Rolled ice cream has become one of the hottest dessert trends in recent years, captivating dessert lovers in the USA, UK, and around the globe.

This unique treat offers a refreshing twist on traditional ice cream, combining visual appeal, customizable flavors, and a delightful texture. But what exactly makes rolled ice cream so special?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know, from its origins and popularity to how you can make it at home. We’ll share all the tips and flavor ideas.

Table of Contents

What is Rolled Ice Cream?

Rolled ice cream, also known as stir-fried ice cream, is a type of frozen dessert that originated in Thailand. Unlike traditional scooped ice cream, this treat starts as a liquid base, poured onto a cold metal surface, and then rolled into thin, delicate spirals.

How It’s Made:

Base Preparation: A liquid ice cream base (usually cream and condensed milk) is spread thinly on a freezing surface.
Mix-ins: Ingredients like fruits, cookies, or chocolate are chopped and mixed in.
Freezing and Rolling: The mixture is spread flat and then scraped into rolls using a spatula.

Why Rolled Ice Cream Stands Out:

Visual Appeal: Watching the ice cream roll is an experience! The process itself is a live performance.
Customizable: You can add endless mix-ins, from fresh fruit to cookies.
Texture: The unique preparation process makes it smoother and creamier than traditional ice cream.

Why is Rolled Ice Cream So Popular?

Rolled ice cream’s popularity exploded due to its Instagram-worthy presentation. Each serving looks like a delicate bouquet of frozen goodness, perfect for photos and videos. Unsurprisingly, this treat has millions of hashtags and posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Interactive Experience

Unlike traditional ice cream, rolled and fresh ice cream is made fresh right before you. This interactive process, where the customer can watch their dessert being prepared, adds an element of fun. Many rolled ice cream shops even encourage customers to customize their orders, adding a personal touch.

Endless Customization Options

You’re not limited to vanilla or chocolate. Rolled ice cream allows for endless creativity. You can mix fruits, cookies, candy, and even savory ingredients like bacon!

The History of Rolled Ice Cream

Rolled ice cream, or “Thai fried ice cream,” originated in Thailand around 2009. Street vendors quickly gained popularity by turning liquid cream into frozen rolls on a cold plate. The trend spread to other Asian countries and eventually made its way to the USA and UK by 2015.

We have more Fried Ice Cream that you are going to love! Try making three-flavor Salty Ice Cream or Cuisinart Ice Cream with fun pastel colors.

Timeline of Its Popularity:

2009: Originated in Thailand.
2014-2015: Gained traction in the USA, starting in New York.
2017-2020: Became a global sensation, with shops opening worldwide.

How to Make Rolled Ice Cream at Home?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Heavy Cream (1 cup): Provides a rich texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (½ cup): Adds sweetness and creaminess.
Mix-ins: Choose from fruits, cookies, chocolate chips, or nuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Combine heavy cream and condensed milk in a bowl. Whisk until fully blended.

Step 2: Pour the mixture onto a cold baking sheet or metal tray. Spread it thinly using a spatula.

Step 3: Sprinkle your choice of toppings over the base and gently mix them in.

Step 4: Place the tray in the freezer for 2-4 hours or until fully solidified.

Step 5: Once firm, use a spatula to scrape and roll the ice cream into thin cylinders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Rolled Ice Cream

Making rolled ice cream at home or in a shop might seem easy, but there are a few mistakes that beginners often make. Here are some tips to avoid them:

1. Not Freezing the Plate Properly:

Ensure your cold plate is chilled to the correct temperature. If it’s not cold enough, the ice cream won’t freeze quickly, leading to poor texture and inconsistent rolls. Pre-chill your plate for at least 20-30 minutes before you begin.

2. Using Too Much or Too Little Base:

Applying too much base will make it hard for the mixture to freeze evenly, while too little base will result in small, hard-to-roll portions. A thin, even layer of base is crucial for smooth, perfectly rolled ice cream.

