Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Desserts 21 Easy Ice Cream Desserts to Try This Summer By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 7, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Rita Maas Who doesn't love ice cream on a balmy day? From ice cream cakes and sandwiches to ice cream s'mores, these cool recipes are perfect for a hot summer night—or, honestly, pretty much anytime. And if you want to be a little bit extra? You can even make your own homemade ice cream to create these dreamy, creamy ice cream desserts. 01 of 21 Peanut Butter Ice Cream Crunch Cake Tom Schierlitz This sweet and salty dessert combines crunchy peanuts and creamy chocolate-peanut butter ganache. 02 of 21 Ice Cream S'mores Tom Schierlitz What would make the campfire dessert even better? Try it with a little vanilla ice cream inside. get the recipe 03 of 21 Mexican "Fried" Ice Cream Jen Causey The secret to avoiding melting this fun treat? Cook up the crispy coating in advance, let it cool, then roll scoops of vanilla ice cream in the mixture.. get the recipe 04 of 21 PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches Greg DuPree Feel like a kid again with this ice cream dessert that plays on the classic lunchbox sandwich. Freeze-dried strawberries and chopped peanuts add a satisfying crunch. get the recipe 05 of 21 Ice Cream Cake Lisa Hubbard Our recipe for ice cream cake calls for layers of yellow cake and coffee ice cream, but feel free to get creative—try devil's food with mint chocolate chip ice cream in the center, or a confetti cake with orange sherbet. 06 of 21 Berry and Ice Cream Shortcakes David Prince Shortcakes are the perfect way to take advantage of your farmers' market or pick-your-own bounty—you can choose whatever berries look best to adorn this sweet ice cream dessert. 07 of 21 Easy Ice Cream Cake Marcus Nilsson This ice cream cake comes together super fast—just layer in ice cream sandwiches and sweetened whipped cream. get the recipe 08 of 21 Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches Yunhee Kim This may be the easiest ice cream recipe—just sandwich softened ice cream between a pair of crispy cookies. 09 of 21 Ice Cream Truffles Anna Williams These cool ice cream truffles are the perfect way to serve ice cream to a crowd—each person gets their own truffle (or three). 10 of 21 Vanilla-Orange Freeze Anna Williams Like a creamsicle in cake form, this recipe calls for vanilla ice cream with a sunny layer of orange. get the recipe 11 of 21 Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Ngoc Minh Ngo Homemade peanut butter cookies are the perfect salty-sweet foil to vanilla ice cream. get the recipe 12 of 21 Mixed-Berry Shake Quentin Bacon Frozen berries and ice cream combine for a drink that serves double duty as a dessert. 13 of 21 Fruity Ice Cream Cups David Prince Layer vanilla ice cream and fruit sorbet for a refreshing dessert that's easy to individually serve. 14 of 21 Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie Yunhee Kim A chocolate Rice Krispie crust is the perfect foil for mint chip ice cream. If you really want to wow your guests, DIY your own mint chip ice cream. get the recipe 15 of 21 Shortbread With Oranges and Honey Amy Neunsinger Honey drizzled oranges and fresh shortbread cookies are the perfect accompaniments for vanilla ice cream. 16 of 21 Cupcakes With Vanilla Ice Cream Frosting Anna Williams This is the perfect way to serve up cake and ice cream—swirl vanilla ice cream on top of your favorite cupcakes (and don't forget the sprinkles!). 17 of 21 Tiramisu Anna Williams Make the classic Italian dessert perfect for summer by swapping ice cream for the mascarpone. 18 of 21 Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Anna Williams Fresh strawberries give this frozen dessert extra sweetness. 9 Ways to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker get the recipe 19 of 21 Lemon Soda Float Anna Williams Not into root beer? Pair lemon soda and vanilla ice cream for the ultimate sweet-tart version of the ice cream float. 20 of 21 Caramel-Almond Ice Cream Torte David Prince It takes just a few minutes to make this impressive-looking (and tasting!) ice cream cake. 21 of 21 Vanilla Mango Ice Cream Cake Philip Friedman; Styling: Colleen Riley Layers of mango sorbet, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate cookie crumbs make for a crowd-pleasing ice cream dessert. get the recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit