As the year wears on and the weather finally starts to show signs of improvement, we are very much approaching ice cream season. The following are 10 stunningly simple ice cream desserts that you can make at home, to help you really make the most of it.
Baked Alaska
It may sound complicated but if you’re savvy about it, you can make a simple Baked Alaska in no time and with very little effort. Simply use a store bought cake or brownie as a base, slather on your favourite ice cream, top it with meringue and pop it under the grill or use a blowtorch.
Fried Ice Cream
Another treat that sounds difficult to make but is actually really straightforward, fried ice cream is sure to impress your family and friends. All you need is to wrap scoops of ice cream in cookie dough, freeze the resulting treats, fry them in hot oil, freeze them once again and then serve.
Affogato
One just for the adults, Affogato is Italian for ‘drowned’ and this dessert simply involves combining ice cream with espresso. A great way to end any meal, you can add your own twists and extra elements to make your Affogato truly unique.
Profiteroles
A little trickier and more time consuming to make and prepare, profiteroles are even more delicious than usual when filled with your favourite ice cream. There are plenty of good choux pastry recipes out there, too, which can ensure you get your profiteroles to puff up just right.
Homemade Choc Ices
Something that kids are sure to enjoy making as well as eating, there’s something far more satisfying about enjoying a homemade rather than shop bought choc ice. They’re easy to make, too, as all you need is a mould, any flavour of ice cream you like and some chocolate to melt and to dip the ice cream in.
Banana Split
Okay, so no ice cream dessert worth its salt is going to be particularly healthy, but at least this one includes some fruit. Something of a throwback but sure to still be popular nonetheless, you can make a banana split your own by shaking up the flavour of ice cream and the different toppings you use.
Homemade ‘99’
A classic dessert that takes very little preparation but is certain to delight anyone who gets to enjoy it. Simply invest in a pack of cornets, pack then full of delicious ice cream, pop in a flake and finish off with any sauce or topping you desire.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
How can you make a chocolate brownie or your favourite ice cream even better? By combining them to create a delicious ice cream sandwich, that’s how. Whether you make the brownie yourself or buy one ready-made, all you need do is split it into two halves, spread ice cream onto it, make your sandwich and pop it in the freezer.
Ice Cream Tart
Elegant and attractive enough to finish off a posh dinner party, an ice cream tart is yet another treat that looks like it takes far more preparation than it really does. Simply make a biscuit base like you would for a cheese cake, layer one or more types of ice cream on top and pop it into the freezer, and you’ll be able to slice and serve you dessert in no time.
Sundaes
Last but by no means least, why not stick with the simple and sensational sundae? Ice cream layered with fruit, meringue, chocolate, sauces or whatever else you desire all in a fancy glass. What’s not to like?