Now that summer has arrived and the days are getting longer and hotter, it is a great time to enjoy a refreshing treat of frozen yogurt or ice cream cups. This is one of the most popular summer treats in America. Research conducted by the NPD Group showed that in any two week period, four in 10 Americans will enjoy a nice cold ice cream treat. If you are craving more ice cream cups in your summer, keep reading to learn some of the most popular icy treats loved by adults and children all across the U.S.A.
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1. Gelato cups
Gelato is a unique treat that originated in Italy, and one of the best things about it is that it has a higher fat content and less air than traditional ice cream. This gives it that creamy, delectable taste that can’t be matched by any other frozen treat. After all is said and done and the gelato makes its way to the ice cream shop, gelato is between three and 8% milkfat and 25 to 30% air. Although it’s not available at all ice cream shops, when you see a summer treat stand that is serving up icy cool gelato, you should head straight there so you don’t miss out on this summer favorite!
2. Ice cream cups
This is the light, creamy and refreshing treat that many Americans have come to cherish as their favorite summer snack. It has a special feel that is nice and airy, which is produced by aerating the ice cream during manufacturing, resulting in a final product that is around 50% air. This classic dessert can’t be beat, and it’s great in a cup or on a cone. You can even top other desserts with ice cream, such as apple crisp or pecan pie. And while ice cream is a beloved summer food, it really is in season all year round and there is no sweet snack that can’t be improved with a little dollop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream. Moreover, you can choose from many varieties, including soft or hard ice cream, so there is sure to be an option that everyone in the family will devour with excitement.
3. Ice cream cake
This is a great treat that is a distinctly American pastime to enjoy. It is essentially a cake that is completely made of ice cream, and it is amazing as a birthday treat if you know the birthday boy or girl really loves their cold summer treats. When you are serving ice cream cake, it is important to remember that this does require more planning than traditional cakes, because it has to stay cold until the minute it is served. That being said, it might not be the best choice for a birthday or celebration in the park or outside if there isn’t a freezer nearby. But if their is an option to keep it cold, then you should go full force ahead and serve this yummy treat up to your guests because it is sure to be a hit with people young and old. If you want to get creative, you can even consider getting an ice cream cake that is half chocolate and half vanilla, or you could even go with something that is a swirl.
4. Ice cream sandwiches
The true classic ice cream sandwich and the one that helped this treat gain popularity involves a simple slab of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two thin chocolate cookies. But as time has gone on and demand for this treat has increased, more and more variations of this classic have surfaced. One of the most enjoyed spin offs involves your favorite flavor of ice cream slapped between two yummy, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. The great thing about this treat is that with a little dedication, you can even make it at home. All you need is some patience and a few helpers in the kitchen and you’ll be ready to go!
If this post has you craving some tasty ice cream cups, head out to your ice cream stand and go pick some up!