Food & Drink

Cool Down This Summer With These 30+ Yummy Ice Cream Recipes

written by BRETT NICOLE HAYDEN & KATHERINE BALLESTA-ROSEN
ice cream recipes"
ice cream recipes
Source: The Salty Marshmallow
Source: The Salty Marshmallow

There aren’t many—if any at all—instances that wouldn’t be bettered with ice cream. Watching fireworks for the Fourth of July? Perfect time for ice cream. Driving home from swim lessons? May as well stop for ice cream. Summertime apple pie looking a little bland? Nothing a scoop of vanilla can’t fix!  

You get the idea. While a good thing may still be a good thing without ice cream, 99 percent of the time, a cold scoop of deliciousness will enhance it. But what’s even better than stopping by an ice cream shop on the way home or coming home with your favorite brand from the grocery store? Making it at home! 

Like picking out the perfect scoop at your favorite ice cream shop, we deserve options, even when we’re in our own kitchen. That’s why we wanted to bring together all of the fun summer ice cream recipes your heart could possibly desire. We’re talking everything from the classics to extra-special ice cream-centric desserts—and even an option specifically for the parents! Read on for 30+ of our favorite ice cream recipes for summer. 

Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

1. Rainbow Ice Cream

An ice cream that looks at least as pretty as it tastes! Learn the secret to creating a colorful rainbow swirl as you make this tasty no-churn vanilla ice cream recipe.

ice cream recipes
Source: Julie’s Eats & Treats

2. No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

Let’s be sure we cover the classics. This chocolate ice cream recipe requires no churning (because who has time for that?) and is even more delicious than you can imagine. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Family Food on the Table

3. S’mores Ice Cream 

We knew this list of ice cream recipes wouldn’t be complete without this inclusion after we came across it. S’mores are a pillar of summertime fun, so combining them with ice cream can only mean one thing: best. summer. ever. 

ice cream recipes
Source: I Heart Naptime

4. Strawberry Dole Whip

If you’ve never had a Dole whip before, it’s essentially a creamy plus tangy pineapple soft serve that’s seriously addictive if tropical fruits are your thing. When you’re a strawberry lover, blending a handful in only makes this ice cream treat taste that much better.

ice cream recipes
Source: I Heart Naptime

5. Shark Frenzy Ice Cream

Who says we can’t play with our food? Or at least have fun with it? This is a fun twist on the classic vanilla ice cream and can be customized with any food coloring and gummy candy of choice. 

ice cream recipes
Source: A Night Owl Blog

6. Honey Ice Cream

As you enjoy a scoop of this luscious ice cream, give a shoutout to all those busy bees who have blessed us with the sweet and golden gift of honey this summer. 

ice cream recipes
Source: The View From Great Island

7. Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Ice Cream

Take your classic strawberry ice cream and make it just that much better with this recipe! Strawberries are a staple of summer, but who knew using balsamic vinegar can really enhance their flavor? Now that we do, we’ll never go back! 

ice cream recipes
Source: Closet Cooking

8. Homemade Cereal Milk Ice Cream

We know how it sounds, but no, this recipe doesn’t require you save the milk at the bottom of your bowl of cereal. It does, however, get all of the same yummy flavor by steeping cereal in a creamy mixture overnight. This is such a fun twist on everyday ice cream that you won’t want to miss out on.  

ice cream recipes
Source: Lovely Little Kitchen

9. Avocado Ice Cream

Anyone who has become an avocado-aficionado needs to try this recipe ASAP. If you’re feeling a bit unsure, that’s OK. Once you give this combo of rich, creamy avocado and sweet ice cream a try, there will be no going back. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Two Peas & Their Pod

10. Oat Milk Ice Cream

If you want to perfect the art of creating a dairy-free ice cream that leaves everyone in wonder at how good it is—and not just how good it is “for being vegan”—then this is the one that’s going to take you there.

ice cream recipes
Source: Well Plated

11. Moscato & Blackberry Ice Cream

This one’s for the adults only—sorry, kiddos! But parents deserve something sweet, too. This boozy ice cream recipe is a divine way to end a summer date night. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Sugar Spun Run

12. Hazelnut and Salted Caramel Ice Cream

A sweet and salty combination is always welcome in my household, and it doesn’t get much better than salted caramel. Add in the earthy sweetness of the hazelnut to this recipe and you’ve got a treat that’s simply decadent. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Foodie Crush

13. Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe

Get those fresh-picked summer blueberries ready because this no-churn cheesecake ice cream recipe is going to turn them into one very berry fabulous dessert!

ice cream recipes
Source: Grandbaby Cakes

14. Paleo Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Anyone trying out paleo or needing to be dairy-free, be sure to check out this recipe. It has all the goodness of regular chocolate chip ice cream without refined sugar. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Movement Menu

15. Easy Banana Ice Cream

Is there such a thing as too much ice cream in the summer? We’ll let you be the judge of that, but in case your answer is yes, this “ice cream” recipe is made entirely with bananas and includes 10 creative flavors for jazzing it up.

