15 Ice Cream Desserts That Taste Like Summer Nights at the Soda Fountain
Do you remember the first time you sat at a soda fountain counter and watched a sundae being built just for you? These ice cream desserts bring that feeling right back. Each slide has a simple recipe you can make at home, no fancy machine needed. Find more sweet ideas in our dessert galleries..
Ice Cream Desserts Do Not Get More Classic Than a Banana Split
The banana split is the king of all ice cream desserts. Three scoops sit on a split banana, then get covered in hot fudge, strawberry sauce, whipped cream, nuts and a bright red cherry. It was made for sharing, but nobody blames you for keeping it all to yourself. One bite and you are a kid again at the counter..
You will need: 1 ripe banana, 1 scoop each vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, 2 tablespoons hot fudge, 2 tablespoons strawberry sauce, whipped cream, chopped peanuts and maraschino cherries.
How to make it: Split the banana lengthwise and lay the halves in a long dish. Place the three scoops in a row between them. Spoon hot fudge over the chocolate, strawberry sauce over the strawberry and leave the vanilla plain or add pineapple. Top each scoop with whipped cream, nuts and a cherry.
Layered Ice Cream Cake
An ice cream cake is the birthday dessert kids dream about. Layers of ice cream, crunchy cookie crumbs and fudge freeze into a cake that slices beautifully. You can make it days ahead and keep it in the freezer until the party. It is one of those ice cream desserts that makes any celebration feel bigger.
You will need: 2 quarts ice cream in two flavors, 24 crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 cup hot fudge and whipped cream.
How to make it: Mix the cookie crumbs with butter and press half into a lined springform pan. Spread softened ice cream on top and freeze 30 minutes. Add the fudge, the rest of the crumbs and the second ice cream. Freeze overnight, then top with whipped cream and slice with a warm knife.
Silky Homemade Gelato
Italian gelato is denser and silkier than regular ice cream because it uses more milk and less cream. That makes the flavor taste stronger and fresher. Walking past a colorful gelato case in Italy is a memory many people never forget. You can recreate that magic at home with a simple custard base and an ice cream maker.
You will need: 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 egg yolks, 2/3 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla or your favorite flavoring.
How to make it: Heat the milk and cream until steaming. Whisk the yolks and sugar, then slowly whisk in the hot milk. Return to the pot and cook gently until it coats a spoon. Chill completely, add vanilla and churn in an ice cream maker. Freeze two hours before scooping.
Old Fashioned Strawberry Milkshake
A thick strawberry milkshake tastes like summer vacation in a glass. Real strawberries and good vanilla ice cream make it far better than any fast food version. The secret to a thick shake is very little milk and a quick blend. Serve it in a tall glass with a striped straw for full diner vibes.
You will need: 3 big scoops vanilla ice cream, 1 cup fresh strawberries, 1/3 cup cold milk, 1 tablespoon sugar and whipped cream for topping.
How to make it: Hull the strawberries and blend them with the sugar until smooth. Add the ice cream and milk and blend just until combined, so it stays thick. Pour into a chilled glass and top with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.
Warm Brownie Sundae
Hot and cold together is the secret magic of a brownie sundae. A warm, fudgy brownie melts the vanilla ice cream on top into a creamy sauce, and a drizzle of hot fudge takes it over the edge. Restaurants charge a lot for this, but you can make it at home for a fraction of the price. It is pure comfort after a long week.
You will need: 4 fudgy brownies, 4 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, chopped walnuts and cherries.
How to make it: Warm each brownie in the microwave for 15 seconds. Place in a bowl and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Spoon warm hot fudge over the top, add whipped cream and walnuts and finish with a cherry. Serve right away while the brownie is still warm.
Show Stopping Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska looks like a magic trick. Ice cream sits on a layer of cake, covered in fluffy meringue, and then it gets toasted until golden without melting inside. It was a fancy dinner party dessert in the 1950s and 60s, and it still wows guests today. A kitchen torch makes it easy and dramatic.
You will need: 1 sponge cake round, 1 quart ice cream, 4 egg whites, 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar.
How to make it: Shape the ice cream into a dome in a lined bowl and freeze until very firm. Set it on the cake round. Whip the egg whites, cream of tartar and sugar to stiff, glossy peaks. Cover the ice cream and cake completely in meringue and toast with a torch or bake at 475°F for 3 minutes.
Sprinkle Dipped Ice Cream Cones
A cone dipped in chocolate and rolled in sprinkles turns a simple scoop into a party. Kids love decorating their own, and the chocolate rim stops drips. These little ice cream desserts are perfect for birthday parties and backyard summer nights. Make a batch of dipped cones ahead and store them in the freezer.
You will need: 12 sugar cones, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, rainbow sprinkles and your favorite ice cream.
How to make it: Melt the chocolate with coconut oil. Dip the top edge of each cone into the chocolate and immediately roll it in sprinkles. Stand the cones in a glass to set for 15 minutes. Fill with scoops of ice cream and serve.
