Easily transform classic ice cream sandwiches into a patriotic 4th of July dessert by rolling the exposed ice cream in red, white and blue sprinkles!
Fourth of July parties are the best. Summer sun, sprinklers, fireworks, laughter, friends and frozen desserts all come to mind when I envision July 4th. For the past few years we have spent the 4th of July in Montana with friends and we always check all of the above off the list.
Since we are typically guests at these gatherings, it is important that we find quick and easy treats to share.
Everyone loves a good ol’ classic ice cream sandwich and they can SO easily be turned into a festive treat with just a few minutes of effort. Grab your favorite red, white and blue sprinkles and roll the exposed ice cream in them. Add a popsicle stick for an added touch of fun and freeze until the ice cream is very firm.
VIDEO TUTORIAL: 4TH OF JULY DESSERT
HOW TO MAKE 4TH OF JULY DESSERT – PATRIOTIC ICE CREAM SANDWICHES
STEP 1
Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside. Let the ice cream sandwiches sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, or until soft but still mostly frozen. Pour the sprinkles into a small, shallow bowl.
Dip all sides of each sandwich into the sprinkles until completely covered.
STEP 2
Gently press a popsicle stick about halfway into the ice cream and lay flat on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the ice cream sandwiches. Place the pan in the freezer for a minimum of 1 hour. Remove from freezer just before serving.
If you do not plan to serve these all at once, individually wrap them in plastic wrap.
RECIPE NOTES: 4TH OF JULY DESSERT
- Go crazy with the sprinkles! If you want to add variety, use a different type of sprinkles for each sandwich. Or roll a few in mini red, white and blue M&M’s candies!
- Start with a variety of ice cream sandwiches other than the ones filled with vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of fun! Chocolate and neapolitan are both delicious choices!
- The younger the humans are who are enjoying this treat, the more likely they’ll enjoy having a popsicle stick to hang onto. These are great stick-less, too!
FOR A MORE PERSONAL TOUCH, CONSIDER MAKING ICE CREAM SANDWICHES FROM SCRATCH!
These Ice Cream Sandwiches made with M&M’s Cookies are one of my FAVORITE summer treats of all time. If you have spare time, bake a batch of festive cookies and sandwich ice cream between them after allowing them to cool completely.
If you go this route, you absolutely have to try my favorite swirly ice cream trick! In a medium bowl, combine a 1.75-quart container of softened vanilla ice cream with 1 cup M&M’s candies. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes, remove and stir to create a swirled effect. Return the ice cream to the freezer for a minimum of 2 hours.
Another method of creating a swirly effect is adding a few drops of food coloring into the ice cream and stirring gently before freezing.
Consider making waffle ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching ice cream between waffles!
WHEN IS NATIONAL ICE CREAM SANDWICH DAY?
One of my favorite food days of the year is August 2nd because that is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. The day when I have an excuse to eat multiple ice cream sandwiches in a single sitting!
HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH?
There are 125 calories in this recipe!
OTHER GREAT DESSERTS FOR SUMMER PARTIES
Here are a handful of great party dessert options!
- Vanilla Sheet Cake
- Chocolate Cupcakes
- No Bake Strawberry Pie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
- Zucchini Brownies
- Raspberry Peach Tarts
And check out this incredible list of Fourth of July recipes from delish.com!
4th of July Dessert – Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ice cream sandwiches cut in half cross-wise
- 12 popsicle sticks
- red, white and blue sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a small baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. Let the ice cream sandwiches sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, or until soft but still mostly frozen. Pour the sprinkles into a small, shallow dish. Dip all sides of each sandwich into the sprinkles until completely covered.
- Insert a popsicle stick about halfway into the ice cream and lay flat on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the ice cream sandwiches.
- Place the pan in the freezer for a minimum of 1 hour. Remove from freezer just before serving or wrap individually in plastic wrap.
Notes
- Go crazy with the sprinkles! If you want to add variety, use a different type of sprinkles for each sandwich. Or roll a few in mini red, white and blue M&M’s candies!
- Start with a variety of ice cream sandwiches other than the ones filled with vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of fun! Chocolate and neapolitan are both delicious choices!
- The younger the humans are who are enjoying this treat, the more likely they’ll enjoy having a popsicle stick to hang onto. These are great stick-less, too!
Super easy to put together!
But fun to enjoy and cool to add to the festivities!