Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make with minimal ingredients
- Can be customized with any ice cream flavor you like
- No baking required, just a little bit of freezing time
- Ideal for parties, picnics, or as a fun family treat
- You can use store-bought or homemade pie crust for convenience
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ice cream (any flavor you like)
- Graham cracker pie crust or your favorite crust (chocolate, cookie, or even an edible waffle cone crust)
- Whipped topping or whipped cream
- Optional toppings: chocolate syrup, crushed nuts, sprinkles, fruit, or candy pieces
Directions
- Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes until it’s easy to spread.
- Spoon the softened ice cream into the pie crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
- If desired, top the ice cream layer with whipped topping or whipped cream, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Freeze the pie for at least 4–6 hours, or until it’s firm. For best results, freeze overnight.
- Before serving, add any desired toppings like chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or fruit.
- Slice and enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Serves about 8 slices
- Prep time: 10–15 minutes
- Freezing time: 4–6 hours (overnight for best results)
Variations
- Flavor combinations: Use different ice cream flavors and layer them for a striped effect (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry).
- Crust variations: Swap the graham cracker crust for an Oreo crust, cookie crust, or even a brownie base.
- Add-ins: Mix in crushed cookies, candy, or fruit pieces into the ice cream for added texture and flavor.
- Toppings: Drizzle with hot fudge, caramel, or peanut butter sauce before serving.
- Vegan version: Use non-dairy ice cream and a vegan whipped topping for a dairy-free treat.
Storage/reheating
- Store leftovers in the freezer for up to 1–2 weeks.
- To serve, let the pie sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easy slicing.
- Do not reheat; ice cream is best served frozen!
FAQs
Can I use homemade ice cream for this pie?
Yes, you can use homemade ice cream. Just ensure it’s slightly softened so it’s easy to spread in the pie crust.
What type of crust is best for ice cream pie?
A graham cracker crust is classic, but you can also use an Oreo crust, cookie crust, or even a pre-made pie crust for convenience.
How long do I need to freeze the pie?
Freeze for at least 4–6 hours, but overnight freezing will give you the best results, especially for firm consistency.
Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead dessert! You can prepare it the day before or even a few days ahead of time.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! A pre-made graham cracker or cookie crust works just as well for this pie.
Can I add multiple layers of ice cream?
Yes! For a layered effect, just freeze each layer separately for a couple of hours before adding the next flavor.
How can I make the pie more festive?
Top with seasonal fruits, colorful sprinkles, or even themed candies for a fun party pie. You can also drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra flair.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free ice cream and whipped topping to create a vegan version of the ice cream pie.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to freeze the pie completely before serving, which helps the crust stay crunchy.
Can I use frozen yogurt instead of ice cream?
Yes, you can use frozen yogurt for a lighter option, though the texture will be slightly different from using traditional ice cream.
Conclusion
Ice Cream Pie is an effortlessly delicious dessert that’s customizable to suit any flavor preference. Whether you prefer a classic chocolate and vanilla combination or want to get creative with toppings and mix-ins, this treat will be a hit for any occasion. Easy to make and guaranteed to cool you down, it’s the perfect dessert to enjoy year-round!
Print
Ice Cream Pie
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ice Cream Pie is a cool, refreshing dessert that combines creamy ice cream with a crunchy pie crust, topped with whipped cream and your favorite toppings, perfect for hot summer days or any occasion.
Ingredients
- Ice cream (any flavor you like)
- Graham cracker pie crust or your favorite crust (chocolate, cookie, or even an edible waffle cone crust)
- Whipped topping or whipped cream
- Optional toppings: chocolate syrup, crushed nuts, sprinkles, fruit, or candy pieces
Instructions
Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes until it’s easy to spread.
- Spoon the softened ice cream into the pie crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
- If desired, top the ice cream layer with whipped topping or whipped cream, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Freeze the pie for at least 4–6 hours, or until it’s firm. For best results, freeze overnight.
- Before serving, add any desired toppings like chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or fruit.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for 1–2 weeks.
- Let the pie sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for easy slicing.
- Do not reheat; ice cream is best served frozen.
- For a layered effect, freeze each layer of ice cream separately before adding the next flavor.
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
