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Italian Ice Cream Tartufi (Tartufo)

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  • Author: Mari
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Freezing Time: 3–4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert, Frozen Treat
  • Method: No-bake, Frozen
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This classic Italian Ice Cream Tartufo is a decadent frozen dessert featuring creamy layers of chocolate and vanilla gelato, a surprise cherry center, a cocoa crumb crust, and a crunchy chocolate shell. Perfect for elegant entertaining or summer indulgence.


Ingredients

  • 1 pint vanilla gelato (or ice cream)

  • 1 pint chocolate or pistachio gelato

  • 6 maraschino cherries

  • 1/2 cup crushed pistachios

  • 1/2 cup chocolate cookie crumbs

  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

  • Optional: chocolate chips or chocolate shell for coating


Instructions

  1. Line a muffin tin with plastic wrap or use small round molds.

  2. Mix cookie crumbs, cocoa powder, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the molds to create a base and partial shell. Freeze for 10 minutes.

  3. Scoop a small amount of chocolate or pistachio gelato into each mold. Press a maraschino cherry into the center.

  4. Cover with vanilla gelato and smooth the tops. Freeze for 3–4 hours until completely firm.

  5. Before serving, unmold and roll each tartufo in more cookie crumbs, crushed pistachios, or drizzle with a chocolate shell.

  6. Serve chilled, ideally on a frosted plate for presentation.


Notes

  • You can prepare these ahead and keep frozen for up to a week.

  • Try swapping the cherry with a chocolate truffle or raspberry for variation.

  • Pistachio gelato adds a nutty flavor and traditional Italian flair.