No Churn Cookie Dough Ice Cream
No ice cream maker? No problem. This no churn ice cream uses whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk for a creamy base, then gets loaded with chunks of edible cookie dough. It tastes like the best pint from the store, made in your own kitchen. Kids and adults will fight over the last scoop.
You will need: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup edible cookie dough pieces.
How to make it: Whip the cream to stiff peaks. Fold in the condensed milk and vanilla gently until smooth. Fold in most of the cookie dough pieces. Spread into a loaf pan, top with the remaining dough and freeze for at least six hours.
Belgian Waffles With Ice Cream
Crispy Belgian waffles with a scoop of ice cream melting into every square are a dessert lover’s dream. The warm waffle and cold ice cream make a perfect match, and a dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off. Serve it for a special brunch or as a cozy night in treat. Add berries or chocolate sauce if you like.
You will need: 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups milk, 1/2 cup melted butter and vanilla ice cream.
How to make it: Whisk the flour, sugar and baking powder. In another bowl mix the eggs, milk and butter, then combine. Cook in a hot greased waffle iron until golden and crisp. Top each warm waffle with a scoop of ice cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
The chocolate ice cream sandwich from the ice cream truck is a core childhood memory for so many of us. This homemade version uses soft chocolate cookies and your favorite vanilla ice cream. Wrap them one by one and keep them in the freezer. They are the perfect grab and go treat on a hot afternoon.
You will need: 24 soft chocolate cookies, 1 quart vanilla ice cream and plastic wrap.
How to make it: Let the ice cream soften for 10 minutes. Scoop a thick layer onto the flat side of one cookie and press another on top. Smooth the edges with a knife. Wrap tightly and freeze for at least two hours before eating.
Mint Ice Cream Float
A float is one of the simplest and happiest ice cream desserts you can make. Pour sparkling soda over a scoop of ice cream and watch it fizz into a creamy foam. This mint version is cool and refreshing, perfect after a summer barbecue. Try root beer with vanilla too for the classic version.
You will need: 2 scoops mint chocolate chip ice cream, 1 cup cold lemon lime soda or cream soda and whipped cream.
How to make it: Place the ice cream in a tall glass. Slowly pour the cold soda over the top, letting the foam rise. Add a swirl of whipped cream and a straw. Serve right away while it is fizzy and cold.
Homemade Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Homemade chocolate chip ice cream is rich, creamy and packed with thin chocolate flakes in every bite. The trick is drizzling melted chocolate into the churning ice cream, which hardens into delicate shards. It tastes just like the scoop shop. Once you make it at home, you may never buy a carton again.
You will need: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla and 4 ounces melted dark chocolate.
How to make it: Whisk the cream, milk, sugar and vanilla until the sugar dissolves. Chill well, then churn in an ice cream maker. In the last minute, slowly drizzle in the melted chocolate so it breaks into flakes. Freeze for two hours before serving.
Pie à la Mode
Pie à la mode simply means pie with a scoop of ice cream on top, and it is one of America’s favorite ice cream desserts. Warm fruit pie and cold vanilla ice cream melting together is a combination that never gets old. It is the classic finish to a family dinner or holiday meal. Warm the pie slice first for the best result.
You will need: 1 fruit pie of your choice, 1 quart vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
How to make it: Warm each slice of pie in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 20 seconds. Set it on a plate and add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or on top. Dust with a pinch of cinnamon and serve immediately.
Crispy Fried Ice Cream
Fried ice cream sounds impossible, but it is real and delicious. A frozen ball of ice cream is rolled in a crunchy cinnamon cereal coating, then quickly fried or baked so the outside turns crisp while the inside stays cold. Drizzle it with chocolate sauce or honey. It is a fun dessert that always gets a reaction.
You will need: 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream, 3 cups crushed cornflakes, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons melted butter and chocolate sauce.
How to make it: Freeze the scoops on a tray until very hard. Toast the cornflakes with butter and cinnamon until golden, then cool. Roll each scoop in the crumbs, pressing to coat, and freeze again for one hour. Serve with chocolate sauce, or quickly fry for 10 seconds for extra crunch.
Build Your Own Sundae Bar
A sundae bar turns dessert into a party. Set out bowls of ice cream, sauces and toppings, and let everyone build their own masterpiece. Sprinkles, cookie crumbs, cherries and whipped cream make each bowl unique. It is the easiest way to feed a crowd and the best way to make kids feel like they are in charge of dessert.
You will need: 2 or 3 flavors of ice cream, hot fudge, caramel sauce, sprinkles, crushed cookies, chopped nuts, whipped cream and cherries.
How to make it: Scoop the ice cream into balls ahead of time and keep them on a tray in the freezer. Warm the sauces and put toppings in small bowls. Set out bowls and spoons and let everyone build their own sundae. Keep extra scoops frozen until needed.
