With school out for summer and warm weather ramping up, we’re dreaming of dips in the pool and weekends at the lake. And what pairs perfectly with a day by the water? A scoop of ice cream, a cool slice of icebox pie, or a flavorful cup of shaved ice.
Homemade treats are a great way to beat the heat, and we have a multitude of creamy, frosty, and frozen dessert recipes to help you through the dog days. Even better, they feature the ultimate flavors of summer—just about all the main berries are represented here, plus orange, mango, and chocolate, of course.
Some of these frozen desserts will even take you back to the nostalgic ice cream truck favorites of your childhood. Add one to the menu for your next summer gathering, or just enjoy one any sweltering day of the week.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice-Cream Bars
Remember those Strawberry Shortcake Bars from the ice cream truck? They were the ultimate summer treat. If you have a soft spot for those nostalgic ice cream bars and their signature cake coating, you’ll love this homemade version. Featuring homemade sorbet and crushed shortbread cookies, these Strawberry Shortcake Ice-Cream Bars will inspire the same sort of dessert devotion.
Get the recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Ice-Cream Bars.
Orange-Cream Icebox Pie
The orange sherbet and vanilla ice-cream combo of a Creamsicle, introduced in 1937 by the Popsicle brand, is a beloved and classic flavor for a reason. Sweet citrus is a delightful flavor when it comes to frozen summer treats. For a homemade take on this citrusy standout, try this Orange-Cream Icebox Pie, which pairs those familiar flavors with orange zest and a vanilla wafer crust.
Get the recipe for Orange-Cream Icebox Pie.
Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream is such a treat in the summertime. Not only can you customize it however you like, but you can also take advantage of fresh and delicious summer flavors, like sweet cherries. This recipe calls for letting the cherries soak in sugar and brandy for several hours, but feel free to skip the brandy if that’s not your thing. The combination of cool and dreamy cherries and cream (plus chocolate chunks!) makes for one delightful summer treat.
Get the recipe for Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream.
Snow Cones Three Ways
What’s more fun than a snow cone on a sweltering summer day? Cool off after a pool or lake day or serve them up to your friends at your next summer gathering. These are technically snow cones for grown-ups, but you can easily leave out the alcohol and replace it with another liquid, like juice or more of the homemade flavored syrup in the recipes below. We made these icy treats with raspberries, blueberries, and mangoes, but try them with any fruit or berry you like! You’ll be making these all summer long.
Get the recipe for Raspberry-Vodka Snow Cone Cocktail.
Get the recipe for Blueberry-Bourbon Snow Cone Cocktail.
Get the recipe for Mango-Tequila Snow Cone Cocktail.
Raspberry and Pistachio Semifreddo
Take advantage of peak-season berries with this colorful dessert—you can substitute an equal amount of blueberries or chopped strawberries in place of the raspberries, depending on what’s in season. Use a long serrated knife to cut clean slices.
Get the recipe for Raspberry and Pistachio Semifreddo.
Sugar Cone Cookie Ice-Cream Sandwiches
Another nostalgic ice cream truck favorite, the King Cone, gets a fun and homemade twist with these cookie ice cream sandwiches. Fittingly “crowned” with chocolate and roasted peanuts, these are perfect for those who crave a little salty with their sweet. We might be biased, but we think our twist on the classic cone is just as memorable as the original, thanks to hot fudge sauce, vanilla ice cream, salted peanuts, and homemade cookies made with crumbled sugar cone.
Get the recipe for Sugar Cone Cookie Ice-Cream Sandwiches.
Blackberry–Goat Cheese Ice Cream
Rich and creamy, this homemade ice cream is made all the more special with the addition of fresh fruit from the farmers’ market. In this recipe, the fruit is cooked and stirred into churned ice cream before it is frozen.
Get the recipe for Blackberry–Goat Cheese Ice Cream.
Zebra Semifreddo
Here’s a fun summer treat the kids will love. Inspired by semifreddos, this recipe takes ice cream cakes made with ice cream sandwiches to a whole new (slightly more sophisticated) level. This semi-homemade semifreddo is the ultimate easy-to-make dessert, which can come in handy when you have a big crowd to feed. You can assemble it in minutes and then store it in the freezer for up to two days before your dinner party. Drizzle the cinnamon-chocolate drizzle on just before serving, then slice it up and enjoy!
Get the recipe for Zebra Semifreddo.
