Kids Summer Ice Desserts: A Delicious Way to Beat the Heat
Summer is the perfect time for kids to indulge in refreshing and sweet treats that help beat the heat. One of the most loved summer desserts is ice cream, but there are so many other creative and fun ice-based desserts that are perfect for children. From icy popsicles to colorful sundaes, these desserts not only provide relief from the summer heat but also bring joy to every kid’s face.
1. Frozen Fruit Popsicles
One of the easiest and healthiest ice desserts you can make for kids are frozen fruit popsicles. Packed with vitamins and natural sugars, these popsicles are a fun and healthy alternative to store-bought ice treats, which often contain artificial colors and preservatives.
How to make frozen fruit popsicles:
- Choose fresh or frozen fruit like strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, or watermelon.
- Blend the fruit with a bit of juice, water, or yogurt to create a smooth mixture.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks.
- Freeze them for about 4–6 hours, or until solid.
- Once frozen, remove the popsicles from the molds and serve.
These homemade popsicles can be customized with different fruits and flavors. You can also add in some yogurt for a creamy texture or sprinkle in some chia seeds for added nutrition.
2. Ice Cream Sundaes
Ice cream sundaes are a classic summer dessert that kids absolutely love. The best part is that kids can get involved in building their own sundaes by choosing their favorite ice cream, toppings, and sauces.
Basic sundae recipe:
- Scoop 2–3 scoops of your child’s favorite ice cream into a bowl or sundae glass.
- Add a generous drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Top with fun and colorful sprinkles, crushed cookies, nuts, or fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, or cherries.
- Finish it off with whipped cream and perhaps a maraschino cherry for a festive touch.
You can get even more creative by layering different flavors of ice cream, adding hot fudge or strawberry syrup, and including a wide range of toppings to suit all tastes. The variety of options makes sundaes fun for everyone.
3. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Frozen yogurt bark is a delightful treat that is not only refreshing but also packed with probiotics. It’s easy to make, and kids can add their favorite toppings to create a fun, customized treat.
How to make frozen yogurt bark:
- Spread a layer of plain or flavored yogurt onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle toppings like fresh fruit (blueberries, strawberries, kiwi), nuts, granola, or even mini chocolate chips.
- Freeze the yogurt for 2–3 hours until firm.
- Break the yogurt into pieces, and serve.
This frozen yogurt bark is a great snack for kids and can be made ahead of time. It’s the perfect combination of creamy yogurt and crunchy toppings that kids will enjoy.
4. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are a timeless favorite, combining the deliciousness of ice cream with the satisfying crunch of cookies. They’re perfect for kids to enjoy as a snack during a summer day.
How to make ice cream sandwiches:
- Start by baking a batch of cookies, or use store-bought ones for a quicker version. Chocolate chip, oatmeal, or sugar cookies work well.
- Let the cookies cool completely.
- Take one cookie and scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto the flat side. Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich.
- Press lightly to ensure the ice cream sticks and doesn’t spill out.
- Freeze the sandwiches for about 30 minutes to an hour to set them.
You can even experiment by using brownies or waffle cones instead of regular cookies for a unique twist on the traditional ice cream sandwich.
5. Snow Cones
Snow cones are a refreshing and easy-to-make treat that kids will love. They’re fun to make, and kids can personalize their snow cones with a variety of flavored syrups.
How to make snow cones:
- Start by crushing ice in a snow cone machine or using a food processor.
- Once the ice is finely crushed, spoon it into a cone-shaped paper cup or a regular bowl.
- Pour flavored syrups (such as raspberry, lemon, or blue raspberry) over the ice.
- Garnish with a slice of lime or fruit for added flavor.
Snow cones are perfect for hot summer days, and kids will have fun picking out their favorite flavors. You can also make your own homemade syrups by boiling sugar and water with fruit extracts, which are healthier than store-bought options.
6. Ice Cream Float
An ice cream float is a fun twist on traditional ice cream, perfect for kids who love soda. It’s simple to make and allows for endless combinations of ice cream and soda flavors.
How to make an ice cream float:
- Fill a glass about halfway with soda (root beer, cola, or any flavored soda of your choice).
- Add a scoop of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or fruity flavors).
- Let the foam settle before adding another scoop of ice cream, if desired.
- Serve with a straw and spoon, and garnish with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
Ice cream floats are a fun way to combine creamy ice cream and bubbly soda into one delicious dessert. Kids can choose their favorite ice cream and soda to make their perfect float.
7. Banana Ice Cream
Banana ice cream, also known as “nice cream,” is a creamy and healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. It’s made with frozen bananas and can be flavored with chocolate, vanilla, or even peanut butter.
How to make banana ice cream:
- Slice bananas and freeze them for several hours or overnight.
- Once frozen, blend the bananas in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or other flavors to suit your child’s taste.
- Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture or freeze for 1–2 hours for a firmer consistency.
This treat is not only delicious but also healthy, as it’s made with only natural ingredients. You can add a variety of mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit chunks.
8. Watermelon Ice Pops
Watermelon is naturally hydrating and makes for a great base in summer ice pops. These popsicles are light, refreshing, and super easy to make.
How to make watermelon ice pops:
- Blend watermelon until smooth.
- Pour the watermelon puree into popsicle molds.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice or a few mint leaves for extra flavor.
- Freeze for 4–6 hours, or until solid.
Watermelon ice pops are a fun way to enjoy the summer fruit while staying cool. The bright pink color also makes them visually appealing to kids.
9. Ice Cream Cake
For a special summer celebration, consider making an ice cream cake. It combines layers of ice cream, cake, and whipped cream into a decadent dessert that will delight kids and adults alike.
How to make an ice cream cake:
- Start by lining a cake pan with plastic wrap for easy removal.
- Layer a sheet cake at the bottom of the pan.
- Spread a layer of softened ice cream over the cake.
- Add more layers of cake and ice cream until the pan is full.
- Freeze the cake for 4–6 hours, or until firm.
- Top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or sprinkles before serving.
Ice cream cakes are ideal for birthday parties or any special event, providing a delicious and festive treat for the summer.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time for kids to indulge in refreshing, cool treats, and ice desserts are a great way to do just that. From healthy frozen fruit popsicles to indulgent ice cream sundaes, there’s no shortage of creative and fun ways to enjoy icy desserts. These treats are not only delicious but also allow kids to get involved in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavors, toppings, and combinations. So, this summer, take advantage of the hot weather and cool down with some of these delightful ice desserts!
