Get the Scoop: Cool Facts & Easy Ice Cream Recipes

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? That’s right! So, if you scream for ice cream too, then this holiday is definitely cause for a sweet celebration with your family. And one simple way to celebrate together is with easy ice cream recipes that your loved ones will absolutely adore.

In this blog, we have four recipes you can try during this month-long holiday. But, before we jump into the inspiration, let’s get the scoop on this frozen dessert. Where did it come from? What’s the difference between ice cream and frozen yogurt? Which flavor is the most popular? We’ll answer those questions and more! So, keep reading to learn some cool facts.

Cool Facts All About Ice Cream

Where Was Ice Cream Invented?

This is a tricky question to answer because there are multiple theories. One concept is that Marco Polo introduced this frozen treat after he traveled in the Far East. Some believe Catherine de Medici was the mastermind who brought it to France. Other tales date much further back, all the way to the Tang Dynasty or even further into the past to the ancient Greeks. No matter what the actual answer is to the question of “where was ice cream invented”, the important thing that we can all celebrate is that this creamy dessert is here in the world for all of us to enjoy. Thank goodness for that, right?

Ice Cream vs. Frozen Yogurt

There is one big difference between ice cream and frozen yogurt - the base. Frozen yogurt uses cultured milk. On the other hand, the base of ice cream is in its name - cream. Besides this difference, the flavor is also not quite the same, potentially due to the lower fat content in frozen yogurt. So, if you’re looking for a low-fat dessert, frozen yogurt may be a perfect choice.

Ice Cream vs. Sherbet

Similar to frozen yogurt, when it comes to ice cream vs. sherbet, the difference comes down to the base of which these desserts are made. As you know, ice cream’s base is cream. However, the base of sherbet is actually fruit purée. That means this frozen treat can be dairy-free or, in some cases, includes minimal dairy.

Other Cool Facts

• Vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor across the globe. 
• Neapolitan ice cream got its name from Naples, Italy.
• Chocolate syrup is the most popular ice cream topping.
• Fifty licks are about how much it takes to eat a single scoop of ice cream.

Easy Ice Cream Recipes for the Whole Family

Five-Ingredient Candy Bar Ice Cream

Get your ice cream maker ready and mix together some heavy whipping cream, whole milk, vanilla extract and granulated sugar. Then, as this vanilla ice cream base processes in your ice cream maker, chop up your favorite candy bar, whether that’s peanut butter cups, chocolate-covered toffee or cookies and creme bars.

Finally, stir in the candy pieces during the last few minutes of processing, and there you have it - an easy ice cream recipe for Five-Ingredient Candy Bar Ice Cream!

Homemade Peach Ice Cream

July is not only National Ice Cream Month, it’s also the peak of peach season. These fuzzy fruits are juicy, sweet and a tasty addition to ice cream. So, while peaches are in season, make the most of them and add slices of this fruit to an indulgent batch of Homemade Peach Ice Cream.

Not quite sure how to go about making this frozen treat? Head on over to our recipe portal to find our easy ice cream recipe with sweet summer peaches!

Dairy-Free Strawberry Peach Ice Cream

Are you wanting to avoid dairy but looking for a frozen treat to enjoy with your family? Your search is over thanks to this easy ice cream recipe that’s made with bananas, coconut milk, honey, strawberries and peaches. Although by definition, this isn’t “ice cream” because there is no cream or milk in the base, this recipe still has a creamy flavor thanks to the bananas and coconut milk.

And once you check out the full recipe for this Dairy-Free Strawberry Peach Ice Cream, you’ll see that it calls for frozen sliced peaches and strawberries. However, you can certainly use fresh if you prefer. Just make sure to freeze them before making this dessert.

Sugar-Free Banana Ice Cream

You now have a great dairy-free option, but what if you’re trying to avoid sugar? We have an easy ice cream recipe for that as well! And all you’ll need are two ingredients - milk and bananas. That’s it! Then, you can top your Sugar-Free Banana Ice Cream with things like:

• Fresh fruit
• Chopped nuts
• Shredded coconut
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chocolate or caramel drizzle

With these easy ice cream recipes in mind, you’re ready to celebrate National Ice Cream Month with your family. Now you just have to make one difficult decision. Which tasty frozen treat (or treats) will you make? Once you’ve made your choice, stop by your local Food Lion to pick up all of your ice cream-making essentials at low prices that make dessert time even sweeter.

Want to make celebrating National Ice Cream Month even easier? Grab a few flavors of your favorite ice cream, like Food Lion brand, as well as a variety of fun toppings for an easy and indulgent dessert bar at home.