Homemade Ice Cream Flavors to Try This Summer
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Beat the summer heat and make delicious ice cream at home with these easy & flavorful recipes.
When the sun blazes and the days stretch longer, there’s no better way to cool off than with a scoop or more of homemade ice cream. While vanilla and chocolate are timeless classics, summer is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and try bold, refreshing flavors you won’t find at your average scoop shop. Here are ten homemade ice cream flavors to shake up your summer and impress everyone at your next backyard BBQ.
Since we all scream for ice cream, let’s get into what homemade ice cream recipes you should make. These recipes will work with any of the major ice cream maker brands.
- Hamilton Beach
- Cuisinart – the one I’ve used for years
- Whynter
So, grab your favorite ice cream maker and make some homemade ice cream that everyone will enjoy. If you love no-churn, you will find a few recipes too. It is so easy to do, and the kids would love to see how the whole process is done.
The recipes below are stepping out of the normal nostalgic flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Explore with your flavors and try the ones below.
Lavender Honey
Floral and delicate, lavender honey ice cream is a soothing summer treat. The earthy notes of dried culinary lavender balance beautifully with the natural sweetness of honey. It’s perfect for serving with shortbread cookies or fresh berries. Just be sure to steep the lavender gently in the cream because too much can taste like perfume. I see this ice cream recipe used at showers or a ladies’ luncheon.
Mango
Sweet ripe mango for a refreshing treat that is perfect to cool you off during the heat of summer. It’s both creamy and zesty, with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Make sure your mangos are sweet and so ripe for this recipe.
Matcha White Chocolate
For green tea lovers, this matcha white chocolate ice cream recipe is a game-changer. The bitterness of matcha powder is mellowed by swirls of rich white chocolate, making for a balanced and luxurious flavor profile. Serve it in waffle cones or alongside mochi for a Japanese-inspired dessert. I just love matcha tea and can’t wait to try this one.
Roasted Strawberry Balsamic
I know what you are thinking. Balsamic in ice cream? I had this the other day at a friend’s and it was wonderful! Strawberries are a summer staple, but roasting them brings out a deeper, jammy sweetness. Add a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist that elevates the fruit-forward flavor of this recipe. It’s a grown-up take on strawberry ice cream that pairs beautifully with a glass of rosé.
Lemon Basil
Doesn’t this recipe sound refreshing? Bright and herbal, lemon basil ice cream is the ultimate palate cleanser. The zestiness of fresh lemon is softened by the subtle peppery taste of basil. This flavor is light, refreshing, and perfect after a heavy summer meal. It also makes a delightful topping for lemon pound cake.
Brown Butter Pecan
Besides chocolate ice cream, a good butter pecan recipe is right up there in flavor. Brown butter takes classic butter pecan to the next level, adding a deep, nutty richness that makes each bite irresistible. Toasted pecans folded into the base give a satisfying crunch, while the caramelized notes of browned butter make this flavor perfect for late summer evenings.
Salted Caramel Swirl
Who can resist salted caramel? This flavorful recipe combines sweet cream with ribbons of homemade salted caramel sauce. A touch of sea salt enhances the buttery notes and cuts through the sweetness, creating a scoop that’s both indulgent and perfectly balanced.
Blueberry Maple
Think breakfast meets dessert. Blueberries and maple syrup create a flavor reminiscent of pancakes and lazy summer mornings. This ice cream recipe is rich, slightly tart, and pairs well with waffle cone bowls or warm waffles for a truly decadent experience.
Avocado Lime
I can see having this ice cream recipe after a wonderful Mexican-flavored meal. Creamy avocado makes for a surprisingly delicious ice cream base, especially when paired with zingy lime juice. It’s smooth, refreshing, and perfect for a summer dessert. This unique combination is not only vibrant in flavor but also visually stunning with its pale green hue.
Peach Cobbler
Why bake in the heat when you can churn your cobbler into ice cream? This recipe is perfect for those fresh summertime peaches you can find at any farm stand. Ripe peaches, cinnamon, and crumbled bits of baked streusel create a scoop that tastes just like the classic Southern dessert — no oven required. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for extra comfort.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just looking to cool down creatively, these homemade ice cream flavors offer something for every palate. Don’t be afraid to experiment with summertime flavors, and it’s all about trying new things and savoring every sweet moment.
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