5 Fun Ways with Ice Cream This Summer

Think outside the cone & turn up the fun with these 5 Fun Ways with Ice Cream This Summer...

This post is sponsored by Moose Tracks Ice Cream.

I don't know about you all, but I am getting just a little bit excited that summer is just around the corner. Summertime means long days poolside, backyard BBQ's, summer vacations, & of course- ice cream! 

Summer is definitely ice cream season. What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than with a fun ice cream treat? :)

My family & I have recently discovered all the delicious flavors of Moose Tracks Ice Cream just in time for the summer. With so many flavors & varieties to choose from at all of our favorite retailers, each member of my family is sure to find the flavor (or flavors!) of Moose Tracks that they will love all summer long. (CLICK HERE to see which of your favorite Moose Tracks flavors are offered at retailers near you.)

While you can never go wrong with a scoop on a cone or in a cup , I like to make ice cream a little more fun during the summertime. Both of the kiddos are home from school for the summer, and it is time to turn up the fun!

Here are 5 ways to make Moose Tracks Ice Cream just a little more fun this summer...

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Dough Ice Cream

An ice cream favorite gets a perfect for fall flavor makeover in this homemade Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Dough Ice Cream...

So can we talk about how it is has been in the 70's and 80's here the past few days, and it also happens to be NOVEMBER? Usually by this time of the year, I am donning flannel and jeans with boots on the regular. 

But not the past couple of days- I am sporting short sleeves and broke back out the flip-flops (I decided to ignore the fact that I am in desperate need of a manicure. Carpe diem, right? ;) ) I figured these warm, summer-like days were the perfect time to finally share this new homemade ice cream recipe that I have had in the works for well over a year now. 

Yes, folks. I have been holding out on you all with this one for 365+ days now. Please forgive me, but I have my reasons. My first round of photographs for this recipe didn't do it justice. I mean, it is crazy how much you can improve your food photography skills in just one short year. 

And so I broke down and made this recipe again some time the beginning of last month, photographed it, went to edit said photos, and realized that I hated those too (let's just say there was a lot of orange going on in that round of photos). So, I figured third time had to be the charm! :) 

Finally. A round of photos that I couldn't wait to share with you all. And let's just talk about this ice cream for a sec, k? Bite-sized chunks of pumpkin chocolate chip cookie dough and mini chocolate chips folded into a creamy homemade vanilla ice cream- pretty much fall ice cream perfection here, folks...

10 Dessert Inspired Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Enjoy ice cream at home all year round with these 10 Dessert Inspired Homemade Ice Cream Recipes...

Okay, I know what you all may be thinking. Why am I sharing an ice cream recipe round-up in mid-October? Typically, ice cream is considered more of a summer thing, but do you all really only enjoy ice cream during the summer months?? I mean, come on... I know better than that, folks! ;) I, for one, can attest that we have at least one carton of ice cream (store bought or homemade) in our freezer at all times, 365 days of the year. We love ice cream way too much to just be confining our consumption of it to a measly 3 months out of each year.

Today's collection of homemade ice cream recipes is a little different though. I have rounded up 10 creamy, dreamy ice cream recipes that have all been inspired by the flavors in other desserts! Think pies, cakes, your favorite sweet treats of fall, and more, but in ice cream form. And bonus? Most of these ice cream recipes can be made at home without the aid of an ice cream maker...

Roasted Balsamic Strawberry & Ricotta Ice Cream

Sweet roasted strawberries & creamy ricotta cheese come together in this perfect for summer homemade ice cream...

Right before summer has officially arrived comes another season that I get pretty excited about each year- peak strawberry season.

And my friends, peak strawberry season is indeed here.

How can you tell?

You can pick up a quart of strawberries at just about any grocery store for less than $2.  

Vendors at the local farmers markets can't keep those juicy red jewels of theirs in stock any longer than the first hour of the market.

They are at their juiciest and sweetest right now, so I figured that this is the perfect time to share one of THE BEST homemade ice cream recipes I have created and made yet- my Roasted Balsamic Strawberry & Ricotta Ice Cream.