Salt & Straw, a name that has become synonymous with innovative and high – quality ice cream, has ventured into the world of ice cream cakes. These cakes are not just a simple combination of ice cream and cake; they are a masterpiece of flavors, textures, and creativity. Ice cream cakes have long been a favorite for celebrations, and Salt & Straw has taken this classic treat to a whole new level. In this article, we’ll explore the different ice cream cakes that Salt & Straw offers, the inspiration behind them, and what makes them so special.
The Signature “The Cake”
A Flavorful Tribute to Birthday Classics
One of the standout ice cream cakes from Salt & Straw is simply named “The Cake.” Priced at $79, this cake is inspired by their best – selling “birthday cake & blackberries” ice cream flavor. It’s a creation that brings back the nostalgic memories of birthday parties, one confetti – filled bite at a time.
The cake features layers of yellow cake flecked with rainbow – sprinkled crumble, much like the confetti you’d find at a festive celebration. These cake layers are sandwiched between double – fold vanilla ice cream. The double – fold vanilla is a testament to Salt & Straw’s dedication to flavor intensity, as they use twice as many vanilla beans to create an incredibly rich and creamy ice cream base. Swirled throughout the vanilla ice cream are ribbons of juicy Oregon blackberry jam, adding a burst of sweet – tart flavor. To top it all off, a tangy cream cheese frosting provides the perfect finishing touch, balancing the sweetness of the other elements.
This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The colorful sprinkles on the cake layers and the beautiful swirls of blackberry jam in the ice cream make it an eye – catching centerpiece for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a special occasion, “The Cake” is sure to be a hit.
Sizing and Serving Suggestions
“The Cake” is sized to serve a good – sized gathering. According to Salt & Straw, it can serve up to 20 people, although it might be enough to satisfy 8 “hungry people” with some leftovers. This makes it an ideal choice for larger parties or family get – togethers. If you’re planning to serve it at an event, you can easily cut it into generous slices, ensuring that everyone gets a taste of this delicious creation. The combination of the soft cake, creamy ice cream, and fruity jam makes each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Holiday – Inspired Ice Cream Cakes
The Naughty and Nice Cakes
In 2023, Salt & Straw teamed up with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, or rather his holiday alter ego, Dwanta Claus, to create two decadent ice cream cakes. These cakes were an instant hit, selling out in just six hours when they were initially launched online.
The “Naughty” cake is a chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream. It’s a seven – layer stack that starts with coffee – spiked chocolate cake. This provides a rich, chocolatey base with a hint of coffee’s bitterness, which complements the sweetness of the other layers. Next comes dark – burned caramel chocolate fudge, adding a gooey, caramel – chocolatey element. Whiskey caramel ice cream is then layered on, bringing a smooth and creamy texture with a touch of whiskey’s warmth. Clusters of sea salt – flecked peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough are scattered throughout, providing a chewy and nutty contrast. Finally, the cake is topped with chocolate – peanut butter puffs, adding a crunchy finish.
On the other hand, the “Nice” cake pays homage to Dwanta Claus’s favorite coconut banana pancakes. It features a vanilla – laced coconut cake as the base. Layers of Oregon marionberry jam add a sweet – tart fruitiness. The rum – spiked bananas foster ice cream brings the flavors of bananas, caramel, and rum, creating a tropical and indulgent experience. Chunks of peanut butter chocolate ganache are mixed in, adding a rich chocolate – peanut butter flavor. To finish it off, a vanilla – spiced candied coconut streusel is sprinkled on top, providing a crunchy and coconut – flavored topping.
Each of these holiday – inspired cakes is priced at $89 and, like “The Cake,” can serve up to 20 people. They are not only delicious but also come in a box that can be disassembled and used as a serving tray, adding a convenient and practical touch.
Seasonal Appeal and Limited – Time Offerings
These holiday – themed ice cream cakes are a prime example of Salt & Straw’s ability to create seasonal and limited – time offerings that capture the spirit of the occasion. The “Naughty” and “Nice” cakes were specifically designed for the holiday season, with flavors and combinations that evoke the warmth and indulgence of the holidays. The use of ingredients like whiskey, caramel, and coconut, along with festive decorations and names, makes them perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s celebrations, or any holiday gathering.
