All You Need Is 3 Ingredients to Make the Perfect Summer Dessert

Ice cream is on my list of top favorite foods, and it’s been that way since childhood. I have fond memories of making the most epic banana splits with my grandfather “Pappy.” Each was piled high with Neapolitan ice cream, sliced bananas, walnuts, chocolate sauce, and a classic cherry on top. And while ice cream dressed up in a dish is certainly an excellent way to enjoy it, ice cream pie is even more fun.

Ice cream pie is the perfect prep-ahead, no-bake dessert for a summer celebration, and it’s as customizable as can be. There’s no need for cones here—we’re dishing up our favorite ice cream inside a cookie crust base. Choose your favorite flavor combination for the ice cream and crust and dress it up with everything from whipped topping and fudge sauce to sprinkles, candy, caramel, and fresh fruit. The possibilities are endless!

Choosing the Best Crust for Ice Cream Pie

I love the option of using a chocolate cookie crust for an ice cream pie to add deep, chocolatey flavor, but any crumb crust will do. Choose a store-bought chocolate crust or a graham cracker crust from the baking aisle at the grocery store.

Alternatively, you can make your own easy graham cracker crust in your favorite pie dish, or try one made with shortbread cookies or Nilla wafers.

Ice Cream Pie Flavors  

Just like standing in an ice cream shop and sampling multiple flavors (we’ve all done it!), this dessert gives you tons of choices. I love to use Neapolitan for ice cream pie when I don’t want to choose just one flavor. Chocolate lover? Use rocky road, chocolate peanut butter, mint chocolate, or double chocolate chip.

For a light and fresh ice cream pie, look to fruit flavors like strawberry, peach, pineapple-coconut, or cherry. Any flavor of ice cream can be used, or a mixture of multiple options for a tasty combination.

How To Dress Up Ice Cream Pie

You can make a simple ice cream pie with a flavorful crust, ice cream, whipped topping, and sprinkles on top. Or, you can take things to the next level with even more add-ins and toppings. Layer fudge sauce in between scoops of ice cream, add chopped strawberries, incorporate crushed pretzels, or sprinkle in M&M’s.

To dress up the top, add chopped walnuts, peanut butter cups, crushed cookies, chunks of brownies, and a drizzle of your favorite store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.