Nothing says summer quite like a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream on a hot day. In this post, we’re diving into some of the best summertime ice cream desserts—both the all-time favorites like Banana Split and a few new ideas that might just become your next go-to treat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply looking for a sweet way to cool down, these recipes offer something for everyone. From nostalgic classics to creative twists, get ready to indulge in the season’s most refreshing and delicious frozen delights.
Chocolate Chip Sandwich Bars
Instead of meticulously assembling individual ice cream sandwiches scoop-by-scoop, this recipe opts for a much simpler approach. Our homemade version features a giant slab cookie that can be filled with no-churn ice cream all at once and sliced into whatever shape you desire. Recipe: Chocolate Chip Sandwich Bars
Strawberry Lemonade Freezer Pie
Pull this recipe out when you need a refreshing, frozen dessert that can be made in advance. The slices of strawberry lemonade pie are so pretty with sliced strawberries suspended in the creamy filling. Use a premade graham cracker or cookie crust. Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Freezer Pie
Mocha Madness Ice Cream Pie
If you’re a double shot of espresso kind of person, this espresso-infused ice cream pie is your dessert to make this summer. The mocha-flavored filling includes a whopping 2 tablespoons of espresso powder so the coffee flavor comes through loud and clear. Recipe: Mocha Madness Ice Cream Pie
Giant Peanut Butter Sandwich
What a treat! This ice cream sandwich is so big it feeds 12 people. Peanut butter lovers will swoon over the creamy, peanut butter-cheesecake-ice cream filling between two giant peanut butter “cookies.” Recipe: Giant Peanut Butter Sandwich
Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake
Did you know you can turn a store-bought pound cake into the easiest-ever ice cream cake? You’re only five ingredients away from this Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake that layers pound cake, ice cream, whipped cream and sprinkles. The result is a show-stopping treat perfect for your 4th of July dessert spread. Recipe: Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake
Ultimate Doughnut Sundae
This Ultimate Doughnut Sundae is everything you want an over-the-top dessert to be: It’s a deep-fried towering delight sandwiched together with ice cream that’s covered with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and cherries. Recipe: Ultimate Doughnut Sundae
Mango Float Ice Cream Cake
Take a trip to the Philippines with one bite of this creamy, coconut-y frozen dessert. The cake showcases the natural sweetness of mangoes in the form of canned mango pulp, so you can make it even when there’s not a fresh mango in sight. Recipe: Mango Float Ice Cream Cake
All-American Banana Split
Everyone should know how to make a banana split! This staple of old-fashioned ice cream shops and soda fountains is ideal for sharing and has something for everyone: fruit, peanuts, chocolate sauce and three kinds of ice cream. Recipe: All-American Banana Split
Turtle Ice Cream Dessert
A chocolate cookie crust, chocolate and vanilla ice cream, caramel and pecans make up this incredible Turtle Ice Cream Dessert! It’s super easy to make and is the perfect treat to cool down with. Recipe: Turtle Ice Cream Dessert
Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Complete with 8-ingredient homemade brownies, these brownie ice cream sandwiches are inspired by the store-bought version we all know and love. In addition to letting the assembled brownies freeze overnight, I recommend slightly under-baking the thin sheets of brownies so they aren’t rock solid after freezing. What a difference it makes! Recipe: Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Final Thoughts
Summertime is the perfect excuse to get a little creative—and a little messy—with ice cream. Whether you’re sticking with all-time favorites like the Banana Split or trying something new and unexpected, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to enjoy this classic treat. We hope these ideas inspire you to scoop, swirl, and share the joy all season long. Have a favorite ice cream dessert we didn’t mention? Drop your go-to recipe or sweet summer tradition in the comments—we’d love to hear what keeps your freezer stocked and your taste buds happy.