Since they are limited – time offerings, they create a sense of urgency among customers. People are eager to get their hands on these unique cakes before they’re gone. This not only drives sales but also generates excitement and buzz around the brand. It also gives customers a reason to visit Salt & Straw during the holiday season, even if they’re not regular ice cream consumers.
The Making of Salt & Straw Ice Cream Cakes
High – Quality Ingredients
At the core of every Salt & Straw ice cream cake is a commitment to using high – quality ingredients. The dairy used in the ice cream is sourced from local farms, ensuring freshness and a rich, creamy texture. The fruits, such as the Oregon blackberries in “The Cake” or the marionberries in the “Nice” cake, are picked at the peak of ripeness. This not only enhances the flavor but also supports local farmers and the community.
The chocolate used in cakes like the “Naughty” cake is of high – quality, providing a deep, chocolatey taste. The nuts, like the peanuts in the “Naughty” cake and the pecans in the “Nice” cake, are roasted to bring out their natural flavors. Even the sprinkles and other decorative elements are carefully selected to ensure they not only look good but also taste great. By using top – notch ingredients, Salt & Straw is able to create ice cream cakes that stand out in terms of both taste and quality.
Artisanal Production Process
The production of Salt & Straw ice cream cakes is an artisanal process. Each cake is carefully crafted by skilled workers. The cake layers are baked to perfection, with the right amount of fluffiness and moisture. The ice cream is churned slowly to create a smooth and creamy texture. When assembling the cakes, the layers are carefully arranged to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.
For example, when making “The Cake,” the yellow cake layers are baked in – house, and the double – fold vanilla ice cream is made fresh. The blackberry jam is prepared from scratch using local blackberries. The cream cheese frosting is whipped to the perfect consistency. The process is time – consuming and requires attention to detail, but it results in a product that is truly special. This artisanal approach is what sets Salt & Straw ice cream cakes apart from mass – produced alternatives.
Ordering and Availability
In – Store Purchases
You can purchase Salt & Straw ice cream cakes at their physical scoop shops. Stores typically have a freezer section dedicated to their ice cream cakes, where you can find “The Cake” available year – round (when not temporarily sold out). During the holiday season, the “Naughty” and “Nice” cakes are also stocked in stores, although they tend to sell out quickly due to their popularity.
When you visit a Salt & Straw store to buy an ice cream cake, the staff is usually very helpful. They can answer any questions you might have about the cakes, such as the ingredients, serving suggestions, or storage instructions. They can also help you choose the right cake for your occasion, whether it’s a small family gathering or a large party.
Online Ordering
Salt & Straw also offers online ordering for their ice cream cakes. This is a convenient option, especially if you don’t live near a physical store or if you want to have the cake delivered directly to your doorstep. You can place an order on their official website, saltandstraw.com.
When ordering online, you can select the cake you want, choose the delivery date, and provide any special instructions. For example, if you want a personalized message written on the cake, you can usually include that in the order notes. The cakes are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in good condition, even if they need to be shipped over a long distance. However, it’s important to note that there may be additional shipping fees, especially for out – of – area deliveries. For instance, shipping “The Cake” online may cost an extra $19 on top of the $79 cake price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Salt & Straw offers a range of ice cream cakes that are as delicious as they are unique. From the year – round “The Cake” with its classic birthday – inspired flavors to the limited – time holiday – themed “Naughty” and “Nice” cakes, there’s an ice cream cake for every occasion. These cakes are made with high – quality ingredients and an artisanal production process, resulting in a product that is both visually appealing and a delight to the taste buds.
Whether you choose to purchase your ice cream cake in – store or online, Salt & Straw provides a convenient way to get your hands on these sweet treats. So, the next time you’re planning a celebration or just looking to indulge in something special, consider trying one of Salt & Straw’s ice cream cakes. You’ll be treated to a one – of – a – kind dessert experience that combines the best of ice cream and cake in a truly memorable way.
Related topics
- What Salt & Straw Flavors Are Gluten Free?
- How Old Is Salt and Straw?
- Is Salt & Straw’s Lucky Charms Ice Cream the Next Big Thing?
