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25 Cool Ice Cream Desserts

Whip up one of these frozen treats to kick off the summer season.

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Ice Cream Cookie Dessert

Our family loves dessert, and this chocolaty, layered treat is one of Mom’s most-requested recipes. It’s so easy to prepare! —Kimberly Laabs, Hartford, Wisconsin

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2 / 25
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Strawberry Sorbet Sensation

On hot days in Colorado, we chill out with slices of this berries-and-cream dessert. The layered effect is so much fun. Use any flavor of sorbet you like. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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3 / 25
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Ladyfinger Ice Cream Cake

No one will believe you didn’t fuss when you bring out this show-stopping cake. On a hot summer day, it will melt all resistance to dessert—one cool, creamy slice at a time. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania

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4 / 25
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Caramel Pecan Ice Cream Dessert

My mother passed this old-time recipe on to me because she knew I’d want to make it. I love desserts—especially this one! —Mary Wright, Morriston, Ontario

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5 / 25
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Rainbow Sherbet Dessert

Macaroons, pecans, and layers of fruity sherbet combine in this beautiful, special dessert. Try garnishing with fresh strawberries and just listen to folks “ooh” and “ahh” when you bring this in! —Kathryn Dunn, Axton, Virginia

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6 / 25
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Frosty Coffee Pie

This pie was inspired by my husband, who loves coffee ice cream, and his mom, who makes a cool, creamy dessert using pudding mix. —April Timboe, Siloam Springs, Arkansas

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7 / 25
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Blueberry Ice Cream Tart

Absolutely no one will believe how easy this beautiful treat is to make! The quick crust boasts just a hint of cinnamon. It’s a simply wonderful, cool summer dessert. —Shirley Foltz, Dexter, Kansas

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8 / 25
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Easy Ice Cream Sundae Dessert

We kids couldn’t wait to dig into this tempting ice cream dessert. It’s cool and smooth with a ribbon of fudge inside. Whenever I make it for my family, I think of Mom. —Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan

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9 / 25
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Sherbet Cream Cake

For a show-stopping spring or summer dessert, serve this colorful, refreshing “cake.” This recipe takes a little time to prepare, but it’s a beautiful and delicious creation. Family members often request it for their birthdays. —Paula Wipf, Arlington, Virginia

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10 / 25
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Chocolate Delight Dessert

My three children loved this dessert so much that they begged me to get the recipe. It’s so easy to make and tastes so good. And making it ahead of time frees your hands and your time for other to-do’s! —Ruth Dyck, Forest, Ontario

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11 / 25
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Freezer Peanut Butter Pie

If you like peanut butter, you’re going to love this pie! It can be made ahead and frozen, so it’s perfect for drop-in guests. —Nina Rufener, Rittman, Ohio

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12 / 25
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Creamy Mocha Frozen Dessert

Light as a feather, this cool, satisfying dessert is delicious and impressive to serve. It’s an excellent dessert to take to a potluck because it can be made ahead and stored in the freezer. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina

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13 / 25
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Summer Celebration Ice Cream Cake

I wanted to make my youngest son an ice cream cake one year for his summer birthday, as he prefers ice cream to the traditional cake. He picked the flavors and I decided to try my favorite brownie recipe as a crust. It worked! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon

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14 / 25
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Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich

I created this treat for my husband, adding light and low-fat products to the cookie dough. It was so fantastic that I fixed it with conventional ingredients for guests. Since it can be made ahead of time and frozen, it cuts stress for busy hostesses. And really, who doesn’t love peanut butter? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida

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15 / 25
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Frozen Mud Pie

Here’s one of those “looks like you fussed” desserts that is so easy it’s become a standard for me. I love the mocha version, but pure chocolate lovers may prefer using chocolate chip ice cream. The cookie crust is a snap to make. —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland

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16 / 25
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Cherry Bombs

You’ll win praise for these clever treats. Serve them for a special occasion with a knife and dessert spoon. —Linda Triplett, Renton, Washington

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17 / 25
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Not-Fried Ice Cream Cake

We created this ice cream cake to mimic the popular dessert in many Mexican restaurants without the deep frying. It’s a no-fuss treat that feeds a crowd. Plus, it’s conveniently made ahead. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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18 / 25
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Lemon-Berry Ice Cream Pie

A great make-ahead dessert for warm weather using homemade lemon curd, strawberries, whipped topping, and a purchased crumb crust. — Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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19 / 25
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Banana Split Dessert

Here’s a mouthwatering make-ahead dessert that looks scrumptious…and tastes as good as it looks! —Mrs. Elmer Thorsheim, Radcliffe, Iowa

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20 / 25
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Fudge Sundae Pie

My son always asks for this guilt-free frozen yogurt pie for his birthday. Complete with peanut butter, fudge topping and nuts, it tastes ice cream parlor-good…but it’s healthier. —Margaret Hanson-Maddox, Montpelier, Indiana

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21 / 25
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Mexican Ice Cream Sundaes

This dessert makes an impressive presentation. The flour tortillas take on a subtle flavor sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar, and they make a pleasing combination with cornflakes. Everybody loves ice cream for dessert. —Milbert Fichter Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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22 / 25
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It’s-It Ice Cream Sandwiches

You’ll discover why the treat is so popular in San Francisco. It’s snack heaven…ice cream, delicious oatmeal cookies, and a touch of chocolate. Swap out the vanilla for your favorite flavor, such as chocolate, caramel, or cherry. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California

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23 / 25
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Caramel-Mocha Ice Cream Dessert

You can use any flavor of ice cream in this frosty dessert. Chocolate and vanilla would be delicious substitutes for coffee and dulce de leche. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

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Sherbet Cookie Delight

Looking to save some time when preparing for a party? Throw together this creamy crowd-pleaser and freeze it a day or two before the event. The combination of raspberry and chocolate in this dessert is delightful, but it’s also good made with lime sherbet, vanilla sandwich cookies, and walnuts. —Donna Carper, South Jordan, Utah

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Mint-Chocolate Bombe

This is a picturesque, refreshing dessert you can keep in the freezer and take out anytime. —Mary Kisinger, Medicine Hat, Alberta

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Originally Published in Taste of Home