The summer season is about to come to a close and the back to school season is just around the corner. Before this year’s summer comes to an end, however, why not celebrate with your loved ones with an ice cream bar party? An ice cream bar party is a great way to keep cool, enjoy your favorite sweet treats, and bond with the family. An ice cream bar isn’t too difficult to set up and it’s easy when you have several helping hands. It’s a versatile idea for any celebration, whether for the holidays or for a birthday party. Here are a few tips to get you started.
- If you’re looking to make your own flavors, you can start with the basics such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry and add on fruits, nuts, and other mix-ins to create your own flavor.
- Think about flavor pairings such as fruits and nuts, chocolate chips and mint, and more. Get creative and come up with your very own flavors!
- Prepare a versatile array of toppings, such as nuts, dried fruit, sprinkles, different types of chocolate chips, brownie chunks, and more.
- List down the items you’ll need before shopping:
- ice cream cups
- ice cream cones
- an ice cream cone holder
- ice cream toppings
- scooper
- ice chest
- small bowls or containers for toppings
- spoons
- napkins
Best Ice Cream Mixes and Sugar Cones
1. Junket Ice Cream Mix Bundle with Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry Flavors, Pack of 6
Put a sweet end to your summer with the Junket Ice Cream Mix Bundle, which comes in three delectable flavors your entire family will surely love. This variety pack comes with two each of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors. Make homemade ice cream with these flavors or whip up your own creations by adding nuts, candy, toppings, sprinkles, fruit, and more. Junket Ice Cream mix is gluten-free so you know you’re sure to have some indulgent, guilt-free fun. This pack gives you the delicious simplicity of vanilla, smooth, rich, decadent dutch chocolate, and all-natural, freshly picked strawberry. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Makes real good homemade ice cream and it’s simple and easy. I tried strawberry first and added fresh sliced strawberries to the semi firm ice cream before freezing. It came out great!” Glynnis Thomas
2. Triple Scoop Premium Ice Cream Mix, Neapolitan Combo
Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned neapolitan? This set from Triple Scoop comes with strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavors that will delight and indulge in your next ice cream bar party. All you need to do is whisk together ice cream mix, half and half, and whipping cream before pouring into your ice cream maker. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have freshly made cold, soft ice cream that the whole family can enjoy. Triple Scoop offers fresh, real-food ingredients with no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, trans fats, or corn syrup solids. Each box in this set makes two 1-quart batches and this set features vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Works with any ice cream maker too! Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “The best mix for homemade ice cream I’ve ever tasted in my life. It’s wonderful!” Joy McBride
3. Pioneer Woman Ice Cream Mix 4-Pack, with Mint Chocolate Chip, Toffee Caramel, Birthday Cake and Salted Caramel
If you’re looking to add a variety of new flavors to your next ice cream bar party then look no further than Pioneer Woman’s four-pack ice cream mix, which each makes 2 quarts of premium ice cream. This unique set of flavors features mint chocolate chip, which are perfect with added chocolate chips, toffee caramel, which goes well with some caramel or chocolate drizzle, birthday cake which is great with strawberry or caramel syrup, and salted caramel for those caramel lovers! All you need to do is add milk and heavy cream, fold, and place it into your ice cream maker! Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
4. Keebler Sugar Ice Cream Cones, 12 Count
Nothing beats the classic sugar cone. If you’re hosting an ice cream bar party, you must have the Keebler Sugar Ice Cream Cones on hand. It features a pressed classic ice cream cone pattern carefully shaped into perfect cones and baked into a crispy golden brown for a comforting crunch with every bite. You’ll love serving your favorite ice cream flavors with these classic sugar cones that feature a delicious crunch of lightly sweetened flavor. Each cone is made with simple, pantry perfect ingredients like enriched flour, white sugar, and a touch of honey and is perfect for filling with your favorite ice cream, yogurt and fruit, or even as a base for pie and cheesecake crusts. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These are small, taste fabulous and arrive intact due to good packaging. They taste great and are fresh and will only hold one smallish scoop, everyone I have served them to has really enjoyed them.” Goodeye
5. Let’s Do…Organic Ice Cream Cones, 12 Count
Those who are looking for an all clean, all organic option for their ice cream cones can look no further than Let’s Do…Organic Ice Cream Cones, which are vegan friendly and USDA and qai certified organic. It contains 0 grams of trans fat and ose not contain hydrogenated oils. The best part? It does not contain any added sugars and is only 20 calories per serving. These cake style cones are cute and fun to have for kids and kids at heart at your next ice cream bar party. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These cones have a nice tasty flavor, unlike most cake style cones which are usually bland. And they’re petite, which I like, so that I can literally have a cute little ice cream cone every evening without gaining weight. And they’re organic!” Amazon Customer
Ice Cream Bar Party Accessories and Must-haves
1. Whynter ICM-220CGY Automatic Ice Cream Maker 2 Quart Capacity Stainless Steel in Champagne Gold
