Every food has its time, and toast is no exception. National Toast Day is a day that occurs annually, falling on February 27 this year. The simple versatile slice of bread has ended up on the breakfast table as well as on dessert plates around the world. From the UK in 2014 through the Tiptree World Bread Awards, toast has evolved as a celebration of creativity, for bakers and bread enthusiasts to elevate toast far beyond the usual.
Toast can no longer just be a simple breakfast fix but rather becomes a tool for culinary experimentation. From the warm spread of butter to lavish toppings of avocado, or hearty dollops of peanut butter, it has embraced diversity and trends in culture. This year on National Toast Day, take a step further with ice cream and gelato recipes that promise a dreamy, chilled twist. Imagine the crisp warmth of toast meeting the creamy chill of gelato.
Start with lightly buttered toasted white bread; golden toast serves as a comfortable foundation for a cold sweetness and floral honey undertones. Finish off the simple but rich treat by sprinkling a little chopped almonds on top, giving a crunchy contrast to each smooth, chocolatey, nutty gelato scoop on the rich, slightly buttery brioche bread.
Take a piece of brioche and toast it until crisp yet still soft. Spread the toast with a layer of Nutella, followed by a scoop of hazelnut gelato, then top with crushed hazelnuts and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The crunch and nuttiness of the crust from the brioche pairs well with the richness, making this dessert or indulgent snack perfect in every way.
To add a tangy twist of sweetness, top toasted multigrain bread with a scoop of strawberry ice cream. Top that with a drizzle of light balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves. The acidity of the balsamic complements the fruitiness of the ice cream while fresh basil provides a fresh herb flavor to it; this makes this recipe rather refined.
Toast a slice of sourdough bread and slather a thin layer of honey to enhance the natural tang of the bread. Top with a scoop of pistachio gelato and scatter edible rose petals over the top. The nutty gelato and floral aroma of rose create an elegant and aromatic pairing that's both exotic and indulgent.
The soft, fluffy texture of milk bread works perfectly as a base for this tropical treat. Simply toast the bread lightly, place a scoop of mango ice cream on top, and sprinkle it with toasted coconut flakes and just a tiny drizzle of caramel sauce. That tropical fruitiness combined with the creamy mango and the crunch of coconut feels like a sunny day in each bite.
The nutty, crusty, bread can be toasted to get more flavors adding some depth, where it would allow for dark chocolate shavings sprinkled atop accompanied by sea salt, a good way for someone who really is into their coffee.
Toast a slice of whole wheat bread and add a thin layer of cream cheese for a tangy base. Place a scoop of blueberry ice cream and sprinkle with freshly grated lemon zest, along with chia seeds. Creamy, fruity, and citrusy flavors together make for an indulgent and refreshing treat.
Toast a halved bagel until crisp and golden. Spread a layer of salted caramel sauce over the surface and top with a scoop of salted caramel gelato. Sprinkle with crushed pecans and a pinch of flaky sea salt. The buttery pecans and caramel richness meld beautifully with the crunch of the bagel for an indulgent dessert that is never too sweet.