ice cream recipes
Source: Minimalist Baker

16. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Prepare for this ice cream to blow your mind. And before we lose you on the idea of putting cottage cheese in ice cream, know that the concept went viral for a reason. There’s no cottage cheese flavor, and this recipe is packed with protein—meaning we can actually feel good about eating ice cream. I’d call that a win! 

ice cream recipes
Source: RachL Mansfield

17. Mango Dark Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

For those who appreciate a good fruit and chocolate combo, you’ll totally dig this juicy mango ice cream recipe. Think chocolate covered mango pieces, but in refreshing ice cream form.

ice cream recipes
Source: Spices In My DNA

Ice Cream Dessert Recipes

18. Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches

There are a lot of ways to house an ice cream sandwich, but if your child adores waffles then they’re going to jump at the chance to make these. It’s also a perfect recipe for getting their little hands involved!

ice cream recipes
Source: Best Friends for Frosting

19. Ice Cream Nachos

Never did I think nachos could get any better… then I found this recipe. This would be a great dessert to make for a birthday celebration for anyone who never turns down an ice cream sundae run. 

ice cream recipes
Source: The Salty Marshmallow

20. Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwiches

This is a no-fuss recipe that’s almost guaranteed to top any prepackaged neapolitan alternatives. All you have to do is prepare the soft chocolate cookie base, spread on your go-to vanilla and strawberry ice creams, and you’ll be in tricolor ice cream heaven. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Life, Love and Sugar

21. Roasted Peaches

For most places, summertime means fresh peach season and it’s only right we take advantage of them while we can. These roasted peaches with cinnamon ice cream are exactly what the family needs at the end of a hot day. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Celebrating Sweets

22. Grilled Banana Ice Cream Sundae

Alongside ice cream recipes, summer is all about grilling recipes too, of course. Check both of these summertime musts off your list by building these mouthwatering banana split-like ice cream sundaes.

ice cream recipes
Source: Damn Delicious

23. Animal Cookie Ice Cream Cake

I, too, once thought the best ice cream cake had to be bought. I’m happy to say I was mistaken. Keep this recipe bookmarked for your next summer birthday celebration for an animal cracker-loving kiddo. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Grandbaby Cakes

24. Cake Batter Milkshakes

If you enjoy your ice cream in milkshake form, get festive by trying this cake batter-flavored one. Creating that quintessential cake batter ice cream flavor is easier than you might think, and this three-ingredient recipe will show you how.

ice cream recipes
Source: Cooking Classy

25. Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

I’m not sure a combination more delicious than ice cream and cookies actually exists. In this easy-to-follow recipe, make the most beloved combination that’s the ultimate summer treat.

ice cream recipes
Source: Sally’s Baking Recipes

26. Chocolate Cookie Dough Swirl Vegan Ice Cream Bars

If you usually grab Magnum bars from your grocery store’s freezer section, then these bars are for you. Not only do they include a homemade cookie dough recipe that’s delish, but they can be made entirely plant-based if you so choose!

ice cream recipes
Source: Liv B. x Greg’s Vegan Gourmet

27. Brown Butter Cinnamon Ice Cream Float

We all know (and love) the classic root beer float, but this recipe takes the concept and makes it 10 times better. This yummy delight is made with cream soda, brown butter apple cinnamon ice cream, and salted honey caramel—yum! 

ice cream recipes
Source: With Salt and Wit

28. Fried Ice Cream

I remember hearing about fried ice cream for the first time and thinking that the logistics couldn’t possibly make sense. Lucky for all of us, with this recipe, we can easily make this delicious treat at home with little mess! 

ice cream recipes
Source: Cooking Classy

29. Cereal Ice Cream Sandwiches

Little ones are notorious for loving cereal. With this recipe, they can pair their favorite breakfast item with the sweetest treat of summer. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Bless this Mess

30. Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwiches

The only thing we can think of that’s more delicious than an ice cream cookie sandwich is an ice cream doughnut sandwich. Indulge yourself this summer with a treat unlike any other. 

ice cream recipes
Source: heinstirred

31. Peanut Butter S’mores Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Peanut butter, s’mores, chocolate, oh my! All of the decadent flavors of summer mesh together wonderfully in this no-bake dessert. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Baker by Nature

32. Oreo Ice Cream Cake

Oreos and ice cream simply make sense. Anyone who loves the classic sandwich cookie will find their new favorite dessert with this sweet recipe. 

ice cream recipes
Source: Girl Versus Dough
brett nicole hayden
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor

As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!

katherine ballesta-rosen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katherine Ballesta-Rosen, Editorial Intern

Besides being an avid reader and writer since girlhood, Katherine decided to kick her literacy-laden background up a notch by receiving her Master’s in teaching, and went on to teach English Language Arts to high schoolers for several years. As an intern at The Everymom, Katherine writes about topics such as maternal wellness, sex and relationships, and more.