We’ve got quick and easy snacks for a birthday party kids will love
You’ve been prepping for weeks for your kids’ upcoming birthday party. How’s that menu coming along? If you’ve put the food off because you don’t know where to start, fear not. We’ve gathered up a slew of birthday party snacks that include sweets, savory sides, and even healthy options that kids of all ages will enjoy. All that’s left is to decide on the cake, and we’ve got you covered there, too!
Looking for a simple (but healthy) snack for your upcoming baby or toddler party? You'll find both with this baby trail mix recipe from Smart School House. Made with freeze-dried strawberries, yogurt melts, and berry Cheerios, this simple birthday party snack is great for morning or afternoon parties and can be scooped into cups so little hands can stay busy while snacking.
You don’t have to be Martha Steward to whip up your own yogurt melt for a baby’s party! This easy recipe requires one ingredient (hint: it’s yogurt!) and just a little freeze time. Get creative with different flavors, then divvy up in cups for the perfect (not too messy) snack for party time.
A bowl of plain pretzels? Not for your party. The best part? They are easy to make because you're starting with store-bought food, AND you can personalize them to your liking! Just grab the chocolate of your choice and lots of fun, celebratory sprinkles to take this birthday party snack from The View from Great Island up a notch!
Perfect for that not-quite lunch or dinner party, these pizza quesadillas from A Taste of Madness make a great birthday party snack for little kids through teens. All it takes is four ingredients (and you can easily use whole wheat tortillas to make it semi-healthy) to put together, then serve with an assortment of dips. Good luck keeping the parent's hands off of these!
Raise your hand if you do NOT want to do any baking for your upcoming birthday party. These no-bake strawberry cheesecake bites from Typically Simple are here to save the day! A simple filling goes into fresh strawberries, then dipped in graham crackers for the perfect bite-sized snack for both kids and adults.
Need a hearty birthday party snack? The Recipe Rebel's BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Buns fit the bill. It takes just 15 minutes of prep time and five ingredients (including store-bought pizza dough) to get these buns into shape. After baking, you can either serve or freeze it for a future party. It's meal prep at its' finest!
What's more fun than funfetti dip? We can't think of anything that'll satisfy your birthday party guest's sweet tooth better than homemade cake batter dip made with just five ingredients and literally takes five minutes to make! Don't forget the animal crackers! Get the recipe from Shugary Sweets.
Corn dogs are cool, but have you had mini corn dog muffins? Great for little hands and perfect for parties, this dippable dish from Bake Me Some Sugar combines a cornbread muffin and a hot dog into a delightful party snack.
Kick your popcorn up a notch, birthday style, with this simple recipe from Peanut Blossom. It uses melted chocolate with cake batter mixed in, sprinkles, and M&M's. The best part? You can customize all the decorations to match your party theme!
If you've got a little bit of extra time on your hands, trying out these Banilla Bites from A Helicopter Mom is a no-brainer. Grab the four store-bought ingredients, then get to assembling these adorable mini sandwiches that the kids won't be able to turn down (thanks, sprinkles.)
Four ingredients, 10 minutes of prep time, and just 15 minutes to bake is all it takes to get these meatball sub sliders ready to go. Great for evening parties or even a fun sleepover, this hearty snack will be a fan fave. Get the recipe from One Little Project.
Need a gluten and dairy-free snack idea? This birthday party snack from One Lovely Life combines peanut butter, rolled oats, chocolate chips, and M&M's, and bakes for under 30 minutes. You can even customize your bars with a candy color!
Need a healthy birthday party snack? These Nutella "deviled" strawberries spotted over at Lauren's Latest combine fruit and chocolate for fabulous finger food that everyone from toddlers to adults will enjoy.
There's nothing like cereal for a late-night snack, which makes these no-bake cereal bars from Today's Creative Life perfect for a slumber party. Combine cereal, pretzels, and peanut butter to get this crunchy snack ready for your kiddos' upcoming bash.
