Description
This Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Dome is a stunning and indulgent dessert featuring a large vanilla ice cream dome generously drizzled with rich homemade caramel sauce, surrounded by crunchy popcorn and sprinkled with chunks of dark chocolate. Perfect for a special occasion, this dessert combines creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty textures with the delicious flavors of caramel and vanilla, making it a show-stopping treat easy to assemble at home.
Ingredients
For the Dome:
- 1 large vanilla ice cream dome
- 100g popcorn
- 100g dark chocolate, broken into chunks
- 150 ml caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 200g granulated sugar
- 90g unsalted butter
- 120 ml heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir the granulated sugar constantly with a wooden spoon. The sugar will clump and eventually melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid, which forms the base of the caramel.
- Add the Butter: Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully add the unsalted butter. Be cautious as the caramel will bubble vigorously. Stir until the butter is completely incorporated into the caramel.
- Add the Cream: Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while continuously stirring. The mixture will bubble again; allow it to boil gently for 1 minute to combine all ingredients and achieve a smooth texture.
- Cool the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the salt, and set the caramel sauce aside to cool before use.
- Assemble the Dome: Place the vanilla ice cream dome on a serving plate as the centerpiece of your dessert.
- Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Pour a generous amount of the prepared or store-bought caramel sauce over the dome, allowing it to cascade down the sides for visual appeal and flavor.
- Attach Popcorn: Gently press the popcorn around the base and sides of the dome so it adheres to the caramel coating, adding a crunchy texture.
- Add Dark Chocolate: Sprinkle the broken dark chocolate chunks evenly over the popcorn for a rich chocolate element that pairs perfectly with the caramel and vanilla.
- Serve: Let the assembled dome sit for a few minutes at room temperature to slightly soften the ice cream for easier serving. Offer extra caramel sauce on the side for guests to drizzle as desired.
Notes
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time, but homemade caramel adds deeper flavor and more richness.
- Ensure the caramel sauce cools before pouring over the ice cream dome to prevent premature melting.
- Popcorn should be fresh and not overly salty to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
- The dessert is best enjoyed immediately after assembly to keep the popcorn crunchy and ice cream creamy.
- For a decorative touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel drizzle.