When temperatures begin to soar, ice cream is the ultimate cool-down. While the classic scoop-on-a-cone does the trick, we suggest taking this summer staple a step further. Be adventurous and try our sweet—and virtually effortless—ideas for creamy frozen desserts.

1. Chunky Pie Ice Cream

Here’s a fun twist on the traditional pie–and–ice cream combo. Empty a container of rich and creamy Sensations by Compliments Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream into a large bowl and let it stand to soften slightly (if it needs some helping along, use a wooden spoon to stir and break it up). Meanwhile, prepare a Sensations by Compliments Pie, such as Four Fruit Medley, by chopping both the flaky pastry and luscious filling into chunks. When the ice cream has softened, gently fold in pie pieces. Return it to the freezer until firm before enjoying this all-in-one treat.

2. Herb-Infused Citrus Float

For a supremely refreshing drink-meets-dessert, break an icy and intense Compliments Balance Fruit and Vegetable Bar into pieces and add them to a large chilled glass. Add sprigs of fresh mint or cilantro and pour fizzy Sensations by Compliments Blood Orange or Sicilian Lemon Italian Soda overtop.

3. Sweet Almond-Milk Shake

Blend spoonfuls of smooth and silky Compliments French Vanilla Lactose Free Ice Cream with nutty almond milk, a drizzle of Compliments Honey and, if you like, a sprinkle of dried lavender. Pour into a tall glass, then top with toasted sliced almonds and another small drizzle of honey.

4. Crunchy-Coated Ice Cream Sandwiches and Bars

For your next party, make the dessert course easy by setting up a self-serve ice cream station using Sensations by Compliments Ice Cream Bars and an array of crunchy coatings. Guests can add their flavour of choice by rolling and pressing tasty toppings onto bars and sandwiches. Offer better-for-you options like chocolatey cacao nibs and crunchy chopped nuts with Compliments Balance Mini French Vanilla Yogourt Bars or Honey Vanilla Greek Yogourt Bars with Probiotics. Or enjoy a decadent treat by coating Compliments Ice Cream Sandwiches with crumbled Compliments Crispy Rice Squares.

5. Whoopie Pie–Style Ice Cream Sandwiches

Sandwich a scoop of slightly softened Sensations by Compliments Simply Indulgent Ice Cream between two chewy Compliments Cookies—try Peanut Butter with Unsweetened Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream with oatmeal cookies, or Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream with ginger or gluten-free cookies. Wrap in plastic wrap and tuck into the freezer, allowing ice cream to re-set.

6. Italian Balsamic Banana Split

Prepare our rich and syrupy Balsamic Glaze recipe. Peel fresh bananas, place on a baking tray and sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil bananas until golden and caramelized, then let cool before slicing. Scoop Sensations by Compliments Coffee Toffee Ice Cream into a dish, then top with banana slices and drizzle with Balsamic Glaze.

7. Sweet and Salty Sundae

Swirl rich Compliments Chocolate Sauce over scoops of your favourite flavour of Sensations by Compliments Ice Cream. Coarsely crumble crisp Sensations by Compliments Kettle Chips or salty and crunchy Compliments Pretzels overtop.

8. Vietnamese Coffee–Style Affogato

Brew full-bodied double-strength dark roast coffee with a generous sprinkle of ground cardamom. Scoop Sensations by Compliments Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream into heatproof glasses; top with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. Just before serving, pour a shot of the hot spice-infused espresso overtop.

9. Umami Ice Cream

Scoop Sensations by Compliments Coffee Toffee Drizzle or Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream into a crispy sugar cone or chocolate-dipped cone, then sprinkle with finely chopped crisp and salty pancetta, and decadent chocolate chips. Top it all off with buttery-tasting Compliments Caramel Sauce.

10. Strawberry Treat

Create a decadent, guest-worthy treat by filling Compliments Dessert Shells with scoops of Sensations by Compliments Simply Indulgent Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream drizzled with homemade strawberry sauce. To make the sauce, slice 2 cups fresh strawberries. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine strawberries, 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until strawberries are soft, about 20 minutes. Add extra flavour to your sauce with zesty grated lemon peel; vanilla and ground cinnamon; or a splash of orange juice.