No need to whip up dozens of individual cookies when you have Chelsea's Messy Apron recipe for sugar cookie bars. Made in one pan, this chewy and soft cookie is topped with homemade buttercream frosting and sprinkles. Make it yours by customizing with your own party colors!
We know teens will never truly tire of pizza, but if you're looking for a new take then this pizza dip from A Subtle Revelry is here for you. Cream cheese, sauce, pepperoni, and even more cheese are baked together in this surprisingly simple snack, which can be served with crackers or breadsticks.
Whether it's a fall-themed party or not, you can't go wrong with air-fried apples and caramel dip! The homemade dip is easier than you think, and making the apples into crispy fries is a cinch thanks to the air fryer you've had sitting on the counter since the pandemic. See how it's done over at Bitz & Giggles.
Skip the hot dogs for this party, and whip up some pretzel dogs instead! Yes, this recipe from Food Fanatic calls for homemade pretzel dough, but the added effort results in delicious dogs that will make your party out of this world.
Once you get this recipe for chicken nugget sliders under your belt, you'll be dishing them up everywhere from birthday parties to Super Bowl get-togethers. Hawaiian rolls, nuggets, sauce, and cheese form the base for this mini sandwich that lets you prep over 15 sandwiches at a time!
When you make monkey bread in a slow cooker, you can skip proofing the bread: set it and forget it. This particular recipe from Baked By an Introvert includes homemade bread, but thanks to a stand mixer, is easier than you think. The result? Warm, ooey, gooey dessert that the teens will devour.
These soft pretzel bites from Food Fanatic are made with homemade dough that requires no shaping and bake in just seven minutes. While it will involve a little patience as you let the dough rise, the result is buttery, salty pretzel bites that would pair well with pizza dip (see recipe above) or just eaten a la mode.
This Valentine’s Day, take your festivities to the next level by whipping up some Valentine’s Day food for kids. We’ve fallen in love with these inventive recipes, from super-simple Valentine’s Day dinners for kids to drool-worthy desserts. We’re talking faves like a chocolate cake recipe, red velvet everything, puppy chow, mousse, and more.
These heart-shaped breadsticks from Meg’s Everyday Indulgence will make the perfect side for your V-Day meal. Made with just four ingredients, they’d be great alongside a big pot of soup or pizza (psst ... more on that below!).
For an easy treat, try this sweet idea from Kylee Cooks. Saltine crackers, caramel, and chocolate come together to create the most addictive dessert around—just don’t forget the sprinkles!
Heart-Shaped Fruit Puff Pastries with Vanilla Glaze
It’ll be love at first sight (and bite) with these heart-shaped puff pastries from Flour & Floral. They’re a breeze to put together with frozen puff pastry and your favorite fruit jam.
You can never go wrong with a big batch of Rice Krispy treats, and this Valentine-inspired twist from Salt & Baker is no exception. An old-school favorite, it gets even better when you throw in some colored candies.
Get all the flavors of cheesecake without having to spend hours in the kitchen, thanks to this genius dip from Tara’s Multicultural Table. Paired with graham crackers, berries, and pretzels, it’ll be an instant hit with your little valentines.
Mini pizzas and hearts—a match made in heaven. We love how simple these cheesy little bites are to make for a quick Valentine's Day surprise. Grab your cookie cutters and head over to Sarah Hearts for the recipe.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic Valentine’s Day food, and this version from Eat Cho Food will definitely win over your kids. You can swap in your favorite type of chocolate (white, milk, and dark all work) and top them with graham cracker crumbs or chocolate swirls.
These little gems from Apple of My Eye are like chocolate-covered strawberries in cookie form (sign us up!). Get the kids involved in rolling out the dough and topping the freshly baked cookies with jam and chocolate.
Red velvet is the perfect pick for Valentine's Day, and this recipe from Show Me the Yummy is an easy way to make your loved ones smile. It's the perfect size for sharing, and it gets even tastier with the addition of vanilla ice cream and some chocolate syrup.
For a lighter dessert, whip up these pretty muffins from Garnish & Glaze. With strawberries dotted throughout and a lightly sweetened glaze on top, this one is sure to be a hit with your whole crew.
