When I first posted this, I apparently was feeling the heat: “The real New York summer has finally hit – it’s humid, hot, and depending on the block, smells like hot trash and urine.” Ha!
While this summer hasn’t been quite as miserable (at least where we are) that doesn’t mean we don’t need a frozen treat every now and then!
Fortunately, Ina offers plenty of options to delight your taste buds and cool you off!
From divine homemade ice creams like Milk Chocolate Oreo and Salted Caramel to store-bought-is-fine treats that require minimal assembly like “Ice Cream” Sandwiches and Salted Caramel Sundaes to refreshing granitas and frozen showstoppers like Ice Cream Bomb and Raspberry Baked Alaska Ina’s got something for everyone
JUMP TO: No-Churn / No Ice Cream Maker Needed – Homemade Ice Creams & Gelatos – Refreshing Granitas & Fruit-Based Treats – Dinner Party Showstoppers
No-Churn / No Ice Cream Maker Needed
“Ice Cream” Sandwiches | Food Network (Recipe)
I love a dessert that’s simple assembly! Quality store-bought peanut butter cookies are key for the perfect ice cream sandwich.
Frozen Key Lime Pie | Family Style, page 138 (Recipe)
Graham cracker crust topped with a sweet/tart frozen key lime filling and a generous spread of whipped cream? I’m in.
French Nougatine | Food Network (Recipe)
This magical dessert was a wonderful surprise – cool and creamy with crunchy bits of pistachio praline served on a fresh raspberry sauce. Yum!
Frozen Mocha Mousse | Make It Ahead, page 118 (Recipe)
Mousse is one of my all-time favorite desserts, and this frozen version achieves lush, light, creamy perfection.
Vanilla Semifreddo with Raspberry Sauce | Make It Ahead, page 227 (Recipe)
The perfect treat for those without an ice cream maker but looking for a treat to cool down.
Salted Caramel Sundae | Cook Like A Pro, page 191 (Recipe)
Need I say more than: chocolate sauce, salted caramel gelato, whipped cream, and caramel popcorn?
Homemade Ice Creams & Gelatos
Caramel Chocolate Nut Ice Cream | Parties, page 162 (Recipe not online)
This ranks near the top of my favorite Ina ice cream recipes. Caramel, chocolate, and pecans are a match made in heaven.
Milk Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream | Modern Comfort Food, page 191 (Recipe)
I still dream about this creamy, delicious milk chocolate ice cream speckled with Oreos. I challenge you to not devour the whole batch in one sitting!
Pecan Rum Raisin Ice Cream | Cooking for Jeffrey, page 228 (Recipe)
A pecan rum raisin would have never made it onto my list of favorite ice creams as a kid, but Ina won me over with her version.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream | Food Network (Recipe)
While I struggled to make this one, the result was one of the best ice creams I’ve made at home.
Deeply Chocolate Gelato | Food Network (Recipe)
I’m not a huge chocolate ice cream fan, but this one is special. It’s Ferrero Rocher in ice cream form.
Caramel Pecan Sundaes | Barefoot Contessa at Home, page 206 (Recipe)
A simple dessert perfect for a celebration.
Refreshing Granitas & Fruit-Based Treats
Fresh Peach Cremolata | Cook Like A Pro, page 206 (Recipe)
The icy treat packs so much peachy goodness with a hint of Grand Marnier.
Campari & Orange Granita | Cook Like A Pro, page 178 (Recipe)
Another granita – this one features a bitter hit of Campari to balance the sweetness. It really grew on me!
Coffee Granita | Make It Ahead, page 191 (Recipe)
A cool, refreshing pick-me-up for the dog days of summer.
Dinner Party Showstoppers
Dark Chocolate Terrine with Orange Sauce | Make It Ahead, page 209 (Recipe)
The combination of orange and chocolate reminds me of my childhood spent eating Terry’s chocolate oranges. This rich, decadent chocolate dessert pairs perfectly with the brandy orange cream sauce.
Raspberry Baked Alaska | Cook Like A Pro, page 209 (Recipe)
I never thought I’d make Baked Alaska at home! But with Ina’s sage advice, pulling this off is a cinch.
Ice Cream Bombe | Barefoot in Paris, page 200 (Recipe)
This show-stopper layers intensely flavored homemade mango sorbet with store-bought raspberry sorbet and strawberry ice cream. Layers of deliciousness.
Whether you’re looking for a lazy store-bought-is-fine dessert or a full Ina-level frozen showstopper, this list has a little something for every kind of summer dessert emergency. My personal move? Start with the Milk Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream, then keep the granitas in your back pocket for the hottest days.
More Best of Ina Garten lists here.
