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!

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.

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!

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!

About the Author:
Brand Wind is a graphic designer at Dutch Apron® Bakery where he creates a wide variety of materials pertaining to a variety of delicious desserts; his portfolio includes social media promotions, motion graphics, and, occasionally, lending an (actual) hand to make sure each recipe turns out just right. Brandon lives in Iowa with his wife and three children and enjoys creating his own comic books, playing guitar with his band, and going on whatever adventure his wife has planned for the weekend. He strives to be a constant reminder to his kids that, no matter how old you get, you can still be young at heart!