Keep things a little lighter but just as festive with this delish mousse recipe from Something Swanky. It may look complicated, but it's actually super easy to pull off using an instant pudding mix, cool whip, and some raspberries.
These chewy, moist cookies from Creme de la Crumb are heavenly when paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting. The whole fam will be impressed by how adorable these look with pink and red sprinkles on top—we're willing to bet they won't last 'til the 15th!
If your kids are fans of classic puppy chow (aka muddy buddies), chances are they'll love this Valentine-themed twist on that classic snack from Sarah Halstead. It'll come together in 10 minutes flat with red velvet cake mix, M&Ms, and chocolate.
This tangy but sweet treat might be the easiest of them all. Grab a handful of fresh raspberries and your favorite chocolate chips, then slip a chocolate chip in each berry. Done!
All you need to make these adorable little snacks are three ingredients. And chances are you already have them in your pantry. Check out A Taste of Madness to find out how to make them.
These super delicious cookies are also super easy to make, which is a total win when baking with kids. Sara from Bitz N Giggles adds M&Ms and sprinkles, giving them an extra boost of color.
When it comes to making a dessert in the summer, the last thing we want to do is turn on the oven to make a cake or pie. That’s why we love having an array of awesome (and simple!) no-bake desserts in our arsenal. We’ve compiled some of our favorite kid-friendly picks, none of which will leave you a sweaty mess. Sounds like a win-win situation to us!
Crispy and crunchy come together in this six-ingredient no-bake dessert! Both PB and chocolate lovers will enjoy sinking their teeth into this treat that travels well and whips up in an hour! Head to Sweet Peas & Saffron to get the recipe.
Can you believe this gorgeous dip is no-bake? You can enjoy the rich flavor of cheesecake without turning on the oven with this simple recipe that requires more time in the fridge chilling than it does to make! Check out Carlsbad Cravings for the full recipe.
How are these not crafted in the oven? This healthy-ish recipe combines items like oats, dates and nuts miraculously houses thick caramel for the ultimate surprise treat. Check out Pinch of Yum because you know you want this recipe!
Who needs Girl Scout cookie season when you can make these thin mint bites? Just three ingredients are all you need to make these fancy looking, awesome tasting mint cups. Check out Chelsea's Messy Apron for the recipe.
Move over, red sauce lasagna! This fun take on an Italian dish will satisfy your sweet tooth in a cinch. Just combine ingredients and chill before devouring. Want the complete recipe? Check out Bake Me Some Sugar.
Mason jars can be used for just about anything, even no-bake desserts! We love these ice cream cakes from Evermine because not only can you mix it up and use whatever ingredients you like best, but there are also minimal melting messes to clean up afterward! Get the how-to here.
This delicious "sandwich" is so easy, a budding pastry chef could do it all by herself. Using only four ingredients, we love The Novice Chef's version!
This frozen fruit mousse takes literally five minutes, and only requires a few ingredients. Top with freshly whipped cream and fruit and you've got an Instagram-worthy no-bake dessert ready to go. Find out how to make your own version here.
Hear us out. This rich and fudgy dessert is made even better by some sneaky avocado. It’s also a no-bake dessert masterpiece so you can whip it up in no time for any party, potluck, or mid-week treat. For the recipe, head to A Taste of Madness.
The last thing you want to do on a hot summer day is turn on the oven. Luckily, you won’t have to with these no-bake lemon cheesecake mousse cups. They’re easy to make and assemble and look just as delicious as they taste. For the #1 reason to boycott your oven this summer visit Overtime Cook.
Kiwi is the total star of the show in this guilt-free sorbet from Anja's Food 4 Thought. There are no crazy ingredients—just kiwi, lemon, and honey. You'll be cooled off in no time!
What could be better than cocoa powder, espresso, ladyfingers and whipped cream all stacked up in a delicious bite? A recipe for tiramisu that requires no baking or stove-top prep, whatsoever. Both of your dreams are answered with this no-bake recipe from The View from Great Island.
