Florida Dairy Farmers

Chill Out with Ice Cream Recipes to Beat the Summer Heat!

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When summer is here and the sun is out, what sounds better than a cold, creamy ice cream treat? July is National Ice Cream Month, and we’re celebrating by sharing some of our favorite homemade ice cream recipes from our friends at Florida Dairy Farmers!

These recipes are tried and true with real Florida dairy milk, and even better, it’s a great way for families to get in the kitchen together and have some fun! Whether you’re into sipping shakes, fancy a festive treat or simply want to savor an old-fashioned scoop, here are some ways to satisfy any creamy craving.

4th of July Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients:

  • 2 gallon-sized Ziploc bags
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 8 cups ice
  • 2/3 cup rock salt
  • Red, white and blue sprinkles
  • 8 sugar cookies

Directions:

  1. In one of the gallon-sized Ziploc bags, add the ice and rock salt.
  2. In the other gallon-sized Ziploc bag, add the milk and the half-and-half. Add the sugar to the same Ziploc bag. Seal and shake.
  3. After shaking, add the vanilla and sprinkles into the second bag containing the milk, half-and-half and sugar . Seal and shake again.
  4. Make sure the bag is completely sealed. Place this bag into the Ziploc bag containing the ice and rock salt. Seal the ice bag.
  5. Shake for roughly 10 minutes or until the ice cream bag has a frozen, creamy consistency. If necessary, place in the freezer for an additional 30-45 minutes to ensure the ice cream is frozen.
  6. Once the ice cream is done, place a scoop between two sugar cookies to form a sandwich. Garnish with more sprinkles and enjoy!

Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups vanilla ice cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup chopped strawberries
  • 1 cup milk

For the Crumb Rim:

  • 6 Golden Oreos
  • ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Frosting

Directions:

  1. Add ice cream, vanilla extract, chopped strawberries and milk to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. For the crumb rim, crush Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until finely chopped.
  4. Add a bit of butter to the mixture and pulse until it forms a crumbly texture.
  5. Spread a thin layer of frosting around the rim of the cup. Dip the frosted rim into the crumb mixture, ensuring it sticks.
  6. Pour the milkshake into the glass and garnish with whipped cream and more crumb mixture.

Easy Ice MilkFlorida Dairy Farmers Ice Milk with sprinkles

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a shallow, freezer-safe container.
  2. Use a whisk to mix until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Cover the container and store in the freezer.
  4. Once the ice milk starts to crystallize after about 2 hours, mix it to break down the crystals.
  5. Repeat this process after another 2 hours.
  6. The ice milk will be ready when the mixture is solidified in 4 hours.
  7. Scoop, serve and enjoy!

Check out floridamilk.com/in-the-kitchen/recipes for even more delicious recipes!

Why Use Real Milk?

The secret behind a great scoop? Real milk! It enhances taste and creates the smooth, creamy texture that makes ice cream so satisfying. Dairy milk also adds key nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamin D (when fortified), making ice cream more than just a sweet treat.

Florida’s Dairy Farmers is the state’s milk promotion organization, representing dairy farmers who work daily to deliver reliable supplies of fresh milk. Visit floridamilk.com to learn more about Florida Dairy Farmers!

Originally published in the July 2026 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. Presented By: Florida Dairy Farmers | Photos Provided By: Florida Dairy Farmers