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Cool, Creamy & Bubbly: The Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Float Twist by Nicol Retailer Limited

A tall dessert glass filled with creamy vanilla soft-serve made from Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix, sparkling pink berry soda, and layers of fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Finished with a swirl of ice cream and a mint sprig, this refreshing British summer dessert drink is beautifully styled on a bright wooden table. Recipe and image by Nicol Retailer Limited.
A tall dessert glass filled with creamy vanilla soft-serve made from Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix, sparkling pink berry soda, and layers of fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Finished with a swirl of ice cream and a mint sprig, this refreshing British summer dessert drink is beautifully styled on a bright wooden table. Recipe and image by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Few desserts capture the joy of summer — or any season — quite like the Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Float “Twist”. This irresistible recipe combines creamy vanilla soft-serve, fizzy homemade berry soda, and fresh British berries. It creates a dessert drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Crafted using the premium Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix 2 L, it delivers that signature soft-serve texture and a slow-melt finish. This holds perfectly in warm weather. And because its flavour is timeless, you can enjoy this creamy, fizzy indulgence all year round. It fits from sunny garden parties to cosy winter dinners.

A Dessert for All Seasons

This isn’t just a summer dessert — it’s an all-year-round indulgence. In spring and summer, the fizzy berry soda keeps things light and refreshing. In autumn and winter, serve it with warm berry compote. Or you can drizzle it with hot chocolate sauce for a comforting twist.

The combination of creamy vanilla soft-serve, sparkling soda, and fresh fruit makes this dessert timeless, versatile, and always crowd-pleasing. Thanks to Arla’s Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix, it also stays picture-perfect longer — ideal for entertaining, catering, or home enjoyment.

Recipe

This dessert is easy to prepare, fun to serve, and endlessly adaptable — the perfect addition to your Nicol Retailer Limited recipe collection:

A tall dessert glass filled with creamy vanilla soft-serve made from Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix, sparkling pink berry soda, and layers of fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Finished with a swirl of ice cream and a mint sprig, this refreshing British summer dessert drink is beautifully styled on a bright wooden table. Recipe and image by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Float Twist

Print Recipe
Beat the heat with this Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Float “Twist” — a creamy, fizzy, and fruity dessert made using Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix 2 L. This irresistible treat layers smooth vanilla soft-serve with homemade sparkling berry soda and fresh summer berries for a colourful, café-style finish that’s perfect for BBQs, garden parties, or weekend indulgence.
The Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix gives you a luxuriously creamy texture that holds its shape longer — ideal for floats and sundaes served in warm weather. Paired with a fizzy blend of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, this recipe delivers a refreshing burst of flavour in every sip and spoonful.”.
Course Beverage, Dessert Drink
Cuisine British (with a modern twist)
Diet Vegetarian
Keyword Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix, British ice cream recipes, Ice cream float recipe UK, Sparkling berry soda recipe, Vanilla Berry Ice Cream Float
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 4 People
Calories 248

Ingredients

For the Soft Ice Cream:

For the Homemade Sparkling Berry Soda (makes 400 ml):

For Assembly:

  • Fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries (about 1 cup total)
  • 4 mint sprigs for garnish
  • 4 tall dessert glasses
  • Paper straws

Instructions

Make the Sparkling Berry Soda

  • Add strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a small saucepan.
  • Simmer on low-medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the berries release their juices and soften.
  • Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract as much syrup as possible.
  • Allow the syrup to cool completely, then mix with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
  • Optional: Adjust sweetness with a little more syrup or sugar to taste.

Prepare the Ice Cream

  • Pour 600 ml of Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix into your soft-serve machine and churn until thick and creamy.
  • No machine? Freeze the mix in a shallow container for 1–1½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches soft-serve texture.

Assemble the Floats

  • Add a few fresh berries to the bottom of each glass.
  • Pour in about 100 ml of the homemade sparkling berry soda.
  • Add one large swirl (or scoop) of soft ice cream.
  • Top with more berries and a mint sprig.
  • Add a straw and serve immediately — watch the fizz bubble up beautifully!

Notes

Recipe Notes – Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Float Twist
Use quality ice cream mix: The Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix 2 L creates a rich, creamy texture that holds its shape longer — perfect for floats, sundaes, or summer dessert drinks.
Homemade berry soda: Fresh berries, lemon juice, and sparkling water make a naturally flavoured soda that’s lighter and more refreshing than store-bought versions.
Best served fresh: Assemble just before serving to keep the fizz lively and the soft-serve texture silky.
Chill everything: Keep the glasses, soda, and serving spoons cold to prevent premature melting.
Customise flavours: Swap berries for mango, peach, or cherry for different seasonal twists.
Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free soft-serve alternative and ensure your sugar and soda are vegan-friendly.
Make ahead: The berry syrup can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Presentation tip: Garnish with fresh mint, edible flowers, or a drizzle of berry coulis for a professional café-style finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 250g | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9.5g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 70mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 120mg

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

he Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Float “Twist” is wonderfully versatile — a dessert drink that’s as fitting at a summer BBQ as it is after a festive roast dinner. With its mix of creamy vanilla soft-serve and fruity fizz, it complements a wide variety of flavours, making it an easy centrepiece for any menu or celebration. Below are some delicious ways to serve and pair this dessert for maximum impact.