Who needs expensive store-bought candy bars when you can make your own? You'll only need four ingredients to make these super tasty "Twix" bars from Back for Seconds.
Who knew you could make delicious cookies without ever turning on your oven? This clever recipe from Wanna Come With? uses rolled oats, peanut butter and cocoa powder to create one amazing cookie.
If your little ones aren’t as crazy for citrus as you are, have them try a white chocolate lemon truffle. They may change their tune. With just a few ingredients, they’re super simple to make—15 minutes of prep time and you’re done. Just make sure you factor in that the mix has to get cold and harden in the fridge for a few hours. The result is pure magic! For all the delicious details, and other ideas visit OMG Chocolate Desserts.
These little treats from Blender Happy only require one minute of microwave action. With a graham cracker base, hidden marshmallow middle and chocolate ice cream on top (you can use store-bought or make your own dairy-free ice cream), the hardest part is waiting for them to freeze.
Ice Cream without an Ice Cream Maker
iStock
Imagine whipping up a delicious batch of ice cream—without needing any equipment than what you already have at home. We've got six great recipes that will do the trick. See them here.
Add a little (bunny) bounce to your Easter weekend activities at a restaurant serving Easter brunch. Whether you and your little “peeps” want to sit down to a three course meal of find a buffet bursting with the flavors of the season, these restaurants are serving up traditional (and not-so-traditional) meals so you can enjoy the day. Don’t forget to pack an Easter activity in your diaper bag. Read on to make your plans.
Goldfinch Tavern
Goldfinch Tavern
You can always count on the restaurants at finer hotels to provide an Easter feast. And this year, Goldfinch Tavern inside the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, will be serving a delish Easter Day brunch. The three-course meal will start with an appetizer buffet, featuring fresh seafood, yogurt parfaits and salads. Entrees will include Lemon Ricotta Ravioli, Lobster Frittata, Alaskan King or Dungeness Crab and prime rib. Choosing is the hard part here. A dessert trio buffet finishes off your meal, and will surely leave everyone happy.
Insider tip: Kids will love the Candy Bar they can use to fill their Easter baskets.
Hours: April 17, 2022; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $99/Adult; $35/Kid, 12 & under; $25 for bottomless mimosas
Whether you're looking to dine indoors or outdoor on the heated patio with a view, Easter with Ray's is a tradition for many Seattle families. And this year you can choose to graze at the grand holiday buffet that will be served at the Cafe upstairs, or sit down for a three-course, spring-inspired meal at the at the first floor Boathouse. Reservations are recommended no matter how you plan to spend your Easter morning, but if you've got antsy kids, we recommend the holiday buffet. It's where you'll find your favorite buffet fixings (think: appetizers, salads, desserts) plus the carving and seafood action stations. Families with older kiddos can try the three-course meals that's just as delicious, with a little less up and down. And you can always order from the children's menu in the Boathouse, if the Easter feast is a little too egg-citing.
Date: Apr. 17, 2022 Hours: Cafe: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Boathouse brunch: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Boathouse dinner: 3-8 p.m. Cost: $70/person; $35/Kid (5-11) in the Cafe only
6049 Seaview Ave. N.W. Seattle, WA 206-789-3770 Online:rays.com
Elliott's Oyster House
Catherine Tonner / Elliott’s Oyster House
Take a break from preparing bunch for your bunny bunch when you sit down for a casual meal at Elliott's Oyster House at Pier 56. The views are second only to the creative cuisine they'll be serving that morning. The Alder Smoked Alaskan Salmon Scramble and the Crab Rosti will satisfy those looking for seafood. While the Sweet Cream French Toast or Biscuits and Gravy make great choices for kids. But if you've got an Elliott's favorite you totally craving, not to worry, their regular menu will be available too. Parent perk of this brunch? It's gotta be the pricing. Every dish is under $25.
