How to Make an Ice Cream Bombe

  • 01 of 09

    Making an Ice Cream Bombe

    Ice Cream Bombe Tools
    The Spruce / Kimberly Kunaniec

    An ice cream bombe is a simple, layered ice cream dish that will impress your guests. Just don’t tell them how simple it is to put together. You can even use your favorite store-bought ice creams and sorbets to create it. Here, we used chocolate and strawberry ice creams with our favorite mango sorbet, but you can experiment with any flavor combination you love. After all, the best recipes are the ones that are easy to personalize!

    Gather Your Equipment

    You will need three freezer-safe bowls, such as stainless steel or Pyrex. The largest one should be 2 to 2.5 quarts and the other two should nest inside it. You will also need a spatula, plastic wrap, and three flavors of ice cream or sorbet.

    For this ice cream bombe, we used chocolate and strawberry ice cream, plus mango sorbet for the center. Fruit sorbets are a great choice because they have such vibrant colors.

    Continue to 2 of 9 below.
  • 02 of 09

    Starting Your Ice Cream Bombe

    Ice Cream Bombe Step One
    The Spruce / Kimberly Kunaniec

    Allow the first flavor of ice cream to soften in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before you begin. Give the ice cream a good stir and use a stiff spatula to spread the ice cream evenly up the sides of the largest bowl.

    Continue to 3 of 9 below.
  • 03 of 09

    Create an Even Ice Cream Layer

    Ice Cream Bombe Step Two
    The Spruce / Kimberly Kunaniec

    Wrap the outside of the second bowl in plastic wrap. Press the bowl firmly into the ice cream to create an even layer.

    Continue to 4 of 9 below.
  • 04 of 09

    Freeze the Ice Cream Until Firmly Set

    Ice Cream Bombe Step Three
    The Spruce / Kimberly Kunaniec

    Leave the second bowl inside the first and place in the freezer until firm. Meanwhile, put the second flavor of ice cream in the refrigerator to soften.

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  • 05 of 09

    Add a Second Ice Cream Flavor to Your Bombe

    Add the second flavor of ice cream and use the smallest bowl to get it smooth.
    The Spruce / Kimberly Kunaniec

    Repeat the process by spreading the second flavor of ice cream or sorbet over the first, wrapping the outside of the smallest bowl in plastic wrap, and pressing firmly to create an even layer. Freeze to set the second flavor.

    Put the final flavor of ice cream in the refrigerator to soften for about 30 minutes.

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  • 06 of 09

    Add the Third and Final Ice Cream Flavor

    Fill the space with your final ice cream flavor.
    The Spruce / Kimberly Kunaniec

    Remove the bowl and fill the remaining space with the last flavor of ice cream or sorbet. Return to the freezer for at least one hour so that it can set completely.

    Continue to 7 of 9 below.
  • 07 of 09

    Use Hot Water to Unmold Your Bombe

    Fill your sink with hot water.
    The Spruce / Kimberly Kunaniec

    Fill your sink with hot water. Carefully dip the bowl into the water for 10 seconds. You are trying to just melt the edge of the ice cream bombe so it will release from the bowl.

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  • 08 of 09

    Flip the Ice Cream Bombe Onto a Plate

    Flip the bowl over onto a plate.
    The Spruce / Kimberly Kunaniec

    Flip the bowl over onto a plate immediately after you dip it in the hot water. You may need to use a small spatula or knife to help separate the ice cream from the bowl.

    Continue to 9 of 9 below.
  • 09 of 09

    Slice and Serve Your Ice Cream Bombe

    Finished ice cream bombe
    The Spruce / Kimberly Kunaniec

    Return the ice cream to the freezer one last time to firmly set. Slice the bombe-like a pie, using a heavy, sharp knife and enjoy. You can decorate the plate with your favorite sauce, fresh whipped cream, or a sprig of mint, or just serve as is.

    Tips and Alterations

    • You can use any three ice cream flavors you enjoy, but try to choose ones with contrasting colors. A bright sorbet will make your ice cream bombe beautiful! We love using mango or raspberry sorbet for their bold flavors and colors.
    • Finish the presentation. Create a different look for your ice cream bombe by spreading a final layer of the first flavor across the bottom of the bombe after adding the third flavor. Don't forget to freeze it completely before unmolding it from the bowl.
    • Add some cake to your dessert. For something even fancier, spread a thin layer of ice cream across the entire bottom of your bombe and press a layer of cake onto it. Instant ice cream cake.