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Chocolate Shell Tartufo

Indulge in the delightful experience of Chocolate Shell Tartufo, a creamy dessert filled with cherries and wrapped in a crisp chocolate shell, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ice Cream Filling
  • 1 quart vanilla ice cream or gelato You can substitute with chocolate ice cream for a different flavor.
  • 6 Amarena or maraschino cherries These provide a sweet and juicy core.
  • 1/2 cup chocolate fudge or Nutella For a sweeter filling.
Base and Coating
  • 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies Oreos with filling removed work well.
  • 2 tbsp melted butter To bind the cookie crumbs.
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate For melting and coating.
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil Key for achieving a snap shell texture.
  • cocoa powder or powdered sugar Optional, for dusting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soften the ice cream slightly, then scoop out about 1/2 cup and flatten it in your palm.
  2. Place one cherry and a spoonful of fudge or Nutella in the center.
  3. Wrap and roll into a tight ball, repeating for all six cherries.
  4. Freeze for at least 2 hours until solid.
Cookie Base
  1. Crush the chocolate cookies until they resemble fine crumbs.
  2. Stir in melted butter and press small mounds of the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray.
  3. Freeze the cookie bases for 15-20 minutes until set.
Chocolate Coating
  1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate with coconut oil until smooth, using a double boiler or microwave.
  2. Allow the mixture to cool for 5-8 minutes so it is warm but not hot.
  3. Retrieve the frozen ice cream balls and place them on a wire rack.
  4. Pour the melted chocolate over each ball to coat.
Finishing Touch
  1. Set the coated tartufos atop the cookie crumb bases.
  2. Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar if desired.
  3. Freeze for another 30-60 minutes until fully set.

Notes

Store leftover tartufos in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of liqueur to the fudge or Nutella.