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5 from 4 votes

Key Lime Pie Gelato Sandwiches

Lightly sweet key lime gelato is sandwiches between homemade graham crackers then frozen before serving. A great summer make-ahead treat for the whole family.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gelato, ice cream, key lime, sandwich
Servings: 25 -30 sandwiches
Calories: 171kcal
Author: Tricia

Equipment

  • 1 Ice cream maker
  • 1 instant read thermometer

Ingredients

For the Gelato:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh key lime juice about 8-10 limes
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest about 4-5 limes
  • Graham Crackers (see recipe below)

For the Graham Crackers:

  • 1 ¼ cups whole wheat pastry flour or graham flour
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting rolling surface
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into ¼ inch cubes
  • 2 ½ tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Gelato:

  • Place a large clean glass bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice. Place a fine mesh sieve over the clean bowl and set aside.
  • Combine the milk and cream in a heavy bottom medium saucepan. Heat on medium-low stirring frequently until bubbles start to form around the inside edges of the pan. If using an instant read thermometer, you are looking for a temperature of 170°F.
  • In a small mixing bowl whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk in the granulated sugar and continue whisking until the mixture is pale and thick.
  • Slowly temper the egg yolks by adding a drizzle of the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly. Continue whisking and adding the hot milk until all ingredients are combined.
  • Return the custard to the saucepan and heat on medium-low stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Cook until the mixture reaches 185°F or when the custard coats the back of the wooden spoon. Do not boil the custard.
  • Pour the custard through the sieve into the bowl in the ice water bath. Allow the custard to cool for about 30 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes or so then when cooled, cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
  • When ready to make the gelato stir in the key lime juice and zest. Process according to the manufacturer instructions.
  • If making ice cream sandwiches, pour the gelato into a plastic wrap lined flat casserole dish with a 2" side. Depending on the desired thickness, you can use a 13x9" pan or smaller. Cover with plastic wrap pressed on the top of the gelato and freeze until solid. Overnight works best.
  • Once frozen, remove the gelato using the plastic wrap and place on a cutting board. Using the desired cookie cutter, cut out the gelato and place between two graham crackers. Freeze in an airtight container until ready to serve. Remove the ice cream sandwiches 10 minutes before serving.

For the Graham Crackers:

  • In the bowl of a food processor, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Pulse a few times until combined.
  • Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Add the honey, molasses, milk and vanilla. Process until the dough forms a ball.
  • Remove to a large piece of plastic wrap and press into a ½ inch thick disk. Seal in the plastic wrap and refrigerate at least an hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice off about ⅓ of the refrigerated dough and place on a lightly dusted piece of parchment paper large enough to fit your baking sheet. Keep the remaining dough in the refrigerator until ready to roll.
  • Rub AP flour on your rolling pin and roll the dough to ⅛ inch thick. Dust with additional AP flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking. Cut the crackers using a 2 ½" by 1 ½" rectangle cookie cutter. Using a fork poke holes on the top of the dough. Place the crackers an inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake until lightly browned on the edges, about 10-11 minutes. (Check after 10 minutes as cooking time will vary depending on how thick or thin the dough was rolled.)
  • Remove to a rack and cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Key Lime Pie Gelato adapted from a recipe from: The Ciao Bella Book of Gelato and Sorbetto.
  • Gelato makes about 1 quart.
  • Graham Crackers slightly adapted from a recipe by Alton Brown, 2008, on Foodnetwork.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 301IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg