20 Easy Ice Cream Desserts to Try This Summer

Sure, you can eat it out of the carton. (No judgment here!) Or you can make a cake, a sandwich—or even s'mores!

Pint of ice cream
Photo: Rita Maas

A dessert with ice cream isn't just a requirement at a child's birthday party (though it certainly is). It's also the perfect way to end any balmy day. From ice cream cakes and sandwiches to ice cream s'mores, these cool recipes are perfect for a hot summer night. 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 20

Ice Cream S'mores

Ice Cream S'mores
Tom Schierlitz

What would make the campfire dessert even better? Try it with a little vanilla ice cream inside.

02 of 20

Mexican "Fried" Ice Cream

mexican-fried-ice-cream-1219sta
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..

03 of 20

PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches

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.

04 of 20

Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream Pie

Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream Pie
Maria Robledo

Nutella's chocolate hazelnut spread and a pre-made chocolate cookie pie crust make this recipe as easy as it is delicious.

05 of 20

Melted Ice Cream Whoopie Pies

Melted Ice Cream Whoopie Pies
Jennifer Causey

This childhood favorite looks like French macarons and tastes like heaven.

06 of 20

Easy Ice Cream Cake

The secret to this astonishingly simple four-ingredient dessert? Using ice cream sandwiches to build your cake. Get the recipe for Easy Ice Cream Cake.
Marcus Nilsson

This ice cream cake comes together super fast—just layer in ice cream sandwiches and sweetened whipped cream.

07 of 20

Honeydew and Blackberry Ice Cream Sundaes

Honeydew and Blackberry Ice Cream Sundaes

Sesame-almond brittle and honeydew melon give the standard sundae a serious upgrade.

08 of 20

Tiramisu Ice Pops

tiramisu ice pops
Victor Protasio

These boozy pops are made with mascarpone cheese, sugar, and heavy cream. As you would with the actual dessert, add espresso and rum to half. Then layer in ice pop molds.

09 of 20

Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ngoc Minh Ngo

Homemade peanut butter cookies are the perfect salty-sweet foil to vanilla ice cream.

10 of 20

Butterscotch Bananas With Vanilla Ice Cream

Butterscotch Bananas With Vanilla Ice Cream
Con Poulos

You'll need a match or lighter for this dish, as it requires lighting up the rum-soaked bananas!

11 of 20

Cantaloupe-Coconut Ice Pops

Cantaloupe Coconut Ice Pops
Victor Protasio

Use an ice pop mold to make these treats, starting with cantaloupe on the bottom and topping that with a sweet basil-coconut cream. Sprinkle on some toasted coconut and freeze!

12 of 20

Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie

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.

13 of 20

Frozen Banana Ice Cream

Frozen Banana Ice Cream
© Getty Images

Overly ripened, frozen bananas are the sweet secret behind this delicious non-dairy dessert.

14 of 20

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Anna Williams

Fresh strawberries give this frozen dessert extra sweetness.

15 of 20

Vanilla Mango Ice Cream Cake

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.

16 of 20

Rolled Ice Cream

rolled ice cream
Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

Rolled ice cream shops have proliferated of late, but you can also make this Thai frozen dessert at home. And with just two ingredients—heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk! Of course, you'll probably want to add mix-ins. We suggest Oreos, cocoa powder, nuts, strawberry jam, caramel, or sprinkles.

17 of 20

Ice Cream Sundae Board

Ice Cream Sundae Boards Will Be Your New Dessert Obsession
Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

An ice cream sundae board is an easy and crowd-pleasing way to serve dessert to a big group. There's nothing here to slice and serve; just place two or three pints of ice cream on a board and fill the space around them with cookies, fruit, jams, melted chocolate, and nuts.

18 of 20

Cherries Jubilee

Cherries Jubilee
Joseph De Leo

Cherries jubilee is an oldie but a goody that's been around since the late 1800s. Simmer the cherries with Kirsch or brandy until its liquid is slightly thickened (and the alcohol burns off). Then pour it over vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

19 of 20

Vanilla Peaches in Rosé

Vanilla Peaches in Rosé
Victor Protasio

What happens when you blend rosé, sugar, vanilla bean, and anise? You get the perfect syrup to pour over peaches. They'll absorb the delectable flavors, and that's when you'll pair them with vanilla ice cream for a "just peachy" dessert!

20 of 20

Raspberry Sorbet With Whipped Cream and Meringues

Raspberry Sorbet With Whipped Cream and Meringues
Marcus Nilsson

All that's needed for this simple recipe? Whip the cream, crumble the meringue cookies, and scoop the sorbet into bowls. If you're feeling ambitious, go ahead and add these homemade meringue kisses.

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