Sweet Treat Pairings

  1. Classic Shortbread Biscuits – Crisp, buttery, and lightly sweet, shortbread is the perfect companion for a creamy dessert. Its crumbly texture contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the ice cream float.
  2. Mini Meringues or Pavlova Pieces – Add crunch and sweetness with crushed meringue. It is especially lovely when topped with extra berry syrup for a touch of decadence.
  3. Lemon Drizzle Cake – The light citrus notes of a classic British lemon drizzle pair wonderfully with the soft vanilla base. They enhance the tangy berries.
  4. Sponge Fingers or Madeleines – Elegant and airy, these delicate cakes soak up the fizzy berry soda. They do this just enough to enhance each bite.
  5. Vanilla or Almond Wafers – Add a nostalgic touch with wafer rolls or almond biscuits — ideal for dipping into the creamy layers.

Flavour Add-Ons & Seasonal Twists

Summer: Add crushed pistachios, toasted coconut, or a drizzle of mango syrup for a tropical flair. Serve with grilled peaches or nectarines for an alfresco dessert.

Autumn: Drizzle caramel or maple syrup over the ice cream for a toffee-apple twist. -Pair with cinnamon shortbread or spiced apple crumble bites.

Winter: Replace the chilled soda with warm berry compote or mulled fruit syrup. Add grated dark chocolate or a splash of Irish cream liqueur for a comforting, grown-up version.

Spring: Use fresh rhubarb syrup or add edible flowers such as violets or pansies for a floral touch.

How to Serve for Impact

For Home Entertaining: Use tall clear glasses or mason jars to show off the colourful layers. Add a reusable straw and serve on small dessert plates with biscuits on the side.

For Parties or Catering: Prepare the berry syrup and soda in advance, and churn the ice cream just before serving. Offer toppings such as chocolate flakes, chopped nuts, or fruit purees so guests can customise their floats.

Expert Tip from Nicol Retailer Limited:

Because Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix holds its texture longer than standard soft ice, you can serve this dessert confidently at buffets, outdoor events, or high-volume service — no more melting mess before your guests dig in!

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Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a quintessential British dessert that has won the hearts of sweet enthusiasts worldwide. This rich treat showcases a moist sponge cake filled with dates, all covered in a luxurious toffee sauce. Perfect for those who desire a decadent dessert like Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding, it’s suitable for special occasions or simply as a comforting treat. Mastering this recipe will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

While it might seem like a daunting task, making Sticky Toffee Pudding at home is quite straightforward with the right guidance. This beloved pudding combines simple ingredients in a way that produces an extraordinary result. You’ll find that the key to its unique texture lies in the use of dates, which contribute to its distinctive richness and moistness. Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques for Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding, you can experiment with various tweaks and personal touches to make the recipe truly your own.

In this post, we’ll walk you through each step, from selecting the finest ingredients to perfecting the baking process. Get ready to delight your senses with a pudding that epitomises the warmth and indulgence of traditional British baking. Truly, mastering Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding is a rewarding experience.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Print Recipe
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a delightful British classic that has captured the taste buds of dessert lovers everywhere. This sumptuous dessert features a moist sponge cake infused with dates, generously drenched in a luscious toffee sauce. It's an ideal treat for those who crave something rich and indulgent. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a comforting dessert, mastering this recipe will surely impress.
Course Dessert
Cuisine English
Keyword Sticky Toffee Pudding, Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 People

Ingredients

For the toffee sauce

  • 200 g light muscovado sugar
  • 100 g unsalted butter
  • 142 ml double cream
  • 1 tbsp black treacle

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Grease four individual pudding moulds or ramekins with butter.
  • Place the chopped dates and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl. Pour over the boiling water, stir, and set aside to soak while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gently fold in the flour, followed by the milk, until you have a smooth batter. Finally, stir in the date mixture, including any remaining liquid.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared moulds or ramekins, and place them on a baking tray.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puddings are well-risen and firm to the touch. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean.
  • While the puddings are baking, prepare the toffee sauce. Combine the muscovado sugar, butter, cream, and black treacle in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth and bubbling gently.
  • Once the puddings are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, and then turn them out onto serving plates.
  • Pour the warm toffee sauce generously over each pudding and serve immediately. Enjoy your sticky toffee puddings with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

Tips 

For those seeking alternatives, coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a different depth of flavour, or a gluten-free flour blend can be used if required. By using high-quality ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a pudding that captures the essence of this beloved British dessert.
During the baking process, it’s important to keep an eye on the pudding to avoid overbaking, as this can result in a dry texture. Follow the specified baking times closely, and use a skewer to test for doneness. The skewer should come out clean when inserted into the centre of the pudding.

