Top 22 American Frozen Desserts

Frozen custard comes from the "Custard Capital of the World", Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it's sold more than anywhere else around the globe. It is a gourmet ice cream treat made with eggs, cream, and sugar, and it originated from Coney Island, New York, when it was a popular carnival treat. As the popularity of frozen custard grew, it quickly spread to the Midwest. As there is far less air added than in other similar treats, the result is a thick and dense custard with tons of flavor. A lot of frozen custard fans believe it is better than ice cream since it is served before being refrozen and mantains a soft, yet heavy consistency, so it is a unique regional treat in which you can really feel the difference when talking about flavor.Expand

As the name suggests, brownie sundae is a type of ice cream sundae with added brownies. Squares or pieces of rich, warm, and moist chocolate brownies are typically layered in a serving bowl with a few scoops of ice cream on top, and the whole thing is then finished with a drizzle of sweet sauces or syrups such as hot chocolate fudge, caramel sauce, or strawberry sauce. Any ice cream flavor can be used for this dessert, and some of the most common flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, caramel, coffee, and cheesecake. Whipped cream, nuts, diced fruit, sprinkles, and chocolate chips are just a few common additions to this sweet treat.Expand

Milkshakes are usually described as flavored milk and ice cream beverages, usually lavishly decorated and served cold. The first written mention, dating from 1885, was somewhat different, and the word was used to refer to a whiskey drink, similar to eggnog, which was used as a health remedy. At the end of the 19th century, milkshakes were already prepared as milk-based drinks made with flavored syrups. The invention of malted milk powders which contained dried milk, malted barley, and wheat flour, along with the popularization of electric blenders, inspired the creation of a more familiar milkshake version. These inventions transformed the old-fashion milkshake into a creamy and airy form that we are more familiar with today. The final contribution to the modern milkshake was made by Ivar “Pop” Coulson, an employee at the Walgreens supermarket, who added scoops of vanilla ice-cream to the already famous malted drink. The creamy, cold drink became an instant hit among the Americans, especially teenagers, who would regularly enjoy their milkshakes in diners and fast-food restaurants. The soda fountains equipped with different flavored milkshakes were also put in drugstores as a quick and convenient refreshment. Although not as popular as they were in the 1950s and the 1960s, they are still a crucial part of American culture, reminiscent of youth and enjoyment. This frothy, refreshing beverage is also favored in Australia and the United Kingdom, where it is usually sold in fast-food restaurants and specialized establishments. Modern-day milkshakes, on the other hand, include some unusual varieties such as mango or mocha, and might include luxury ingredients or even be spiked with alcohol. The recent growth in popularity has led to the emergence of numerous artisan shops which create show-stopping milkshake creations infused with popular candies, whipped cream, marshmallows, and even bacon or blended doughnuts!Expand

Cookies 'n cream ice cream is a beloved frozen dessert made by blending vanilla-flavored ice cream with crushed or chopped chocolate sandwich cookies, typically Oreos. Its creamy texture and the bittersweet crunch of the cookies create a balanced and indulgent flavor. First created in the late 1970s or early 1980s, with origins claimed by Dairy Queen, Blue Bell Creameries, and South Dakota State University, it quickly became one of the most popular ice cream flavors. Widely available from major ice cream brands, it can be enjoyed on its own or enhanced with toppings like hot fudge, whipped cream, or extra cookie crumbles. It pairs well with brownies, pies, or as a filling in ice cream sandwiches. Combining the simplicity of vanilla ice cream with the nostalgic appeal of chocolate cookies, cookies 'n cream remains a timeless favorite for all ages.Expand

Fried ice cream is a decadent treat made by coating a scoop of ice cream in crumbled cookies or cornflakes, then deep-frying it for a short period of time until golden-brown in color on the exterior. The scoop of ice cream should ideally be frozen below the usual temperature at which ice cream is kept, in order not to melt when fried. If served in the most traditional way, frozen ice cream is placed on a cinnamon-sugar tortilla shell. This dessert became popular during the 1980s, and it was first adopted by a famous Mexican restaurant chain.Expand

Frozen lemonade is a refreshingly tart and sweet frozen treat made by blending lemon juice, sugar, and water with ice until slushy, or by freezing a lemon-flavored mixture into a soft, icy consistency. It’s essentially a cross between a sorbet and a slushie, delivering the bold citrus kick of lemonade in an icy, spoonable or sippable form. Popular at fairs, boardwalks, and summer stands across the U.S., frozen lemonade is especially iconic in New England (think Del’s in Rhode Island) and parts of the South. It can be served in cups, scooped like Italian ice, or blended fresh to order. Some versions include real lemon zest or pulp for an extra burst of flavor, while others lean smoother and sweeter. Whether it's served from a food truck, in a paper cup at a baseball game, or scooped at home, frozen lemonade is a go-to summer classic—bright, chilly, and irresistibly nostalgic.Expand

Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert treat made with yogurt and (sometimes) other dairy products and flavorings. It is lower in fat than ice cream due to the use of milk instead of cream. Frozen yogurt is usually served with numerous toppings such as strawberries, bananas, or chunks of cookies and candy. The first frozen yogurt was produced in the 1970s in New England, but the name of its inventor is still a mystery. Originally, it was made as a low-fat option for people who consumed ice cream, but it wasn't a big success due to the fact that most Americans preferred the sweet ice cream over the tart frozen yogurt. In the 1980s, its popularity was on the rise, but still couldn't match the popularity of ice cream. Today, improvements in the recipes and the production process have resulted in a smoother, creamier frozen yogurt, making it a more popular choice than ice cream for numerous dessert consumers. Nowadays, the interest in low-fat foods seems unabated, and it can best be seen by the annual sales of frozen yogurt in the United States, reaching 195 million dollars.Expand

Ice cream sandwich is an American dessert that dates back to New York City in 1899. It was allegedly invented by an unknown pushcart vendor in the Bowery who sandwiched vanilla ice cream between two thin wafers. The treat was so popular that the vendor didn't have time to make a change, so he charged a penny per ice cream sandwich. Nowadays, ice cream sandwiches are not made with only wafers and cookies, there are varieties which are prepared with brioche, waffles, croissants, and even churros.Expand

An ice cream float is a beverage consisting of ice cream that is placed in a soft, fizzy drink. One of the most popular varieties of the beverage is a root beer float. The origins of ice cream floats date back to the 19th century. It was invented in Philadelphia by Robert Green, a soda shop operator who ran out of cream and decided to use ice cream instead of it. Shortly after, his daily earnings soared from $6 to $600. With the popularity of ice cream floats, it is no wonder that there are numerous variations such as chocolate ice cream soda, coke floats, purple cow, butterbeer, and Boston cooler. Today, the beverage is considered an all-American classic, enjoyed in diners and bars throughout the United States and beyond.Expand

Along with Banana Split, sundae is one of the most served ice cream-based desserts in the United States of America. A sundae is ice cream topped with a sauce or syrup, typically served in a bowl. The most popular varieties of sundae are chocolate caramel, butterscotch, and strawberry. Cherries, dairy cream, and nuts are the most common additions to the popular treat. Food historians still argue about the origin of the ice cream sundae, but there are three theories which remain the most popular. The first one says it was created in Illinois, where the law prohibited the selling of soda water on a Sunday. As an alternative, local soda fountains started selling ice cream sodas without the soda, leaving the customers with only syrup and ice cream, known as sundaes. The second theory says that it was invented in Wisconsin by a soda fountain owner named Ed Berners, who served ice cream topped with syrup used for sodas to his customers. Berners loved the dish and charged a nickel for it. His competitor, George Giffy, started to serve the dessert on Sundays. Once he started to make money, he changed the name from Ice Cream Sunday to Ice Cream Sundae and served it every day of the week. The last theory suggests that the sundae was first made in Ithaca, New York by Chester Platt, a drugstore owner who served a dish of vanilla ice cream, cherry syrup, and candied cherries to one Reverend John Scott, and he named the dish after the day. Regardless of its inventor, today there are over hundred types of sundaes, offered in numerous flavors such as pineapple, blueberry, banana, raspberry, or marshmallow, among others.Expand

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is an American ice cream company founded in New York City in 2008 by Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura O’Neill. The brand began as a single yellow ice cream truck operating on the streets of New York with a mission to create high-quality ice cream using simple, carefully selected ingredients. Van Leeuwen is best known for its French-style ice cream, made with milk, cream, cane sugar, and egg yolks, which delivers a rich texture and intense flavor. In addition to its traditional dairy offerings, the company has gained recognition for its extensive range of vegan ice cream flavors. The product portfolio includes classic varieties such as vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio, alongside innovative seasonal and limited-edition creations. Over time, Van Leeuwen has grown from a local New York venture into a nationally recognized premium ice cream brand with numerous scoop shops and widespread retail distribution. The company is distinguished by its minimalist visual identity, commitment to ingredient quality, and approach to elevating everyday ice cream through artisanal craftsmanship. Today, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is regarded as one of the leading contemporary premium ice cream brands in the United States.Expand