25 Easy Frozen Desserts That Start With Store-Bought Ice Cream
It’s the coolest shortcut.
Is there anything better than a frozen dessert during the scorching heat of summer? You practically dream of that first frosty bite, particularly when it comes to ice cream. As Ree Drummond once said, “I never met an ice cream I didn’t like.” And if you feel the same, there’s no such thing as too much of the stuff. Then why just stop at a cone? There are plenty of easy frozen desserts you can make with ice cream to make it extra special!
While yes, you can absolutely make your own ice cream (there’s even a no-churn version if you don’t have a machine), it’s such a cool hack to use store-bought ice cream and turn it into a fantastic summer dessert. You can make ice cream pies, towering ice cream cakes, and even copycat desserts of the ice cream treats you loved as a kid. Remember creamsicles and Choco Tacos? You’re one step closer to making them when you pick up a carton from your local store.
The only important thing to remember is that once you soften the ice cream to make your chosen dessert, remember that leftovers should be put back in the freezer as soon as possible. That way, you avoid the dreaded freezer burn and can enjoy the freshest flavor. No one wants that good stuff to go to waste! Now scroll through, pick your new favorite frozen dessert idea, and head to the store for a carton or two.
Copycat Drumstick Ice Cream Cone
Remember these? An easy chocolate coating goes both inside the cone and on the outside of the ice cream. Then top with almonds and be prepared for a sweet trip down memory lane.
Mint Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Pie
The only thing you have to make from scratch here (if you want!) is the whipped cream. Store-bought mint ice cream, sandwich cookies, and even a store-bought cookie crust make it so easy to assemble.
Cherry Pie Ice Cream
How cute are these? Swirl a homemade cherry filling into store-bought vanilla ice cream and scoop into adorable little pie crusts. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.
Get Ree’s Cherry Pie Ice Cream recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
Talk about a summertime treat! Soft, chewy white chocolate chip cookies are paired with strawberry ice cream, making every bite perfectly sweet and satisfying.
4-Ingredient Ice Cream Cake
Store-bought ingredients save the day! Here, mint chocolate chip ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, mint chocolate sandwich cookies, and whipped topping are layered together in an impressive display.
Get the 4-Ingredient Ice Cream Cake recipe.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Who needs to wait for that ice cream truck jingle when you can make your own nostalgic treat at home? The secret to the coating is a combo of sugar cookies and freeze-dried strawberries.
Get the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars recipe.
Birthday Ice Cream Cake
Cake and ice cream are the answer to what makes any great birthday party. This cake combines both, and it’s actually quite easy to put together with round cake pans and just 20 minutes of prep.
Get the Birthday Ice Cream Cake recipe.
"Fried" Ice Cream
You can skip the actual fryer but still get the same fun experience. The crunchy coating is quickly toasted in butter on the stove and then placed over store-bought dulce de leche ice cream.
Get the "Fried" Ice Cream recipe.
Homemade Creamsicle Pop
Two ingredients (and some popsicle sticks) are all you need to make these nostalgic treats. You just need vanilla ice cream and some orange juice concentrate. It’s easy as can be!
Get the Homemade Creamsicle Pop recipe.
Blondie Ice Cream Sandwich
Ice cream sandwiches usually either come with chocolate chip cookies or chocolate wafers. This is like the best of both worlds with smooth store-bought ice cream between them.
Get the Blondie Ice Cream Sandwich recipe.
Homemade Choco Tacos
Yes, you can make the nostalgic treat from your childhood right at home. You just need a waffle cone maker and a little bit of technique to make the shells. The rest is easy!
Get the Homemade Choco Tacos recipe.
Ice Cream Icebox Cake
Easily upgrade store-bought ice cream with this stunner! You layer gingersnap cookies, blackberry preserves, and lemon curd with vanilla ice cream before topping it with fresh whipped cream. It's refreshing and elegant.
Get the Ice Cream Icebox Cake recipe.
PB and J Ice Cream Sandwich
School might not be in session, but this twist on a lunchbox treat is definitely in the books! Raspberry jam and ice cream get sandwiched between two fresh peanut butter cookies for a sweet bite of nostalgia.
Get the PB and J Ice Cream Sandwich recipe.
Affogato
Coffee lovers, this treat is a must-try! It's traditionally made with gelato but high-quality vanilla bean ice cream also works as a substitute at your local grocery store.
Get the Affogato recipe.
Orange-Vanilla Ice Cream Pie
If you can't decide between ice cream and sherbet, this is the dessert for you! It's got both: vanilla ice cream and tangy orange sherbet swirled together as the filling to a no-bake pie crust.
Get Ree's Orange-Vanilla Ice Cream Pie recipe.
4th of July Ice Cream Sandwiches
Is there anything more American than sandwiching ice cream between two cookies? Not when they're covered fun sprinkles, that's for sure! You can also make a giant version.
Get Ree's 4th of July Ice Cream Sandwiches recipe.
Strawberry Ice Cream Pie
Three words for you: waffle cone crust! Add to that a triple dose of strawberries, and everyone will be begging for a second cold slice.
Get Ree's Strawberry Ice Cream Pie recipe.
Orange Julius
One sip of this frozen drink will bring back memories of being a kid at the mall food court at the height of summer. For you, school might be out forever but this copycat Orange Julius will always be in.
Get the Orange Julius recipe.
Caramel-Chocolate-Pecan Ice Cream Pie
Fans of turtle candy will absolutely love this sliceable take that starts with a graham cracker crust and ice cream. Pile on caramel and chocolate sauces and lots of chopped pecans for crunch.
Get Ree's Caramel-Chocolate-Pecan Ice Cream Pie recipe.
Neapolitan Ice Cream Bars
In search of a quick dessert? Meet these ice cream bars. All it takes is five ingredients and there's no baking required! Top each serving with a spoonful of juicy sugared strawberries.
Get the Neapolitan Ice Cream Bars recipe.
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