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The dessert, Chic bistro

Praline vanilla ice cream log

This praline vanilla ice cream log is a frozen dessert for 6 people, with a creamy praline and crunchy meringue center wrapped in a hazelnut studded vanilla ice cream shell. It takes 35 minutes of active work and is made entirely the day before, freezing overnight. It's easy to make, costs €2.80 per person, and success comes down to a clean unmolding and letting it sit 10 minutes before slicing.

A vanilla ice cream log with a praline heart, it sleeps in the freezer and all you have to do is unmold it.

Praline vanilla ice cream log
For
6 people
Work
35 min
Total time
8 h
Prep
Prepared the day before
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.80
Calories per person
520 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

This ice cream log plays on two textures, a soft melting shell of vanilla ice cream studded with crushed hazelnuts, and a richer center that's both creamy and crunchy, where praline meets bits of meringue. The praline brings that toasted, caramelized hazelnut flavor that gives the dessert its character, kept light by the whipped cream so it never feels heavy.

It's the dessert that ends a holiday meal without any stress on the day, since everything happens the night before. It belongs on a Christmas table or New Year's Eve dinner, but also works for a winter dinner with friends when you want something that breaks from the traditional yule log without losing the seasonal feel. Kids love it just as much as adults do.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before 4 steps, 6 h 30
  2. The same day Nothing to do
  3. Before the guests arrive Nothing to do
  4. When it's time to serve 1 step

Everything happens the day before, lining the mold, layering the ice cream shell and the praline center, then a full night in the freezer so the log sets properly. On the day itself, there's nothing left to do until serving time, when you unmold, dust with powdered sugar, and decorate right before sitting down to eat. Just remember to pull it out 10 minutes before slicing.

The ingredients

6 people

Frozen foods

  • Vanilla ice cream 1 l

Pantry

  • Praline paste 150 g
  • Meringues 100 g
  • Chopped hazelnuts 80 g
  • Powdered sugaroften in the pantry 2 tbsp

Dairy

  • Heavy cream 30 cl

Allergens Lactose, Eggs, Tree nuts

The recipe, moment by moment

The day beforeWhat's better after resting overnight in the fridge.

  1. Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap, letting it hang over the edges, and put it in the freezer.

    Crumple the wrap slightly before laying it in, it will hug the corners better.

  2. Soften the vanilla ice cream for 10 minutes, mix it with the hazelnuts, and spread it in a thick layer over the bottom and sides of the pan, then return it to the freezer. 30 min

    Pack the ice cream down firmly with a spoon to avoid air pockets that create holes when slicing.

  3. Whip the cream with the praline paste and powdered sugar, fold in the roughly crushed meringues, and fill the center of the log.

    Crush the meringues at the last moment so they keep their crunch.

  4. Fold the wrap back over, cover, and let it set in the freezer overnight. 6 h

    Set the pan flat on a cutting board, not on a side shelf in the freezer.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Unmold the log onto a cold platter, remove the wrap, dust with powdered sugar, and decorate with hazelnuts.

    Pull it out 10 minutes before slicing, the ice cream turns creamy and isn't too hard to cut.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use a good quality vanilla ice cream, since it's the most present ingredient and sets the tone for the whole log.
  • If your kitchen runs warm, pull ingredients from the freezer one at a time and work quickly, softened ice cream refreezes less smoothly if it sits out too long.
  • For clean slices, run a knife under very hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.

The variations

  • Swap the hazelnuts for toasted sliced almonds for a milder version.
  • For a chocolate touch, stir a few dark chocolate chips into the praline center before filling the mold.
  • For kids, swap the praline paste for chocolate hazelnut spread, the result is sweeter but just as crowd pleasing.

What to serve it with

  • Hot coffee or tea to finish the meal
  • Fresh berries for a bright contrast
  • A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce

Storage

The log keeps up to 1 week in the freezer, well wrapped in its mold. It's actually designed for freezing, so don't refreeze it once it's been thawed and cut into. Let it sit 10 minutes before serving for a creamier texture.

Questions about this recipe

Can I use a different spread instead of praline paste?

Yes, hazelnut paste or chocolate hazelnut spread both work well in place of classic praline. The result will be a bit sweeter and less intensely toasted, but still just as satisfying.

How do you slice the log without it crumbling?

Run a knife under hot water, then dry it, and repeat this between every slice. Let the log sit out of the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting for a softer texture.

Can this log be made for more than 6 people?

Yes, double the quantities in a longer loaf pan, or use two molds. The freezing time stays the same either way.

Does the meringue go soft in the freezer?

No, it stays crunchy because it's set into the frozen mixture and freezes quickly. That contrast in textures is exactly what makes the center of the log so good.

Can a praline vanilla ice cream log be made ahead?

Yes, it's even recommended. The recipe needs 35 min of work in total, split up like this, the day before, 4 steps, when it's time to serve, 1 step.

How long does it take to make a praline vanilla ice cream log?

Allow 8 h in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 35 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "easy".

How many calories are in a praline vanilla ice cream log?

About 520 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a praline vanilla ice cream log cost?

About €2.80 per person, that's €16.80 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose, eggs, tree nuts. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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