Suggestions for Sticky Toffee Pudding Serving

For an exceptional Sticky Toffee Pudding experience, serve the warm pudding generously topped with toffee sauce. Complementing the rich flavours, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of clotted cream offers a delightful contrast in texture and temperature. These additions not only enhance the taste but also provide a luxurious feel to the dessert, making it an ultimate Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Consider individual servings in elegant dishes, perhaps adorned with a sprig of fresh mint for a touch of colour and freshness. If you want to add a festive flair, a light dusting of icing sugar can give a visually appealing finish. For a more extravagant presentation, you might drizzle a bit of extra toffee sauce around the plate or add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.

Pairing the pudding with a warm beverage such as tea, coffee, or even a hot toddy can elevate the overall dining experience. For a summer twist, serve the pudding with a side of fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote to balance the sweetness.

If you are entertaining guests, prepare everything in advance and warm the pudding just before serving to ensure it’s at its best. With these serving suggestions, your Sticky Toffee Pudding will not only taste incredible but also look stunning on the plate, truly making it a Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Solving Common Problems

Dry texture can be avoided by being mindful of baking times. Always check the pudding a few minutes before the suggested time to ensure it isn’t overbaked. Excess liquid leading to a soggy pudding may result from inaccurate measurements or insufficient draining of the dates. Ensuring your dates are properly drained after soaking is crucial.

If your toffee sauce turns out too thin, it may need a bit more simmering time. Allow it to simmer until it thickens to the desired consistency, but take care not to let it burn. Should the sauce be too thick, gently reheat it while stirring in a bit more double cream to achieve the perfect consistency.

Uneven cooking can be an issue if the oven temperature isn’t consistent. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and consider rotating the pudding halfway through baking if necessary. Greasing your baking dish or pudding moulds well will also help in preventing the pudding from sticking, making it easier to release and serve.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I prepare Sticky Toffee Pudding in advance?

Yes, you can make both the pudding and the sauce a day ahead. Store them separately, and reheat before serving to ensure they retain their quality.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven or microwave, adding extra toffee sauce if necessary to keep the pudding moist.

Is it possible to freeze Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Absolutely, both the pudding and the sauce can be frozen. Wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn, and they will keep for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What should I do if my pudding turns out too dry?

If the pudding is too dry, it may have been overbaked. Check the pudding a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid this issue. Adding a bit more toffee sauce when serving can also help to moisten the pudding.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, a gluten-free flour blend can replace self-raising flour. Ensure all other ingredients used are gluten-free to make the pudding suitable for those with gluten intolerances.

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Rhubarb and Custard Crumble Recipe

Rhubarb and custard crumble is a delightful dessert that beautifully captures the essence of British baking. This treat features the tartness of rhubarb balanced perfectly with the creamy sweetness of custard, all topped with a golden, crunchy crumble.

This dessert is a true pleasure, combining contrasting flavours and textures that come together to create a comforting and satisfying pudding. Whether served at a family gathering or as a sweet finale to a Sunday lunch, rhubarb and custard crumble is sure to please everyone. Below is a recipe to use :

Rhubarb crumble dessert, garnished with mint.

Rhubarb and Custard Crumble

Print Recipe
Rhubarb and custard crumble is a truly delightful dessert that captures the essence of comfort and tradition. The dish combines the tartness of rhubarb with the creamy sweetness of custard, all topped with a buttery, golden crumble that provides a satisfying crunch.
Course Dessert
Cuisine English
Keyword Rhubarb, Rhubarb and Custard Crumble, Rhubarb dessert
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

For the custard:

Instructions

  • Set your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C, gas mark 4).
  • In a bowl, mix the flour, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon. Rub the cold, cubed butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the oats and half of the sugar
  • Place the drained rhubarb in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the rhubarb and mix gently to coat
  • Evenly spread the crumble mixture over the rhubarb, pressing down lightly.
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crumble is golden and the rhubarb is bubbling around the edges
  • Make the Custard – While the crumble is baking, warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat until just steaming. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour until smooth. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Once the crumble is ready, remove it from the oven. Serve warm with the freshly made custard poured over the top.
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Gooseberry Crumble Recipe

Follow our simple steps to create a delicious traditional gooseberry dessert. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, our recipe is easy to follow below and ensures great results every time.

Experience the timeless taste of gooseberries combined with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. This recipe uses natural ingredients to bring out the authentic flavour that everyone loves. This traditional gooseberry dessert is versatile and suitable for any event, from family dinners to festive gatherings. Impress your guests with a delightful treat that is sure to become a favourite.

Baked gooseberry crumble in blue dish.

Gooseberry Crumble

Print Recipe
Gooseberry crumble is a classic British dessert featuring tangy gooseberries topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture. Serve warm with custard or cream for a comforting treat.
Course Dessert
Cuisine English
Keyword gooseberry crumble, Gooseberry recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 People

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Ovenproof dish

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4.
  • Drain the gooseberries from the tin and spread them evenly in a medium-sized ovenproof dish. Add the vanilla extract and gently stir to combine.
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour and oats. Add the chilled diced butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar and cinnamon if using.
  • Evenly distribute the crumble mixture over the gooseberries, ensuring all the fruit is covered.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with vanilla custard or cream.

Notes

Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make gooseberry crumble, perfect for a cosy dessert.