3. Not Working Quickly Enough:

Since the base freezes quickly, it’s essential to work fast. If you take too long to mix in the toppings or scrape the rolls, the ice cream will harden too much, making it difficult to create smooth rolls.

4. Using Large, Unchopped Ingredients:

Large chunks of fruit, nuts, or cookies can interfere with the rolling process. Ensure that any mix-ins are finely chopped to help them integrate smoothly into the base and maintain a clean roll.

You will also love our recipes for an easy Nostalgia Ice Cream and fresh Neapolitan Ice Cream

Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls:

Chill your tray and spatula before starting.
Chop ingredients finely to ensure smooth rolls.
The ice cream melts fast, so roll efficiently.

Popular Rolled Ice Cream Flavors and Recipes

Classic Favorites:

Cookies and Cream
Strawberry Swirl
Chocolate Fudge

Unique and Exotic Flavors:

Matcha Green Tea
Mango Tango

Healthy Options

Use almond milk or coconut cream for a dairy-free base.
Sweeten with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

Rolled Ice Cream vs. Traditional Ice Cream

Feature	Rolled Ice Cream	Traditional Ice Cream
Texture	Smoother, creamier	Creamy but denser
Preparation Time	Made fresh in minutes	Requires hours to freeze
Customization	Fully customizable, mixed on the spot	Limited to pre-made flavors
Visual Appeal	High (visually stunning rolls)	Moderate
Interactive Experience	Made in front of the customer	Made in bulk behind the scenes
Popularity	High on social media	Classic, consistent fanbase

Top Rolled Ice Cream Shops in the USA and UK

In the USA:

10Below Ice Cream (New York City): Known for creative flavors like Thai tea and matcha.
I-CE-NY (Los Angeles): Offers vegan and gluten-free options.
Sweet Charlie’s (Philadelphia): Known for fun toppings like marshmallows and gummy bears.

In the UK:

Chin Chin Ice Cream (London): Gourmet rolled ice cream with unique toppings.
Pan-n-Ice (Bristol): Offers a fun, interactive experience with customizable options.

Health Benefits and Concerns

While rolled ice cream contains similar ingredients to traditional ice cream, the serving size might be smaller due to the rolls. This can reduce overall calorie intake.

Nutritional Breakdown

Nutrient	Rolled Ice Cream (1 serving)	Traditional Ice Cream (1 cup)
Calories	250-300	300-350
Sugar	20-25g	25-30g
Fat	10-15g	15-20g

Customer Testimonials and Case Studies

Case Study: 10Below Ice Cream

Background: A New York City-based shop that pioneered rolled ice cream in the USA.Success Factors:

Social Media Marketing: Leveraged Instagram to attract a younger audience.
Customization: Allowed customers to design their flavors.

Quote from a Customer:

“Watching my ice cream being rolled was so cool! It tasted amazing, too. I love being able to add my favorite toppings.” — Emily, London

Business Potential and Trends in Rolled Ice Cream

The global demand for unique dessert experiences has led to an increase in rolled ice cream shops. Rolled and yummy ice cream businesses are popping up worldwide, especially in areas with high foot traffic like shopping malls, city centers, and entertainment districts.

Why Start a Rolled Ice Cream Business?

Low Startup Costs: The initial investment for a rolled ice cream shop can be relatively low compared to opening a traditional ice cream parlor. All you need is the cold plate, a few kitchen essentials, and a well-curated list of toppings.
High-Profit Margins: Rolled ice cream can be sold at premium prices due to the customization options and the novelty factor.
Popular Among Young Audiences: This dessert has strong appeal among younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z), making it an ideal offering for locations near schools, universities, or urban areas.

