National Ice Cream Day 2020 is upon us, a day that commemorates the goodness of one of the world’s most favorite desserts and summer treats. National Ice Cream Day is celebrated every third Sunday of July, but the history of ice cream traces back to the 1500s, when people started trading all over the world. CNN reports that according to historians, the ancient Chinese may have been the first to come up with this cool concoction and it was the traders and travelers who brought it to Europe and the west. But it wasn’t until 1984 when then President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation that declared July as the National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of every July, National Ice Cream Day. Fun fact, about 20 pounds of ice cream are consumed by the average American annually, and that’s just in the U.S. Globally, the global ice cream market was worth US$ 57.7 billion in 2018, with a projected market value of US$ 91.2 by 2024 rolls around, according to Globe Newswire. That goes to show just how many people absolutely love this frozen treat!
Before we do a deep dive into some of the best ice cream makers and gifts for ice cream lovers in celebration of National Ice Cream Day 2020, here are some fun ice cream recipes you can try making at home!
Browned Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Photo and recipe by MRSMEHITABEL
Crafted from browned butter, brown sugar, and roasted pecans, this delightful ice cream recipe makes for creamy and rich ice cream with a “perfect, deep butter flavor” that according to the author, “made us forget our evening plans.” Grab the recipe at Food52.
Strawberry-Fennel Ice Cream
Photo and recipe by GLUTTONFORLIFE
The secret to this recipe isn’t fragrant fennel pollen but agave nectar, which paves way for the luscious sweetness of strawberry to rise. It’s a delicious summer treat for those who love berries. Get the summer appropriate recipe at Food52.
Honeycomb Ice Cream
Photo and recipe by YOSSY AREFI
This summer treat is simple and straightforward: crunchy, caramelized honeycomb combined with vanilla ice cream that is sure to be a crowdpleaser the next time you want to surprise family and friends. This awesome recipe is crafted by Brooklyn-based photographer and stylist Yossi Arefi. Grab the recipe at Food52.
The Best Ice Cream Makers for Ice Cream Day 2020
1. Cuisinart ICE-20 Automatic 1-1/2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
Perfect for staying home and bonding with the family, the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker lets you whip up up to 1-1/2 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, or frozen drinks in just 20 minutes! Forget about the fuss and go for this amazing kitchen staple that features a chilling chamber that needs to be frozen for about 8 hours for the liquid in its walls to freeze. This same chamber sits on the power base which then helps the chamber chill ingredients to your preferred consistency. It has a fully automatic function so you need not stir or mix ingredients. Its heavy duty motor lets you create frozen yogurt, ice cream, sherbet, sorbet or frozen drinks without the ice. It also features a large ingredient spout that makes adding ingredients simple, straightforward, and mess-free. Its transparent lid locks in freshness and lets you get a glimpse of what’s cooking inside. Its removable mixing arm and freezer bowl are super easy to clean as well. Customers love this so much, it has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I got this as a wedding gift in 2003. I got the best results when I began to keep the drum in my deep freezer. It has become a beloved and reliable appliance in my family. It makes ice cream and slushies that wow. I am considering a new one ONLY because the movers dropped the lid and it cracked. Still works like a dream. Cuisinart ICE-21 here I come. Do not hesitate if you are considering this.” Erica Sutton
2. Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker
Making ice cream at home is a fun activity that lets you choose your own ingredients so you can make healthier alternatives for the family. The Whynter Ice Cream Maker can help you with that. It is a versatile kitchen machine that lets you make ice cream, sorbets, Italian gelato, sherbets, frozen yogurts, and other cold treats this summer. It features a built-in powerful CFC-free compressor freezer that allows for continuous use without the need for pre-freezing the mixing bowl. It has a 1.6-quart capacity, stainless steel housing, and a reliable built in timer so for your convenience. It also has a newly designed motor drive that shuts off to prevent damage if the mixture freezes solid. This product has an overall customer rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I was so excited for this ice cream maker to arrive and it did not disappoint. I’ve made sugar free gelatos, reduced sugar ice creams, and full sugar ice creams for my teenager. The little window in the top makes it so easy to add mixins to the ice cream towards the end of the process. Cleaning up is a breeze. The controls are user friendly. I am so thrilled with this machine.” Julie Howard
3. Nostalgia 2-Quart Aqua Blue Electric Ice Cream Maker with Candy Crusher
Make up to 2 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sherbet with the Nostalgia Ice Cream maker that features a bottom-drive electric motor. It also features a hand crank candy crusher that breaks up your favorite ingredient to customize your ice cream and a detachable ice cream bucket that keeps ice cream cold when you’re about to serve it. It has a mixing dasher and and 2-quart aluminum canister that makes smooth, creamy ice cream at home. Easily add ice and rock salt and you’re ready to go. This product has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Bought for my teenagers to use due to being home since March from this virus thing going around. They have made a little bit of everything. They are even trying online receipts to make similar things to blizzards and flurries. They love the option to add treats into them too and takes half the time of a normal maker too.” Kelcee29
4. Cuisinart ICE-45P1 Mix Serve 1.5-Quart Soft Service Ice Cream Maker
For those who want to make some soft serve ice cream right at the comfort of their own home, this machine will do the trick! The Cuisinart Mix Serve Soft Service Ice Cream Maker is a kitchen must-have that features a BPA-free heavy-duty motor, an easy lock lid with a see-through window so you can check your ingredients, a mixing arm tht mixes and aerates ingredients in the freezer bowl to create smooth soft ice cream, a bracket with handle to dispense soft ice cream, and three-condiment containers that dispense your favorite mix-ins easily. It also features an on-off power dial and cone holder. What a neat little kitchen tool that’s perfect for cooling down this summer! This product has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Great product! The setup is a breeze and it’s easy to clean. It isn’t too loud while it’s churning the ingredients. Would definitely recommend it if you love soft serve. It’s very convenient to have it homemade plus you can experiment with different flavors! The recipes in the book it comes with are delicious.” Stephanie M.
