’Tis the season for sweet frozen treats. When it comes to colorful and crowd-pleasing summer desserts, ice cream pies are here for you. The flavor combinations and decoration possibilities are endless, and our test kitchen’s foolproof formula makes it easier than ever to create your signature recipe. Design your perfect ice cream pie from scratch or try one of our suggestions below!

Step One: Prep the Crust

Mix 1 1/4 cups cookie crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar and 4 tablespoons melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Step Two: Add Your Fillings

Spread 1 pint slightly softened ice cream in the crust and top with 1 to 2 cups chopped nuts, chocolate, fruit, cookies and/or other snacks (lightly press them down so they stick). Brush this layer with 2 tablespoons liqueur and/or spread with 1/2 cup jam or other sweet sauce. Freeze 1 to 2 hours. Top with another pint of softened ice cream, then freeze until solid, at least 4 hours.

Step Three: Top the Pie

In the last 30 minutes of freezing, make the whipped cream: Whisk 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons liqueur or unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk until stiff peaks form. Spread on the pie and garnish with any of the ingredients you used for the filling. Freeze 30 minutes.

Tip: To get a nice, clean slice of any type of ice cream pie, dip your knife in a glass of very hot water for a few seconds before slicing. Wipe it clean and dip again for each piece of pie.

Ice Cream Pie Recipes to Try

Caramel-Pecan Ice Cream Pie

This ice cream pie hits on the ultimate indulgent flavors of rich caramel. The most surprising ingredient here is the use of caramel popcorn that is used in the filling and as a garnish on top. The popcorn maintains a nice crunch and adds a welcomed saltiness that enhances the deep caramel flavor.

Pistachio-Cherry Ice Cream Pie

Not much beats this classic combination of pistachio and cherry. The sweet and rich notes of pistachio are balanced by the tart quality of cherries in this ice cream pie that's easy to throw together and will satisfy any crowd.

Tiramisu Ice Cream Pie

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that has many versions. This inspired ice cream pie uses both coffee and chocolate chip ice creams and coffee liqueur brushed lady fingers. The pie is frozen and topped with a rich, sweet coffee-flavored whipped cream and crunchy chocolate-covered espresso beans.

Mixed Berry Ice Cream Pie

This pie combines colorful and tangy berry ice creams and fresh berries packed into a toasty graham cracker crust. Use 2 pints of the same flavor of berry ice cream or mix it up and do 2 layers of different flavors — strawberry, blueberry, black raspberry or mixed berry would all be delicious here. Plain whipped cream is an essential topping, plus more graham cracker crumbs for a slightly crunchy finish.

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