Tips for Entrepreneurs:

Offer Unique Flavors: Don’t stick to the basics. The more unique your flavors and combinations, the more likely you are to attract customers. Consider limited-time flavors or seasonal specials to keep the menu exciting.
Social Media Savvy: The visual appeal of rolled ice cream makes it perfect for sharing on social media. Encourage customers to take pictures and share their creations with hashtags. Consider collaborations with local influencers to help spread the word.
Health-Conscious Options: Offering dairy-free, sugar-free, or low-calorie options can help cater to health-conscious customers. The demand for healthier dessert alternatives is rising, so incorporating these options can attract a larger audience.

The Science Behind Rolled Ice Cream

The freezing process used to make rolled ice cream is quite fascinating. The key to its unique texture lies in the extreme coldness of the metal surface. Here’s how it works:

How does the Cold Plate Work?

When the liquid ice cream base is spread thinly across the cold metal surface, it freezes almost instantly. The cold plate (often chilled to temperatures as low as -20°F / -29°C) allows the liquid ice cream mixture to harden quickly, trapping air bubbles and forming a smooth, creamy texture.

Why It’s So Smooth?

The thinness of the ice cream layer means that the freezing process happens rapidly, preventing the formation of large ice crystals. This results in a creamier texture compared to traditional ice cream, which requires longer freezing times and has a higher chance of developing larger crystals.

How the Ingredients Stay Mixed?

The mix-ins that are added to the base (such as crushed cookies, fruit, or candy) are carefully incorporated while the base is being frozen. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream without losing the smoothness of the texture.

Global Rolled Ice Cream Trends

Rolled ice cream has found its way to various parts of the world, where it has been embraced with enthusiasm. Here are some of the global trends in rolled and smooth ice cream:

1. Fusion Flavors:

In many parts of the world, rolled ice cream has been combined with traditional flavors from different cultures. For example, in India, you might find rolled and Delicious ice cream flavored with kulfi (a traditional Indian dessert), or in Japan, matcha-flavored rolls have become incredibly popular.

2. Customization Stations:

In many rolled ice cream shops, customers have the option to build their desserts from scratch. They can choose their base, select mix-ins, and then pick from an array of toppings like candy, syrup, and fruit. This level of personalization is especially attractive to those looking for a unique, Instagram-worthy treat.

3. Rolled Ice Cream Food Trucks:

The food truck industry has embraced rolled ice cream, bringing this trendy treat to various events, fairs, and festivals. Food trucks allow businesses to test new flavors and locations, making it an excellent way for entrepreneurs to tap into new markets.

4. Delivery and Online Ordering:

With the rise of food delivery apps, rolled ice cream shops are now offering online ordering and delivery. Customers can enjoy fresh rolled yummy ice cream at home, and businesses can reach a wider audience.

Is Rolled Ice Cream Vegan-Friendly?

Yes! Rolled ice cream can easily be made vegan with just a few substitutions:

Base: Replace traditional dairy products (like milk and cream) with non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.
Sweeteners: Instead of using condensed milk, you can use agave syrup, coconut sugar, or maple syrup for sweetness.
Mix-ins: Choose vegan-friendly toppings like fruit, nuts, or vegan chocolate chips. Ensure that cookies or other mix-ins are dairy-free.

Many rolled ice cream shops now offer vegan options, providing a wide variety of plant-based bases and mix-ins, making it accessible to a wider audience.

FAQ’s

Is rolled ice cream just a trend?

No! While it gained popularity recently, its unique preparation and customizable nature give it lasting appeal.

Can I make it without a cold plate?

Yes! A metal baking tray in the freezer works well.

Is rolled ice cream more expensive?

It can be, due to the fresh preparation and customization. However, the experience and quality justify the price for many.

Conclusion

Rolled ice cream isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines taste, creativity, and entertainment. Its rise in popularity across the USA, UK, and beyond proves that this frozen treat is here to stay.

Whether trying it at a specialty shop or making it at home, rolled ice cream offers endless possibilities to satisfy your sweet tooth. So why not give rolled and Delicious ice cream a whirl today? It’s more than just ice cream.