If you’re looking for an all-in-one type of home ice cream maker, then the Whynter ICM-220CGY automatic ice cream maker is for you. This is a self-contained frozen dessert maker that does not require pre-freezing but makes great ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and more from scratch. It features a BPA-free stainless steel removable mixing bowl and churn blade for easy storage and effortless cleaning, a reliable built-in timer, a sleek champagne gold color stainless steel housing, and a 2.1 quart capacity with a -0.4ºF to -31ºF cooling temperature. It is also equipped with an LCD timer control and motor protection function that shuts off to prevent damage if the mixture freezes solid. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This just changed my ice cream game forever! No need to pre-freeze the bowl, multiple batches are a breeze, I’ve even put a warm mix in and froze it with no issues! No pre-planning required. Just don’t put the bowl in the dishwasher. It will kill it!” Steve
2. Ghirardelli Squeeze Bottles, Caramel, Chocolate & White Chocolate, Set of 3
There’s nothing more fun than personalizing every ice cream scoop at an ice cream bar party! These Ghirardelli sauces make for the best ice cream experience ever with its range of delightful flavors. This set of three features chocolate, caramel, and white chocolate sauces that come in convenient squeeze bottle format. It’s perfectly formulated for ice cream or dessert toppings and even for espresso-based drinks! Made with real Ghirardelli chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla, these sauces are the gold standard for making exceptional baked goods, desserts, and exceptional mochas. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Love them! The caramel is the best to me in consistency and flavor. The chocolate is a little thick but still really good. Now unfortunately the white chocolate leaves something to be desired, it has a runny texture and is overly sweet. Almost reminds me of when making icing at home and you get the liquid and sugar part mixed only. And I really like white chocolate. Not saying it can’t be used, still I have used them mostly on ice cream and in some coffee instead of a sweetener or creamer definitely recommend.” Kindle Customer
3. The Gourmet Goose 8 Oz Clear Plastic Condiment Cups (Set of 20), 12 Scoops, 12 Tongs, Reusable & Disposable Party Bowls
Your ice cream bar party won’t be complete without these condiment cups that can store sprinkes. chocolate chips, nuts, and other exciting toppings for personalized ice cream1 This set comes with 12 sturdy scoops, 12 tongs, and 12 party bowls made of extra hard plastic that stands up to wear and tear. It’s made of BPA-free, non-toxic material that will last. These stylish square bowls are great for parties and gatherings as they add a touch of contemporary style to your party. These are top rack dishwasher safe. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These worked perfectly for my ice cream topping for my ice cream bar!” Jan Stewart
4. Matican Paper Ice Cream Cups 9-Oz Disposable Dessert Bowls, 30-Count
These Kate Spade-inspired paper ice cream cups will add a contemporary touch to your next ice cream bar party! Featuring gold polka dots on a white background, these cups are designed for ice cream shops, concession stands, caterers, restaurants, and even home use! It’s great for serving large events, kids’ birthday parties, baby showers, and other family gatherings. These cups are made of sturdy paperboard with a polyethylene-coated interior for superb leak resistance. These cups are so versatile that they can even hold hot items like soup. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “We used it for an ice cream party and it was the right size, even had room for whipped cream and a cherry!” Robin
5. MKLZ Ice Cream Scoop with Trigger in Pink
With a unique shape that is the best combination of a scoop and stainless steel spade, this ice cream scoop helps you effortlessly scoop out the most frozen treats for your next ice cream bar party. This heavy duty thick metal ice cream scoop tool is made with premium quality stainless steel. Its handle comes with a hole so you can easily hang it up in storage. It’s perfectly large scoop size makes for a perfect serving while its grip fits comfortably on most hands. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This ice cream scoop reminds me of the one we had growing up – same thing – nice scoop with the thumb trigger that helps eject that ice cream scoop into your bowl or on your ice cream cone! Can obviously be used with cookie dough and other items as well – but ice cream is the main thing this scoop was made for! Looks like, functional, works great.” Dan Panetti
BONUS: BUERE Vintage Homemade Ice Cream Best Food Ever Metal Tin Sign in Vintage Homemade Ice Cream
Add a rustic touch to your next ice cream bar party with this charming tin sign that features an ice cream cone design. This vintage tin sign is made with folded edges for safety and stability and is great to place in any man cave or entertaining space to create a rustic or vintage vibe. Get this on Amazon.
If you missed out on more of our food stories, make sure to catch up through the links provided below. Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you’re the first to know about amazing deals and discounts from your favorite retailers.
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day: Recipes, Gifts, and Ideas for Ice Cream Lovers
World Chocolate Day: The Best Gifts for Chocolate Lovers
Sweetest Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts for Chocolate Loving Dads
National Ice Cream Day 2020: The Best Ice Cream Makers + Gifts for Ice Cream Lovers
Delicious Snacks to Keep in Your Office Pantry
International Coffee Day 2020: The Best Coffee Makers Right Now Plus Coffee Recipes You Need to Try
National Watermelon Day 2020: Watermelon-themed Gifts for Friends and Loved Ones
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
