Super Easy! Upgrade Your Simple Vanilla Ice Cream into a Restaurant-Style Dessert!
I honestly think that vanilla ice cream is one of the most underrated desserts out there.
People often overlook it as “basic” or “boring,” but when done right - and when it’s high-quality - it can be incredibly satisfying all on its own.
That said, sometimes, just a small twist can elevate a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream into something that feels straight out of a fancy restaurant.
So today, I’m sharing a 10-second trick to transform your everyday vanilla ice cream into a refined, elegant dessert. No baking, no special equipment, and no obscure ingredients. It’s one of those “wait, really?” recipes that surprises everyone who tries it.
And yes - it involves olive oil.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream (I personally think Häagen-Dazs has the perfect rich texture and flavor for this)
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil (cold-pressed, fruity olive oils work best!)
- A tiny pinch of sea salt or flaky salt (optional, but recommended)
You only need a few simple ingredients, but the key is quality. Don’t skimp on the olive oil - this is the star of the show.
How to Make It
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Scoop your vanilla ice cream.
Place one or two scoops into a bowl or dessert plate. If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit for 1–2 minutes to soften slightly. -
Drizzle olive oil.
Using a teaspoon, gently pour a small amount of olive oil over the top. You don’t want to drown it—just enough to coat the surface.
- Add a pinch of salt (optional).
If you’re using sea salt or flaky salt, sprinkle a tiny bit on top. The salt balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the vanilla.
- Serve immediately.
That’s it! No need to mix—just let the olive oil gently coat the ice cream as you take a spoonful.
It might sound strange at first - olive oil on ice cream? Huh? But it actually makes perfect sense. The fruitiness and slight bitterness of a good olive oil complements the sweetness and creaminess of the ice cream beautifully. Meanwhile, the salt adds contrast, enhancing all the flavors and adding a tiny bit of crunch with every bite.
This flavor combination is inspired by Mediterranean desserts that often mix dairy, salt, and olive oil in creative ways. It feels luxurious and unexpected, but also incredibly comforting.It feels like I’m in a fancy restaurant.
Once you try it, you might find yourself reaching for that bottle of olive oil more often than chocolate syrup!
Tips
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Try adding roasted nuts, orange zest, or even a dash of espresso powder if you want to get creative.
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For a more dramatic presentation, use a wide shallow bowl and drizzle the oil in a circular motion.
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If you’re hosting a dinner party, this is a brilliant last-minute dessert that’ll definitely impress your guests.
Sweet, smooth, and slightly salty—all in one bite. This simple vanilla ice cream upgrade is one of those things that makes you wonder, why didn’t I try this sooner? It’s the kind of effortless elegance that takes zero skill but delivers maximum flavor.
If you’ve never tried olive oil on ice cream before, do yourself a favor and try it today. You might just discover your new favorite treat.