When the summer heatwaves hit, it’s time to cool down with fun family-friendly frozen treats. This year, find inspiration from tropical or sweet and spicy flavours, and easy-to-eat hand-held treats. These cold summer desserts can be served poolside, at picnics, post-bike ride or on afternoons basking under an umbrella in the afternoon sun.
Here are five ways to beat the heat and create icy-cool core memories for the whole family:
Lend a little heat to your icy treats! This ice pop gives Mexican hot chocolate a summer makeover by adding cinnamon and cayenne. Bonus: Made with coconut milk and cocoa powder, they’re also completely dairy-free. Add even more zing: shake on a bit of spicy TajÃn, a spice mix primarily made up of chili pepper, lime, and salt.
 For paradise on a plate, these ice cream sandwiches are not hard to make! Stack Compliments Old-Fashioned Glazed Donuts with grilled pineapple rounds and vanilla ice cream, then dip in toasted coconut. Hint: To get ahead of the heat, grill the pineapple and toast the coconut in advance so all you have to do is assemble and enjoy!
To make this fairground favourite without a deep fryer, roll a scoop of ice cream in a crunchy cereal coating and refreeze, then drizzle with a hot topping of your choice. A drizzle of hot honey brings it together but is easily swapped with your choice of sundae sauces.
Because one type of chocolate is never enough, this sandwich triples down with chocolate chip cookies, your choice of chocolate ice creams, and white chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolates. Tip: Make them a few days ahead and freeze them individually in plastic wrap to serve a crowd at backyard parties and potlucks.
You’re just three ingredients away from serving up a summer sensation! These sandwiches feature fresh seasonal strawberries folded into creamy strawberry ice cream–all sandwiched between rich, fluffy tea biscuits. It’s a delightfully summery dessert for meals outdoors.
