Butter-Dipped Ice Cream Trend Delights New Yorkers

In November 2025, a bizarre yet delightful food trend has taken New York City by storm. A viral TikTok video has showcased a unique ice cream creation that features a vanilla soft serve cone dipped in clarified butter and topped with a sprinkle of fleur de sel, a type of French sea salt.

This unexpected flavor combination was popularized by renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel, who introduced the butter-dipped ice cream at his bakery in the Big Apple. Ansel explains that the treat is a fusion of creamy vanilla soft serve made with milk, encased in a thin "shell" of Isigny Ste. Mère butter from France, and finished with a touch of the flavorful fleur de sel.

Despite the unusual pairing, New Yorkers who have tried the unique dessert have been pleasantly surprised. They report that the crunchy texture of the butter shell, combined with the sweet ice cream and salty topping, creates a remarkably balanced and luxurious flavor profile. One local YouTuber, Sam E. Goldberg, described the experience as "unique and possibly genius," praising the way the different elements complement each other.

With the butter-dipped ice cream only available for a limited time in November, New Yorkers are now attempting to recreate the trend at home, eager to experience this unexpected delight for themselves.