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  5. 21 Easy Ice Cream Desserts to Try This Summer

21 Easy Ice Cream Desserts to Try This Summer

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated July 07, 2021
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PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches
Credit: Greg DuPree

Who doesn't love ice cream on a hot 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.

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1 of 21

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Peanut Butter Ice Cream Crunch Cake

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Crunch Cake
Credit: Tom Schierlitz
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This sweet and salty dessert combines crunchy peanuts and creamy chocolate-peanut butter ganache. 

1 of 21

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Ice Cream S'mores

Ice Cream S'mores
Credit: Tom Schierlitz
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What would make the campfire dessert even better? Try it with a little vanilla ice cream inside. 

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Mexican "Fried" Ice Cream

mexican-fried-ice-cream-1219sta
Credit: Jen Causey
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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..

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PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches

PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches
Credit: Greg DuPree
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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.

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Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake
Credit: Lisa Hubbard
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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.

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Berry and Ice Cream Shortcakes

Berry and Ice Cream Shortcakes
Credit: David Prince
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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.

6 of 21

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Easy Ice Cream Cake

Easy Ice Cream Cake
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
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This ice cream cake comes together super fast—just layer in ice cream sandwiches and sweetened whipped cream. 

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Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches

Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches
Credit: Yunhee Kim
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This may be the easiest ice cream recipe—just sandwich softened ice cream between a pair of crispy cookies.

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Ice Cream Truffles

Ice Cream Truffles
Credit: Anna Williams
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These cool ice cream truffles are the perfect way to serve ice cream to a crowd—each person gets their own truffle (or three). 

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Vanilla-Orange Freeze

Vanilla-Orange Freeze
Credit: Anna Williams
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Like a creamsicle in cake form, this recipe calls for vanilla ice cream with a sunny layer of orange.

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Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Credit: Ngoc Minh Ngo
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Homemade peanut butter cookies are the perfect salty-sweet foil to vanilla ice cream. 

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Mixed-Berry Shake

Mixed-Berry Shake
Credit: Quentin Bacon
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Frozen berries and ice cream combine for a drink that serves double duty as a dessert.

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Fruity Ice Cream Cups

Fruity Ice Cream Cups
Credit: David Prince
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Layer vanilla ice cream and fruit sorbet for a refreshing dessert that's easy to individually serve.

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Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie

Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie
Credit: Yunhee Kim
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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.

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Shortbread With Oranges and Honey

Shortbread With Oranges and Honey
Credit: Amy Neunsinger
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Honey drizzled oranges and fresh shortbread cookies are the perfect accompaniments for vanilla ice cream. 

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Cupcakes With Vanilla Ice Cream Frosting

Cupcakes With Vanilla Ice Cream Frosting
Credit: Anna Williams
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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!).

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Tiramisu

Tiramisu
Credit: Anna Williams
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Make the classic Italian dessert perfect for summer by swapping ice cream for the mascarpone. 

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Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Credit: Anna Williams
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Fresh strawberries give this frozen dessert extra sweetness.

Related: 9 Ways to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

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Lemon Soda Float

Lemon Soda Float
Credit: Anna Williams
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Not into root beer? Pair lemon soda and vanilla ice cream for the ultimate sweet-tart version of the ice cream float. 

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Caramel-Almond Ice Cream Torte

Caramel-Almond Ice Cream Torte
Credit: David Prince
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It takes just a few minutes to make this impressive-looking (and tasting!) ice cream cake.

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Vanilla Mango Ice Cream Cake

Vanilla Mango Ice Cream Cake
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Colleen Riley
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Layers of mango sorbet, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate cookie crumbs make for a crowd-pleasing ice cream dessert.

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 21 Peanut Butter Ice Cream Crunch Cake
    2 of 21 Ice Cream S'mores
    3 of 21 Mexican "Fried" Ice Cream
    4 of 21 PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches
    5 of 21 Ice Cream Cake
    6 of 21 Berry and Ice Cream Shortcakes
    7 of 21 Easy Ice Cream Cake
    8 of 21 Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches
    9 of 21 Ice Cream Truffles
    10 of 21 Vanilla-Orange Freeze
    11 of 21 Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
    12 of 21 Mixed-Berry Shake
    13 of 21 Fruity Ice Cream Cups
    14 of 21 Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie
    15 of 21 Shortbread With Oranges and Honey
    16 of 21 Cupcakes With Vanilla Ice Cream Frosting
    17 of 21 Tiramisu
    18 of 21 Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
    19 of 21 Lemon Soda Float
    20 of 21 Caramel-Almond Ice Cream Torte
    21 of 21 Vanilla Mango Ice Cream Cake

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