Did you know that National Ice Cream Month has been celebrated in the US since 1984? And that since that same year, we’ve been celebrating National Ice Cream Day on July 15? If you did, I hope you’ve been enjoying your celebrations! And if you didn’t, whoo boy, you have got a lot of making up to do.
Now, you could celebrate by making your own ice cream, but that sounds like way more work than fun to me. What does sound fun is coming up with new ways to enjoy tasty ice cream, so I’ve looked for some of the yummiest ice cream treats that you can whip up for National Ice Cream Day. Check ‘em out!
Chipwich: I don’t know how I lived so many decades of my life not knowing about these things, but I’m incredibly grateful to the friend who introduced me to chipwiches a few years ago. Here’s a recipe for making your own at home. And while I’m sure there are purists out there who consider this sacrilege, just imagine the creative possibilities, people!
Banana Split Supreme: This one’s definitely a bit time-consuming, but not nearly as time consuming as making banana splits for a crowd, so there’s that! I can see it coming in especially handy if you’ve celebrating a special occasion for a banana split lover (hi, husband!) or a once-a-year-event like, say, National Ice Cream Day.
Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake: I love this recipe because it’s so simple, but it looks like it takes way more effort than it does, so it’s an impressive contribution to a potluck or finish to a casual dinner party. There’s also this recipe, which incorporates homemade whipped cream (worth it!). Tip: you can jazz the cake up by using flavored ice cream sandwiches: mint, cookies and cream, chocolate, chocolate chip, strawberry—check your local grocery store!
Lemon Meringue Ice Cream Pie: So yummy! This pie just screams picnic, or at least summer dinner on the deck. And I promise not to tell anyone if you just buy your lemon curd at the store (I can vouch for Trader Joe’s!), although the provided recipe is pretty simple.
Easy Fried Ice Cream: As soon as I saw this photo I grabbed my husband and shoved his face at my screen while shouting, “Chi Chi’s!” Fortunately, once he got over his confusion, he was equally excited, which is why we’re married. And that food memory is exactly what the blogger who created the recipe was going for. Now, as to what makes the recipe “easy”: the ice cream’s not actually fried. Awesome! Bonus: Depending on allergies and dietary needs this recipe can be both dairy- and gluten-free.
S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches: Too hot to roast marshmallows? Or is your family, like mine, sadly lacking a fire pit? Take the opportunity to indulge your s’mores craving on National Ice Cream Day with a nice, cold s’mores ice cream sandwich!
Milkshake: There are too many fabulous milkshake options for me to try to suggest just one, so I’m going to provide you with this amazing basic recipe (the key is full fat everything; ice cream is not a health food) and some yummy variations. And then a personal recommendation: my current favorite is two generous scoops of the darkest, richest chocolate ice cream you can find—I suggest Cedar Crest Zanzibar Chocolate for my fellow Midwesterners—with one scoop of cinnamon. It’s an amazing Mexican chocolate flavor without the heat that even my six-year-old appreciates.
Cake Mix Ice Cream Sundae Cake: It’s simple: Cake, ice cream, whipped cream. But then. Then there are the toppings. And the recipes says you get to pick the toppings, then add them just before you slice and serve the cake. I say why be boring? Set out a sundae bar and let folks create their own cake slice sundaes.
Happy National Ice Cream Day, y’all!
PS, this isn’t the first time we’ve talked ice cream here at Baby Gizmo. For more inspiration check out these homemade ice cream recipes, these National Ice Cream Month recipes, and ten more homemade ice cream ideas.