7 Most Expensive Ice Cream
It may not be an official holiday, but National Ice Cream Day is still a day that millions celebrate all over the globe. For many, every day is Ice Cream Day and no one can stop from getting their hands on the sweetest and most decadent ice cream around. Although this dessert can be purchased anywhere at affordable prices, there have been instances where prices have skyrocketed by the thousands. Here are seven of the most expensive ice cream ever sold:
1. Strawberries Arnaud - $3.95 Million
The Strawberries Arnaud from the Arnaud’s restaurant in New Orleans is the most expensive ice cream in the world costing a massive $3.95 million. The dessert is made from numerous luxurious ingredients including edible gold flakes and port wine, but it’s not the reason why it’s so expensive. The ice cream is served together with a 10.06-carat diamond ring which alone is valued in millions.
Customers who can afford this highly expensive dessert may not get a million-dollar serving of Strawberries Arnaud but they can still bring home the diamond ring as a souvenir; a great deal nonetheless. As for the recipe, Strawberries Arnaud is essentially French vanilla ice cream topped with wine-soaked strawberries and wine-based sauces. The sauces are made from a combination of Oporto sauce, port wine, and red burgundy wine. The ice cream is then finished with sprinkles of 24-carat gold flakes and mint leaves.
2. Absurdity Sundae - $60,000
The second most expensive ice cream in the world is the Absurdity Sundae from Three Twins Ice Cream in California. Much like the Strawberries Arnaud, the Absurdity Sundae treats customers for an experience rather than the ice cream itself. Customers who spend $60,000 will not only get an ice cream sundae but also a trip to Tanzania which includes a stay at a five-star hotel and a guided trip to Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Absurdity Sundae is made of three ice cream flavors and topped with dessert wine sauces and split bananas. A majority of the sundae’s profit all goes to a local NGO in Africa which helps in conserving the environment. Customers looking to try out the experience may have to book a separate ticket to Tanzania since Three Twins Ice Cream ceased operations in early 2020 after operating for over 15 years.
3. Frrrozen Haute Chocolate - $25,000
The $25,000 Frrrozen Haute Chocolate is a product of iconic New York restaurant Serendipity 3 which is known for making expensive record-breaking dishes. Unsurprisingly, the Frrrozen Haute Chocolate also made the Guinness World Record for being the most expensive dessert in the world in 2010.
This ice cream sundae is made from a combination hot chocolate mix and 23-carat edible gold, topped with Madeline au Truffle and 24-carat gold. The hot chocolate mix is said to be made from 28 cocoas sourced from Africa and South America. The luxury doesn’t stop there as the dessert is served in a Baccarat Harcourt crystal goblet laced with an 18-carat gold bracelet.
4. Bear Extraordinaire - $1,200
Served inside the Baccarat Hotel in New York, the Bear Extraordinaire costs $1,200 and is made from Madagascar vanilla beans. The final product itself is a vanilla slush filled in a white chocolate ball-shaped shell wherein the shell rests in a crushed black truffle, 64 percent Manjari dark chocolate, and Valrhona Gold cocoa nibs.
The Bear Extraordinaire also comes with a Baccarat crystal bear which customers can take home as a souvenir. Rosario Wakabayashi, an accomplished pastry chef in New York, is responsible for creating this luxurious dessert which has become a favorite among guests despite the steep price.
5. Mauboussin Mega Sundae - $1,000
Another New York location serving some expensive ice cream is Bagatelle which is also famous for its French Mediterranean cuisine. Staying true to its name, the Mauboussin Mega Sundae is served in an oversized Martini glass consisting of layers of French macaroons, chocolate truffles, and Vanilla ice cream. It’s then topped with Dom Perignon Rose sorbet, edible gold leaves, and chocolate vodka sauce.
Similar to the other items on this list, ice cream isn’t the only thing being served here as customers are also given a diamond ring crafted by French jeweler Mauboussin. Customers can either choose a black steel or white gold diamond ring depending on their preference.
6. Golden Opulence Sundae - $1,000
The Golden Opulence Sundae is another creation of Serendipity 3 and has a price tag of $1,000; a significantly cheaper ice cream compared to the Frrrozen Haute Chocolate but is still an expensive purchase nonetheless. Both expensive products are no longer available since they were only sold for a limited period but the Serendipity restaurant is always open to serve customers looking for a sumptuous and satisfying meal.
Created by Chef Joe Calderone, the Golden Opulence Sundae is made from three scoops of Tahitian Vanilla ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla beans, Amedei Porcelana and Chuao chocolates, canned fruits, sugar flower, caviar, and truffles. Much like its other expensive dessert, Serendipity 3 also treats guests like royalty if they order the Golden Opulence Sundae as they are given a $300 spoon made of 18-karat gold.
7. Victoria Ice Cream Sundae - $1,000
Named in the honor of Queen Victoria, the Victoria Ice Cream Sundae also commands a royal price tag of $1,000. This ice cream sundae is a creation of Langham Hotel’s Chef Scott Green and is topped with an edible chocolate crown and served in a Wedgewood crystal bowl. The hotel itself also holds ties to the British monarch as it was opened during the middle of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1865.
Guittard Complexite 70 percent chocolate, Tahitian vanilla, Madagascar-Bourbon vanilla, and Mexican vanilla are used to create this ice cream which is then topped with caramelized golden peanuts, chocolate fudge made with Louis XIII de Remy Martin, 24-carat gold leaf, butterscotch, and whipped cream with salted caramel.
Final Thoughts
Ice cream isn’t normally expensive but some restaurants have found a way to turn it into luxury food items. At this rate, it won’t be long before another overtakes Strawberries Arnaud as the most expensive ice cream on the planet.
