Whether you’re after a crowd-pleasing cooling treat for the summer months or a spectacular dinner party pud, ice cream desserts tick a lot of boxes. Super impressive-looking yet easy to make in advance, they’re great for special occasions.
Rustle up an epic ice cream cake to take your party up a notch, or knock out an Italian-inspired semifreddo that’s sure to wow your guests. After a family favourite? Introduce the kids to a retro Arctic roll, or keep them busy over the school holidays by getting them to help you whip up a batch of sundaes. Whether you want to go all out and make your own ice cream, or just fancy a simple assembly job, we’ve got you covered. Check out our favourite ice cream dessert recipes below.
Master these soft, pillowy brioche buns and you’ll never look back. Serve warm filled with your favourite ice cream – think classic vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, salted caramel or lemon. Top with a handful of seasonal berries or nuts to take these little beauties to the next level. If brioche isn’t your thing, whip up a cake batter instead.
Inspired by a classic Italian dessert, this chocolate semifreddo is a proper party centrepiece, yet only uses six ingredients. If you want to go all-out, make your own hazelnut brittle and spiced dust for a next-level topping. Chocolate not quite your thing? Try this Frozen cranberry cranachan instead.
After a last-minute dinner party dessert or a fun pud to make with the kids? This 5-ingredient twist on a classic Eton mess is sure to go down a storm – we’ve just swapped the cream for ice cream. If you can buy raspberries and blueberries when they’re in season during the summer months, it’ll make all the difference to the flavour.
Who doesn’t love a good retro dessert? With two types of ice cream and bashed up chocolate bars rolled up inside a marbled sponge, this is a thing of sheer joy. Top with whatever berries are in season – think strawberries, blackberries or raspberries. Sweet and sour, crunchy and soft, this is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Ice cream is not just for summer – and this frozen dessert proves it. If you’re entertaining during the colder months, this get-ahead pud works a charm. Swap the panettone for a homemade sponge, if you like, and feel free to leave out the Vin Santo if kids will be tucking in too.
Nothing says celebration like an ice cream cake, and this one seriously delivers on the flavour-front. Three layers of your favourite ice cream sandwiched between a chocolatey sponge, yes please! It looks ridiculously impressive, but is actually super simple to make.
Starring a homemade banana ice cream that has rum and raisin vibes, these nostalgic sundaes make the perfect dinner party pudding. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to get ahead by prepping these the day before. You can ditch the rum for elderflower cordial, if you like.
After more inspiration for cooling desserts? Check out our homemade ice cream recipes or our favourite fro-yos