on the outside but not overly hard or brittle. As the ghee is brushed on the bread, it helps bind the bread together when it’s pressed into the cupcake tray, allowing the bread cups to hold their shape and crisp properly during baking.
Gulab jamun ice cream
The gulab jamun ice cream serves as the primary flavor base, combining the iconic taste of gulab jamun with the creaminess of ice cream. The rich, creamy texture of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the crisp bread cups and soft mini gulab jamuns, offering a smooth and indulgent mouthfeel. It helps balance the various textures in the dessert.
The cold ice cream adds a refreshing element to the dessert, making it a great option for warm festive gatherings. The contrast between the chilled ice cream and warm bread cups creates a delightful sensory experience.
Mini Gulab jamun
The mini gulab jamuns bring the rich, sweet, and indulgent flavor of this classic Indian sweet into the fusion dessert. They complement the gulab jamun-flavored ice cream, intensifying the dessert’s overall sweetness and flavor profile. Placing a halved mini gulab jamun on top of each cup serves as a beautiful garnish that adds a traditional and festive touch. The golden-brown color of the gulab jamun stands out, making the dessert visually appealing and enticing.
Adding mini gulab jamuns enhances the luxurious feel of the dessert, making it richer and more indulgent. It’s perfect for special occasions where you want to impress your guests with something both creative and deeply satisfying.
Pistachios
Pistachios add a crunchy contrast to the soft textures of the gulab jamun and the creamy ice cream. they are commonly used in Indian sweets, so their inclusion in this fusion dessert adds a traditional touch, enhancing the cultural authenticity of the recipe. Their presence ties the dessert to familiar festive flavors. The vibrant green of chopped pistachios adds a pop of color to the dessert, making it more visually appealing.
EQUIPMENTS USED IN MAKING GULAB JAMUN ICE CREAM CUPS
Not a lot of equipment is required to make this Gulan Jamun Ice Cream Cups. However, a few kitchen staples that should always be there in the kitchen are mentioned below.
Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons are the first thing that anybody who in cooking or baking needs. The right quantities will help in the desired outcome so these two things are a must.
You will need a rolling pin to flatten the bread slices. Later, a cupcake tray or oven safe katoris will be required to push down the bread into and make bread cups.
I have used this oven to bake the bread cups. The rest of the equipment are basic and easily accessible.
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TIPS TO MAKE THIS GULAB JAMUN ICE CREAM CUPS
- Ensure the bread slices are fresh, as this will make them easier to flatten and shape without breaking. Fresh bread will also crisp up better in the oven when brushed with ghee.
- Keep an eye on the bread bowls as they bake. Depending on your oven, they might crisp up faster than 15-20 minutes. Rotate the tray halfway through baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- Allow the bread cups to cool down fully before assembling. This ensures that the ice cream won’t melt too quickly and that the bread bowls retain their crisp texture once the cold ice cream is added.
- You can try this recipe with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or brioche, for a different flavor profile or texture. Just ensure they are soft and fresh for optimal shaping.
- 6 slices of white bread
- 3-4 tbsp ghee, melted
- 6 scoops Kwality walls gulab jamun ice cream
- 3 mini gulab jamuns, halved
- 4-5 tbsp pistachios, finely chopped
- Preheat the oven at 180 degrees celsius and start by removing the crusts from a slice of bread using a serrated knife.
- Flatten the bread with a rolling pin, then use a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out a circle.
- Lightly brush one side with ghee and press it into a cupcake tray to form a small bowl shape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Once baked, let them cool down before assembling.
- Scoop a small ball of gulab jamun ice cream into the center of each bread bowl, top with half a gulab jamun, and garnish with chopped pistachios.
If you like my 4-Ingredient Gulab Jamun Ice Cream Cups recipe and happen to make them in your kitchen, do tag me on Instagram and share pictures with me using #Bakewithshivesh. Happy Baking!
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