It's summertime, which means that it's also time to start thinking about the delicious desserts that will grace our tables and barbecues this summer. As things heat up, we probably want to cool down with a lot of icy treats and frozen desserts. But what to make? Don't worry -- we've got you covered!
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Whether you like frozen cocktails, boozy ice cream, popsicles, ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, or cold fruit -- we have you covered with these incredible summer desserts. They taste incredible, and they have been tested by us here at Wide Open Eats. Whether you're a chocoholic or a fruit fiend, these amazing summer desserts will be sure to please everyone you serve them to, even if it's just yourself. Keep reading to see our top ten favorite frozen dessert recipes.
1. Peanut Butter Coca-Cola Ice Cream Squares
You've heard of the classic southern combination of peanuts and Coca-Cola, right? Well, if not, it involves putting roasted, salted, shelled peanuts into a bottle of Coca-Cola, then drinking it. That's delicious on its own, but what if you could recreate that in a delicious frozen dessert? With these peanut butter Coca-Cola ice cream squares, you can. Psst: the crust is made from Nutter Butters. Drool.2. Pink Lemonade Moonshine Popsicles
Warning: these popsicles look super-tasty, but they are made with moonshine, and they are NOT CHILD-FRIENDLY! So if you have kids, make sure you buy them their own popsicles -- or make them some plain pink lemonade popsicles! Otherwise, just combine some pink lemonade and moonshine and freeze in popsicle molds. It's that easy for a refreshing, adult treat.
3. McDonald's Copycat Oreo McFlurry
You know what they say about the ice cream machine at McDonald's... it's always broken, right? Well, no problem, because you can make your own copycat Oreo McFlurry in the comfort of your own home. All you need is vanilla ice cream, Cool Whip, a dab of milk, and Oreos. And a blender! If you want, you can try adding even more mix-ins, like M&M's or caramel sauce. You're at home, and nobody can stop you.
4. Homemade Disneyland Dole Whip
Speaking of copycat recipes... Disney sure is hot and crowded in the summer. And, to quote dads everywhere, it's not cheap, either! But if you're craving that classic Dole Whip, no need to whip out those mouse ears just yet. You can make a delicious Dole Whip at home. All you need is frozen pineapple, banana, and coconut milk. That means it's vegan and gluten-free, too!
5. Strawberry Food Processor Ice Cream
Did you know that you can make homemade ice cream and all you need is a food processor? Yup. And why not go for strawberries in honor of summer, when strawberries are juicy, ripe, and in season? This recipe is REAL ice cream (unlike a lot of other no-churn ice cream recipes, which are basically just frozen whipped cream) and you don't need an ice cream maker for it. Yup -- try it at home!
6. Banana Icebox Pie
Banana icebox pie has all the magic of lemon icebox pie and all the delicious taste of banana pudding all combined into one. With a Nilla wafer pie crust and a filling of cream cheese, banana ice cream, and whipped topping, you can put this one together, pop it in the freezer for a few hours, and then enjoy!
7. Watermelon Fruit Pizza
Okay, so maybe you've been eating a lot of creamy, filling desserts lately. So, if you want to switch it up for a lighter and healthier dessert that's still a lot of fun, go for this delicious watermelon fruit pizza. With watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew as a base, you just need to top with berries and mint leaves and chow down. Take that, fruit salad.
8. Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas
A fruity dessert with a little more heft to it are these frozen chocolate-covered bananas. Frozen bananas are pretty good on their own, but they are even better when they're dipped in chocolates and covered in nuts or coconut, or both. Plus, they're super fun and easy to make. They're a great summer dessert to make at home with your kids while they're out of school!
9. Quick Watermelon Sorbet
If you have leftover watermelon, we know exactly what you should do with it: turn it into watermelon sorbet. Just freeze 3 cups' worth of cubed watermelon, then blitz it in a food processor with honey, lime or lemon juice, and yogurt. The honey and yogurt are both optional to increase sweetness and creaminess. Watermelon is one of the perfect summer fruits, and this sorbet will be one of the most refreshing things you eat.
10. Piña Colada
We know you like piña coladas. But you don't have to get caught in the rain to make one for yourself, and you don't have to go on a tropical vacation, either. You can make one at home -- and psst: you don't even need a blender. Just take a cocktail shaker filled with ice and add pineapple juice, coconut milk, rum, and lime juice, and shake. It will be just as creamy and cold as the icy kind you make in a blender. Top with a Maraschino cherry and enjoy your treat!
READ MORE: The Best Butter Pecan Ice Cream Ranked by Brand