Peanut ice cream roll

Peanut ice cream roll (Chinese: 花生捲冰淇淋; Tongyong Pinyin: Hūa shēng jǔan bīng cí líng; Tâi-lô: thôo-tāu-hu-kńg-ōo-ping) is a traditional Taiwanese vegetarian dessert commonly sold at night markets and temple fairs. It is especially associated with Yilan County, where it is regarded as a local specialty.^[2]

The dessert consists of a thin wheat-based wrapper similar to that used for lūn-piánn (Chinese: 潤餅), which is filled with shaved peanut brittle bound with malt sugar, scoops of ice cream, and fresh coriander. The wrapper is folded into a roll, resembling a spring roll in both appearance and preparation..^[3]

Taro-flavored ice cream is the most common filling, though pineapple, plum, and other flavors are also used. Many traditional vendors use babu (Chinese: 叭噗), a non-dairy Taiwanese ice dessert made from sugar, starch, and cooked ingredients, which melts more slowly than Western-style ice cream and has a denser texture.^[4]

The dessert has been referenced in contemporary Taiwanese gastronomy, with modern interpretations appearing in upscale restaurants and seasonal tasting menus. Despite these adaptations, the traditional version remains most commonly associated with night markets and street vendors.^[5]

Peanut ice cream rolls are typically assembled to order. Vendors shave a block of peanut brittle using a specialized grater designed to produce fine shavings. The wrapper is often made fresh from flour, water, and salt, requiring skill to achieve sufficient elasticity and thinness. The shaved peanuts, ice cream, and coriander are placed onto the wrapper before it is folded and served immediately.^[6]

While the classic version uses peanut brittle, taro ice cream, and coriander, modern variations may omit coriander or incorporate alternative ice cream flavors such as roasted tea, citrus, or salted profiles. Thicker wrappers are sometimes used to reduce tearing and enhance texture.^[7]

• Taiwanese cuisine
• List of Taiwanese desserts and snacks