Ice cream isn’t just a treat on its own; it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate many desserts to new heights. Here are ten of the best desserts that incorporate ice cream in delicious and inventive ways.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are a classic dessert that combines creamy ice cream with soft, chewy cookies. You can use any flavor of ice cream and mix it up with different types of cookies, like chocolate chip, oatmeal, or even brownies. They’re easy to make at home and perfect for a quick, satisfying treat.
Brownie Sundaes
Brownie sundaes bring together the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the cold, creamy delight of ice cream. Simply warm up a brownie, top it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce. Add some nuts or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Apple Pie à la Mode
Apple pie à la mode is a timeless favorite. The warm, spiced apples and flaky crust of the pie pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of hot and cold, sweet and tart, makes this a comforting and satisfying dessert that’s hard to beat.
Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cake is a fun and festive dessert that’s great for celebrations. Layers of cake and ice cream come together in a frozen treat that everyone loves. You can get creative with flavors, combining different types of cake and ice cream to suit your taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s also easy to customize.
Banana Split
The banana split is a classic American dessert that features a split banana topped with scoops of ice cream, usually vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Add toppings like chocolate syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and maraschino cherries for a delightful treat. It’s colorful, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is a show-stopping dessert that combines ice cream, cake, and meringue. The ice cream and cake are covered in a fluffy meringue, which is then briefly baked to give it a golden crust. The contrast between the warm meringue and the cold ice cream makes this a unique and impressive dessert.
Ice Cream Floats
Ice cream floats are a simple yet delightful dessert. Just drop a scoop of ice cream into a glass of soda or root beer. The ice cream melts slightly, creating a creamy, fizzy treat that’s both refreshing and nostalgic. You can experiment with different flavors of ice cream and soda for endless combinations.
Ice Cream Tacos
Ice cream tacos are a fun twist on the traditional taco. Use a waffle cone or a soft taco shell as the base, fill it with scoops of ice cream, and top with your favorite sauces and toppings. It’s a playful dessert that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ice Cream Parfait
Ice cream parfaits layer ice cream with fruits, nuts, and syrups in a tall glass. The layers create a beautiful presentation and a mix of textures and flavors in every bite. They’re easy to customize with different ingredients, making them a versatile dessert option for any occasion.
Affogato
Affogato is a simple Italian dessert that consists of a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso. The hot espresso slightly melts the ice cream, creating a rich, creamy coffee treat. It’s a quick and elegant dessert, perfect for coffee lovers who want something sweet.