12 Tasty Desserts That Start With Store-Bought Ice Cream

Ice cream desserts make great treats on hot summer days. While ice cream is a great dessert on its own, it can also add a refreshing layer of flavor to cakes, pies, cookies, and floats. These recipes will help you turn store-bought ice cream into showstopping desserts. Of course, you can use homemade ice cream when making these recipes if you prefer, but the pre-packaged version can help save you some time when pulling these ice cream desserts together.

Desserts made with ice cream also make great make-ahead options for summer parties because they need to be frozen and can be stored in the freezer until it's time to serve dessert. Plus, many of these desserts can be made without having to turn on the oven. Read on to find our best desserts that are made with ice cream to try now.

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Boxed brownie mix and vanilla ice cream help this homemade dessert come together easily. You don't have to stop at plain vanilla: Why not try peppermint, cookies and cream, or strawberry? Once made, have fun rolling the edges in colorful sprinkles.

Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake

Instead of baking, this pretty layered dessert just requires freezing to take shape. The secret to the crunch? Crispy rice cereal and freeze-dried strawberries.

Blackberry Floats

Infuse your ice cream with the sweet and tangy flavor of blackberries. This refreshing dessert drink comes together in just 5 minutes. Use any leftover syrup in your summertime cocktails.

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

You'll need just five ingredients to pull together these nostalgic ice cream bars, a grown-up version of the popsicles you used to get from the ice cream truck. Look for freeze-dried strawberries in the frozen food aisle.

Red Velvet Ice-Cream Cake

We gave red velvet cake a summer makeover with the addition of ice cream and fresh berries. Try it at your next Fourth of July cookout. A teaspoon of gelatin helps keep the frosting in place.

No-Bake Peanut Butter-Fudge Ice-Cream Pie

Peanut butter fans will love this irresistible pie smothered with whipped cream and dripping in chocolate and peanuts. Not only does this pie not require any baking, but it is also a great make-ahead option since it has to be frozen for at least 8 hours and up to 24 before serving. Add the toppings just before serving.

Frozen Lemonade

We made lemonade even more refreshing with the addition of vanilla ice cream. All you need is a blender to concoct this easy dessert. Use chilled glasses to keep it frozen for longer.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice-Cream Cake

When you have the hankering to serve cake but it's just so hot outside, turn here. Mint chocolate chip ice cream, Devil's Food Cake, and chocolate mints come together to create a colorful dessert that mint chocolate fans will love.

Buckeye Ice Cream Sandwich

Peanut butter and chocolate are always a decadent duo. The convenience of store-bought ingredients helps this dessert come together easily. Hand-dipping the sandwiches in chocolate and sea salt gives them a homemade feel.

Bourbon Ice Cream Float

Let guests choose the carbonated beverage of their choice to make these boozy floats. We've got a few recipes to help you get started. If you're wondering what flavors complement bourbon best, we recommend vanilla, pralines and cream, or dulce de leche.

Ice Cream Cake

We've broken down the popular party dessert for you step by step. The recipe builds layer upon layer of cookies, ice cream, and whipped topping just like that cake you remember from the parlor. Kids and adults alike will love every scrumptious bit.

Lemon Meringue Ice Cream Pie

This summery twist on lemon meringue pie softens the tartness of homemade lemon curd with creamy vanilla ice cream. A pillowy meringue tops the decadent dessert. The lemon curd can be made ahead of time for quicker assembly.

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