5. Klarstein Dolce Bacio Ice Cream Maker
Whether it’s complying to dietary requirements or simply wanting to make your own ice cream with healthier ingredients, the Klarstein Dolce Bacio Ice Cream Maker is here to help you do the trick. It efficiently makes ice cream, sorbets, or frozen yoghurts in a short amount of time. This summer must-have features a turbo ice cream machine that solidifies the ingredients in the machine’s thermal mixer, resulting in 67 fl oz of delicious and fresh creamy ice cream in just one hour. It features a practical FlavourMix concept opening that lets you effortlessly add in ingredients as you wish. It also features an intuitive control panel and digital display. It automatically switches to a one-hour cooling mode after mixing. Easy to operate and convenient to use, this product has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Such a great find. With all this hot weather and the current social environment the ability to create our own ice cream at home has been amazing. Always have fresh fruit on hand and now we have other ways to use it. The Ice Cream Maker is so easy to use and clean. I can’t stress enough you can prep your ingredients and set the machine and leave it. Couldn’t believe the ease of use and cleaning. Can’t wait to make our next batch!” Matthew Golubic
Gifts for Ice Cream Lovers
1. Retro Vintage Ice Cream Cone Silhouette Gift T-Shirt
Let your friends and loved ones show off their love for ice cream with this retro vintage t-shirt that features a silhouette of a delicious ice cream cone set against a color palette that’s totally cool. This t-shirt features lightweight material, a classic fit, and a double-needle sleeve and bottom hem. Perfect for those who love ice cream all year long and not just during summer! This t-shirt from Retro Vintage Ice Cream Tees Co. is rated 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
2. Vosca Polyester Washable and Reusable Face Mask
Wearing a face mask when going outdoors or to public places is a must nowaday and what better way to express your love for ice cream than wearing an ice-cream themed face mask? Made of 100% polyester, this face mask is soft and comfortable to wear, protecting you from wind, dust, and other small particles in the air. Its breathable fabric makes it easy to use and great for reuse as it is washable. Shop at Amazon.
3. PopSockets Grip and Stand for Phones and Tablets in Cute Ice Cream Cone Pattern
A delightfully yummy accessory for your phone, the PopSocket is a collapsible grip that provides secure hold for easier texting, calling, and even taking selfies. It’s expandable to watch videos and take group photos, or go on video calls. Its advanced adhesive lets you remove and reposition it effortlessly. It features a cool ice cream pattern that’s trendy and fun, especially for summer. It’s a tech accessory that you won’t go without. Shop at Amazon.
4. Bomb Cosmetics Ice Cream Queen Handmade Gift Pack
Treat your ice cream-loving friend (or yourself, let’s be honest) with this handmade gift pack from Bomb Cosmetics. Ice Cream Queen is a collection that features Sky Bubble Bath, Ice Cream Funday Bath Mallow, Coconut Creme Bath, Buttercup Ice Cream Queen Bath Blaster, and Castaway Soap, all of which are handmade from essential oils that come from plants, flowers, and fruit. These essential oils effectively heighten, change, or enhance one’s moods for a totally relaxing bath. Customer Kaz loved this so much, she gave it a 5-star review, writing, “I purchased some bomb cosmetics for gifts at Christmas and everyone loved them so when I saw these at an amazing price I thought I’d treat myself. Omg these sets are absolutely gorgeous! Beautifully wrapped and They smell and feel so luxurious in your bath, so glad that I treated myself to them and will be again when I’ve used all of the contents.” This product has an overall customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
5. Sock Genius “I Melt For You” Women’s Ice Cream Socks
A great treat for your ice cream loving BFF, these socks from Sock Genius feature a double calf band, a form-fitting Y-stitched heel, and comfort toe stitch. It’s made of high quality carded cotton that is both comfortable and stylish. Customer Nicholas G. Dippel gave this a 5-star review, writing, “My fiancé loved these! She’s a big fan of pattern socks and this took the cake (or ice cream in this case, I guess), highly recommend.” These socks have an overall customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
For more great recipes and summer ideas, make sure to check out the stories from our archive in the links below.
National Onion Rings Day 2020: Recipes, Kitchen Essentials, and More!
National Iced Tea Day: Best Iced Tea Recipes and Summer Entertaining Essentials
National Doughnut Day: Gifts for Doughnut Lovers!
International Picnic Day: Essentials for Packing Food and Hosting Picnics
National Chocolate Chip Day: Baking Essentials and Materials for Chocolate Chip Cookies
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