Celebrate National Ice Cream Month main blog image - background is made of three different ice cream-themed recipes that can be found on the Dutch Apron Bakery blog.

3 Delicious Desserts to Help You Celebrate National Ice Cream Month


I don’t need an excuse to eat ice cream—but if someone’s going to officially dedicate an entire month to it, who am I to argue? July is National Ice Cream Month which means it’s time to go all in on cold, creamy desserts that beat the heat and bring the fun. Whether we’re winding down after a Saturday full of yard work or celebrating the fact that the kids made it through swim lessons without losing their goggles (again), a good ice cream treat is always the right answer.

Whatever your summer plans, I’ve rounded up three of my favorite ice cream-inspired desserts that are guaranteed to bring the summer vibes. These recipes are easy, festive, and perfect for sharing—so grab a spoon and let’s get started!

What is National Ice Cream Month?

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan officially declared July as National Ice Cream Month. He also designated the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day, so consider this your reminder to mark your calendar and stock your freezer.

The goal? To celebrate one of America’s favorite treats and the joy it brings to people of all ages. Whether you go classic with a scoop of vanilla or bold with something like caramel swirl rocky road (my personal go-to), it’s all about embracing the spirit of summer.

3 Delicious Ice-Cream Inspired Desserts to Help You Celebrate

There’s no wrong way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month, but if you’re looking to go beyond a simple scoop, these ice cream-inspired desserts are fun, flavorful, and perfect for summer parties. Here are three of my all-time favorites!

12 Ice Cream Cone Cakes. 9 are in an ice cream cone holder and three are laying sideways on a marble surface with sprinkles scattered around.
Ice Cream Cone Cakes

Perfect for any celebration, these treats combine the nostalgia of enjoying an ice cream cone on a hot summer’s day with the decadence of cake. They feature a waffle cone filled with moist, fruity Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Roll pieces, decorated with colorful swirls of buttercream, and topped with your favorite sprinkles.

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Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Who says you can’t have your cake and eat ice cream, too? With this cake, you get a mouthwatering combination of two of life’s greatest indulgences: chocolate cake and cookies and cream ice cream. So, gather your friends and family, grab a spoon (or two), and let the celebration begin!

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Side image of the Ice Cream Charcuterie Board. The container filled with ice and the three ice cream pints is in the center. It's surrounded by toppings, sauces, and ice cream cones.
Ice Cream Sundae Charcuterie Board

This innovative and fun dessert idea is perfect for gatherings of all kinds, from casual family nights to festive celebrations. It features a colorful assortment of ice cream, cake rolls, and toppings all arranged in a visually stunning spread. And it’s completely customizable!

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Homemade Pistachio Cream Recipe

Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 c. raw, unsalted pistachios, shelled
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 3/4 c. whole milk or cream, divided
  • 4 oz. high-quality white chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pistachios and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and transfer to a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Rub pistachios in the towel to remove the skins. Discard the skins and let the pistachios dry completely.
  3. Melt butter with 1/4 c. milk until hot. Add white chocolate and stir until fully melted.
  4. Add pistachios to a blender with powdered sugar and salt. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture.
  5. Blend until a paste forms. Slowly add remaining milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until smooth and creamy.
  6. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds, scraping sides as needed.
  7. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Homemade Whipped Topping Recipe

Ingredients
  • 1 c. heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Whip heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.