Scarlet Dirigible Recipe

Chill the jar for 10–15 minutes in the freezer so the ice cream and toppings stay colder longer.

Pour the vanilla icing into a small shallow dish. In a second shallow dish place the red sanding sugar or sprinkles.

Remove the chilled jar. Using a spoon or small offset spatula, spread about 2 tablespoons of vanilla icing around the rim of the jar, working quickly so it doesn't melt the ice cream later.

Immediately invert the jar rim into the dish of red sprinkles and twist gently so the icing picks up an even coating of sprinkles. Set jar aside upright to let the icing set for 1–2 minutes.

Spoon & Layer

Scoop the cherry vanilla ice cream (about 3 cups total) and let it soften slightly on a plate for 2–3 minutes so it is easy to swirl but still cold.

First Layer

Place one large scoop (about 1 cup) of cherry vanilla ice cream into the bottom of the prepared jar and press gently to create a flat base.

Raspberry Drizzle

Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of raspberry drizzle over the first layer. Use the back of a spoon to streak the sauce along the inside glass walls for a visible swirl effect.

Repeat Layers

Add a second large scoop (about 1 cup) of ice cream, press gently, then drizzle another 2 tablespoons raspberry sauce and streak again. Top with the final scoop (about 1 cup) and use the remaining 2 tablespoons of raspberry drizzle to make a decorative swirl on the top layer.

If desired, use a small butter knife or skewer to make 2–3 gentle swirls through the jar to distribute the raspberry ribbon without fully mixing the ice cream.

Whipped Cream

Pipe or spoon approximately 1 cup of whipped cream on top of the assembled ice cream, creating a high, billowy peak.

Cheesecake Slice

Place the 2-oz slice of cherry cheesecake at a slight angle into the whipped cream so it is partially embedded and visible from the front of the jar. If the cheesecake is cold and firm, you may warm it 5–8 seconds in the microwave to make it easier to insert, but keep it chilled overall.

Finishing Touch

Drizzle the optional extra 1 tablespoon raspberry sauce over the whipped cream and cheesecake slice for extra color. Top the whipped cream peak with a single maraschino cherry.

Garnish (optional)

Tuck a small mint sprig beside the cheesecake slice for contrast.

Serve immediately with a long spoon and a straw. Provide a small dessert fork for the cheesecake slice if serving to guests.

Storage Note

If not serving right away, cover loosely and keep in the freezer for up to 30 minutes. Beyond that the cheesecake and whipped cream will soften and lose texture.