Pool parties always seem to reach the same moment. The kids are still splashing, the adults have moved to the shade, and everyone starts looking for something cold to eat. I think that little break is just as much a part of summer as the swimming itself.
These 13 frozen treats are made for those hot afternoons when the sun keeps beating down and nobody wants to go inside. They are the kind of desserts people grab between swims, helping everyone cool off before heading right back to the pool.
Layered Strawberry Pineapple Mint Popsicles
These popsicles take a little more time because each layer has to freeze before the next one is added. Strawberries, pineapple, and fresh mint give every bite plenty of fresh fruit flavor. The colorful layers make them just as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Layered Strawberry Pineapple Mint Popsicles
Homemade Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Banana pudding already feels like a family favorite, so turning it into ice cream makes perfect sense for summer. Ripe bananas and vanilla cookies are folded into the creamy base, giving every bite plenty of familiar flavor. Make extra because the container empties faster than you think.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
Waffles don't have to be just for breakfast when they're this good, filled with ice cream. Wrap the sandwiches before freezing, and they'll stay together until it's time to serve. They're easy to hold with one hand, making them perfect for pool parties and backyard get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
Gluten Free Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream
It's nice having a dessert that everyone can enjoy without making two different recipes. The dairy-free base stays creamy, and the gluten-free cookie dough pieces stay soft and chewy in the freezer. It's an easy dessert to keep ready when friends stop by on a hot afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Watermelon Popsicles
When watermelon is extra sweet, I like turning it into popsicles instead of letting the leftovers sit in the fridge. The fruit is blended, poured into molds, and frozen until it's nice and firm. They're cold, juicy, and always the first thing people grab after getting out of the pool.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Popsicles
Pistachio Ice Cream
Homemade pistachio ice cream tastes completely different when it's made with real pistachios instead of bottled flavoring. Blending the nuts into the base gives every scoop a creamy texture and plenty of real pistachio flavor. Keep a container in the freezer because people usually come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream
Berry Yogurt Bark
This is one of those desserts I make when I want something cold without spending much time in the kitchen. Thick yogurt is spread on a pan, topped with berries, and frozen until it breaks into pieces. It's easy to grab between swims, and nobody has to wait for scooping.
Get the Recipe: Berry Yogurt Bark
Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Bites
Little desserts work especially well when everyone is walking around the backyard instead of sitting at a table. A crunchy cookie base, creamy ice cream, and a crisp chocolate coating give every bite a little bit of everything. Put out a tray, and it won't stay full for very long.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Bites
Sweet Corn Bacon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Don't let the list of ingredients scare you because this ice cream comes together better than you'd expect. Sweet corn, crispy bacon, and dark chocolate give every scoop a mix of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy flavors. It's the dessert everyone wants to try, even if they're not sure about the bacon at first.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Bacon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Blackberry Limeade Popsicle
Blackberries and fresh lime were made for hot summer afternoons, and these popsicles prove it. Cooking the berries first gives them even more flavor before they're mixed with lime juice and frozen. They're cool, fruity, and exactly what everyone wants after a few hours in the sun.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Limeade Popsicle
Halva Tahini Ice Cream
If your family already loves halva, this ice cream is a fun way to enjoy those same flavors in a new dessert. Tahini and chunks of halva make every scoop rich, creamy, and full of nutty flavor. I like making it ahead because there's never much left once everyone starts serving themselves.
Get the Recipe: Halva Tahini Ice Cream
Corn Ice Cream
The first time I made corn ice cream, I didn't expect it to taste so good. Fresh corn is steeped in warm milk before it's churned, giving every scoop a naturally sweet, creamy flavor. It's the kind of dessert that gets people talking around the pool.
Get the Recipe: Corn Ice Cream
Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles
Mango, cherries, and coconut milk come together in popsicles that taste fresh and fruity from the first bite. Blending everything together before freezing keeps the texture smooth instead of icy. They're always one of the first frozen treats to disappear from the cooler.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles
Make one, toss it in the freezer, and watch it disappear between swim breaks.
