National Ice Cream Day 2025: 7 quick ice cream recipes to make at home (yes, popsicles and sundaes are on the list)

Get your spoons and popsicle molds ready, cause this Sunday, on July 20, we’re celebrating National Ice Cream Day while slurping away the treats we make at home!

Every third Sunday of July is the sweetest day of the year – in 2025, it’s July 20 – as the ice lolly lovers unite to celebrate this special day with chilly, creamy delights. Officially proclaimed by President Reagan in 1984 (and the entire month to America’s favorite frozen treat), this beloved day invites scoop‑lovers, dessert geeks to indulge in and treat their sweet tooth!

Whether you’re craving a homemade popsicle, a sundae piled high with toppings, or a no‑churn ice cream on a whim, this ‘chill’ guide of seven fast and quirky recipes brings the joy of scoops and sticks straight to your kitchen. Let’s get whipping!

This one’s perfect for beginners, allowing you to enjoy a classic treat without the need for an ice cream maker. In under 10 minutes, you can create a silky dessert that’s rich and creamy.

Ingredients: 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, or the seeds of a vanilla bean.

Method: Start by whipping the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract (or seeds). Once mixed, pour the creamy mixture into a loaf pan and freeze overnight.

Result: The outcome is a lush, scoopable ice cream that’s perfect for sundaes, milkshakes, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Chef's kiss: With no machine required, minimal ingredients, and endless adaptability, you can personalize this treat by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as fruit swirls, chocolate chips, or even a hint of espresso for a flavor twist.

Harness the charm of bananas (the king of versatility) with this ultra-fast ice cream, ready in just a few minutes!

Ingredients: 4 frozen bananas and a splash of non-dairy milk.

Method: Blend the frozen bananas until they achieve a creamy consistency, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender.

Result: The end product is a naturally sweet, banana-flavored soft serve. For extra creativity, mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or add berries for a splash of color.

Chef's kiss: It’s completely dairy-free, made with whole ingredients, and incredibly smooth. Plus, it’s vegan, remarkably simple, and ready in under 5 minutes, with no added sugar unless you choose to include some.

Embrace the refreshing zing of a zesty sorbet that’s dairy-free and quick to make.

Ingredients: Whole lemons (chopped), coconut milk, and honey or your preferred sweetener.

Method: Start by blending the chopped lemons, then add coconut milk and sweetener. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays, freeze, then re-blend the cubes for a creamy sorbet texture.

Result: This sorbet is tangy and exotic, perfect for cooling down on hot days.

Chef's kiss: Despite its simplicity, it’s far from boring! The bright and tangy flavors make it an excellent palate cleanser, especially during summertime.

Bring a splash of color and nutritious goodness to your summer with these delightful popsicles!

Ingredients: Greek yogurt, honey, and fruit purée (such as berry, mango, or peach).

Method: Layer the yogurt and fruit purée in popsicle molds, alternating between the two. Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours.

Result: You’ll unveil beautiful marble-swirl pops that blend tangy yogurt with fruity bursts of flavor.

Chef's kiss: These pops are not only fun but also incredibly nourishing. They make for an Instagram-worthy treat, and you can create smaller versions for kids' snacks to keep the fun going!

Bright and vibrant, these popsicles are bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of kiwi.

Ingredients: 1 cup of kiwi, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 cup of water.

Method: Blend the kiwi with sugar and water, then pour the mixture into molds. Add sliced berries for a decorative touch and freeze overnight.

Result: You’ll have refreshing popsicles that are not only delightful but also perfect for beating the heat with their natural fruit sweetness.

Chef's kiss: This recipe is versatile, so if kiwi isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with other fruits like watermelon or mango, and even make them coconut-water-based!

Elevate your dessert game with a fun DIY sundae bar that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients: Store-bought or homemade ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries.

Method: Layer scoops of ice cream in mini glasses, drizzle with chocolate sauce, then top with whipped cream, nuts, and cherries for a delightful finish.

Result: What you’ll have is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both retro and elegant, bursting with personality.

Chef's kiss: There’s no baking or churning required, just your creativity at play in a cup!

Think the iconic Magnum ice cream bar, but made at home with a delightful crunch.

Ingredients: Softened ice cream (choose chocolate or vanilla), popsicle molds or wax cups, melted chocolate and coconut oil, optional toppings (nuts, sprinkles).

Method: Fill the molds with ice cream and freeze until firm. Once set, dip each pop in melted chocolate, sprinkle with your desired toppings, and freeze again to create a crispy shell.

Result: These treats feature a delightful crunchy shell encasing a smooth, creamy center with every bite.

Chef's kiss: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Experiment with sea salt, coconut flakes, nuts, or even edible glitter to make them even more visually appealing. Bonus points for being so Instagrammable!