Ingredients
Base
- 600 mlsoft vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- or good vanilla ice cream, left out for ten minutes
Mix-ins, choose two or three
- 80 gchocolate-covered liquorice
- 80 gIcelandic chocolate bar, chopped
- 80 gdigestive or oat biscuits, crushed
- 80 gtoffee pieces
- 100 gfresh or frozen berries
- 80 gmarshmallows
To finish
- chocolate sauce
- caramel sauce
- or a swirl of berry sauce
Equipment
- a sturdy bowl
- a strong spoon or a paddle
- or a stand mixer with a paddle
Directions
- Take it out of the freezer for ten minutes. It should be soft enough to stir but not melted.
- Chop chocolate bars into rough pieces. Crush biscuits in a bag with a rolling pin.
- Cut liquorice into small pieces with scissors. Keep the pieces small enough to eat easily.
- Keep everything cold until you blend. Warm mix-ins melt the ice cream. Put the softened ice cream in a sturdy bowl.
- Add the chopped and crushed mix-ins. Press and fold rather than stirring gently. Use it on the lowest speed only. The mix-ins should be evenly distributed.
- Work fast and stop earlier than feels right. Refreezing it briefly helps if it softens.
- Spoon it into tall cups or bowls. Families drive out for ice cream in the dark and cold. Make only as much as you will eat.
Technique
- Icelandic ice cream shops are busy year round, and driving out for ice cream in winter is an established social habit.
- Chocolate-covered liquorice is a characteristically Icelandic combination and is among the most popular mix-ins.
Substitutions
- Any good vanilla ice cream works as the base, and soft serve is closer to the original.
- Any sweets, biscuits or fruit can be used as mix-ins.
Variations
- Some shops offer a version with a sauce swirled through rather than on top.
- A berry-heavy version is made for those who want something sharper.
- Related blended ice cream desserts are sold across the Nordic countries.
History
An Icelandic ice cream shop invention whose name means trickster, eaten year round regardless of weather.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bragðarefur?
Bragðarefur is a dessert from Iceland: soft ice cream blended to order with sweets, biscuits and fruit. An Icelandic ice cream shop invention whose name means trickster, eaten year round regardless of weather.
How long does Bragðarefur take to make?
Bragðarefur takes 10 minutes of preparation and none of cooking. The recipe makes serves 2. It is rated easy to make.
What can I substitute in Bragðarefur?
Yes, within limits. Any good vanilla ice cream works as the base, and soft serve is closer to the original. Any sweets, biscuits or fruit can be used as mix-ins.
What is the most important thing to get right in Bragðarefur?
Add the chopped and crushed mix-ins. Press and fold rather than stirring gently. Use it on the lowest speed only. The mix-ins should be evenly distributed.
