Looking for fun and easy summer treats for the kids? These waffle ice cream sandwiches are the perfect summer dessert and will be ready in minutes!
Summer Celebration
Can you believe it’s already summer? Long, warm days are perfect for simple pleasures: playing in the yard, picnics, and cool, no-fuss desserts. With school out and more free time, easy recipes that kids love are especially welcome. These waffle ice cream sandwiches are one of those joyful, simple treats—crispy or soft waffles paired with your favorite ice cream and a colorful coat of sprinkles. They come together in minutes and add a festive touch to backyard gatherings, pool days, or after-school snacks.
Summer Desserts
Waffles are a versatile base for desserts, and kids especially love decorating and assembling their own treats. This recipe is intentionally simple so it can be a quick solo fix or a make-it-yourself activity for the kids. Use store-bought waffles to save time, or make a batch from scratch if you prefer. Let the kids choose ice cream flavors and sprinkles to make each sandwich uniquely theirs. Because it takes only a few minutes to assemble, it’s an ideal option for summer evenings when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss.
Ice Cream Sandwich Ingredients
This recipe calls for just three main ingredients: waffles, ice cream, and sprinkles. That’s it—simple and flexible. Pick waffles that suit your preference (Belgian waffles, classic breakfast waffles, or even mini waffles). Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice that complements most waffle flavors, but feel free to use chocolate, strawberry, cookie dough, or any other favorite. For a fun colorful edge, use rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
How to Make Ice Cream Sandwiches
Follow these easy steps to assemble the sandwiches. The method is straightforward and kid-friendly, so younger family members can take part safely with supervision as needed.
- Make or warm waffles: Use fresh waffles from a waffle iron or gently toast store-bought waffles so they are slightly warm and easier to handle. Let them cool briefly so the ice cream won’t melt too quickly when assembled.
- Prepare the ice cream: Set the ice cream out for a few minutes to soften slightly—this makes scooping and spreading easier. A softened scoop presses together nicely between two waffles.
- Assemble: Place a generous scoop of ice cream on one waffle, then press gently with a second waffle to form a sandwich. Press until a little ice cream squeezes out around the edges for easier decorating.
- Decorate: Roll or dip the exposed ice cream edge into sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts to coat the sides attractively.
- Serve or chill: Enjoy immediately for a soft, sandwich-like texture, or freeze the sandwiches on a tray for 30–60 minutes to firm up for later serving.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
To vary the recipe, try different combinations: chocolate waffles with mint ice cream, cinnamon waffles with apple or caramel ice cream, or use flavored cones broken into pieces as an extra crunchy layer. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free waffles. If you want a less-messy option for little hands, cut waffles into smaller rounds or squares to make mini sandwiches.
If preparing ahead, freeze the assembled sandwiches on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then wrap individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to a week. To serve, let frozen sandwiches sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before eating.
Summer Ideas
These waffle ice cream sandwiches are perfect for backyard parties, pool days, or a cooling afternoon treat. They’re quick, adaptable, and a fun way to involve kids in making dessert. Which ice cream flavor would you try? Vanilla is a timeless favorite, but experimenting with combinations makes this recipe even more fun. Share your ideas or favorite combos in the comments if you try this at home—it’s always great to hear creative spins on a simple summer recipe.
Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
By Melissa Johnson
Looking for fun and easy summer treats for the kids? These waffle ice cream sandwiches come together in minutes and are a hit at any summer gathering.
Ingredients
- Waffles — store-bought or homemade
- Ice cream — any flavor you like
- Sprinkles (or mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, crushed cookies)
Instructions
- Make or warm waffles and let them cool slightly.
- Allow ice cream to soften for a few minutes for easy scooping.
- Scoop ice cream onto one waffle, top with another waffle, and press gently so some ice cream is visible at the edges.
- Dip or roll the exposed ice cream edges in sprinkles or other toppings until coated.
- Serve immediately or freeze the sandwiches to firm them up for later.