Melba toast with ice cream
Melba toast with ice cream is a classic dessert pairing that combines thin, crisp, dry toast with a scoop of creamy ice cream. The toast is typically made from white bread, toasted until golden and brittle, while the ice cream is often vanilla or a complementary flavor. This simple yet elegant combination originated in the late 19th century as a refined palate cleanser or light dessert.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates and fat, with the toast providing simple carbs and the ice cream contributing significant saturated fat and sugar. A typical serving offers a quick energy boost from sugars and starches, along with some calcium from the ice cream, but is relatively low in protein and fiber.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Vitamin A | 100 IU |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 µg |
| Phosphorus | 70 mg |
Per 2 slices of Melba toast (about 30 g) with 1 scoop (66 g) of vanilla ice cream · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The pairing is named after Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, for whom it was created by chef Auguste Escoffier. Nutritionally, it's a study in contrasts—the dry, low-moisture toast provides a textural counterpoint to the cold, creamy ice cream, making it a timeless example of how simple ingredients can create a sophisticated sensory experience.