From Tiramisu pancakes, to grits with Beecher’s cheese, to waffles with sundae toppings, Eques is known for serving up some seriously good eats seven days a week. And for Easter brunch, you can expect high-quality, locally sourced ingredients featuring classic comfort dishes with exciting Northwest flavors. Classic and festive dishes from the hot table and cold top will include Sweet Potato and Cashew Gratin, Seared Salmon with Beetroot Chimichurri, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breasts, alongside an array of sweet Easter treats and usual breakfast fare. For the little ones, there will be a special kid's menu with mac and cheese and chicken strips Reservations are required by calling 425-698-4100.
900 Bellevue Way N.E. Bellevue, WA 425-698-4100 Online: hyatt.com
Copperleaf Restaurant
Copperleaf Restaurant
When you make a reservation for Easter brunch at the Copperleaf Restaurant at Cedarbrook Lodge, you can expect to enjoy a peaceful meal on a serene patio with your brunch bunch. Fresh and seasonal is what you'll find on this menu that's a definite crowd-pleaser. Served buffet style, you can start your feast with chef-prepared omelets that are made-to-order before wandering over to the carving station and grand seafood and shellfish buffet. The grazing table will make your charcuterie heart happy and the kids will flip for the donut wall that is part of the sweet tooth endings. Reservations are recommended at this hot spot.
With outstanding views of the Snoqualmie Falls and Snoqualmie River, The Dining Room at Salish Lodge & Spa provides a first-of-the-season experience. The brunch menu will feature Pacific Northwest cuisine paired with local, homegrown flavors and the best ingredients and refined cooking techniques. Start your meal with freshly baked pastries and assorted fruits, before moving onto the first course of Spring Carrot Soup, Smoked Duck Salad or Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes. Then, indulge in your choice of main courses: Roasted Wagyu Beef Striploin, Vegetarian Croque Madame and Smoked Ham Shank Eggs Benedict are a few of the creative options. Psst...be sure to save room for dessert! This year it will be a Carrot Cake we're sure every bunny will love.
Good to know: The Dining Room will be closed for reservations from April 3-7.
The Dining Room at Salish Lodge & Spa 6501 Railroad Ave. S.E. Snoqualmie, WA 800-272-5474 Online: salishlodge.com
Metropolitan Grill
Catherine Tonner / Metropolitan Grill
Celebrate Easter at home with Metropolitan Grill's oven-ready, at-home meals. Each pre-packaged meal comes with everything you need to feed two people, including roasted rosemary fingerling and sweet potatoes, harrrisa and maple-glazed baby carrots, baby spinach salad with braised pork belly, sourdough bread with butter and a baked apple crisp for a sweet finish to your meal. The mains are where Metropolitan Grill really shines. Expect expertly prepared mains like Prime Rib with Au Jus and Horseradish, Hazelnut Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Kurobuta Ham with Orange Ginger Glaze to be the highlight of your at-home feast. Meals start at $165.
Good to know: Order by April 13, 2022 for pick-up on April 16, between noon and 4 p.m.
Make memories with your kids this Easter while enjoying a casual brunch on the Hood Canal. Although The Restaurant at Alderbrook is currently undergoing a facelift, the Terrace has been transformed into a scenic spot for families to enjoy this seasonal favorite. The restaurant is known for showcasing local seafood harvested from Puget Sound and Hood Canal with savory creations, so you know Easter brunch is going to be fantastic! This year it will be the traditional brunch classics with a few seasonal dishes to make it extra special.
Good to know:Plan to stay at the resort over Easter weekend to make your celebration egg-stra special. They'll have eggs hidden around the property for families who are staying on-property to find.
Seattle families can enjoy their annual Easter brunch at Salty's on Alki at the restaurant or at home this year. The Easter brunch menu features an array of Northwest local seafoods (think: Dungeness crab legs, Black Tiger prawns and Puget Sound clams and mussels) and iconic faves like Belgian waffles, pancakes and French toast, alongside creative drinks and decadent desserts that will leave tummies full and happy for the day. Hop over to Salty’s online menu to see even more tantalizing dishes planned for this year’s feast. Reservations are encouraged for in-house dining.
2022 Update: Salty's is still in the planning stages for Easter Brunch.
Alki 1936 Harbor Ave. S.W. Seattle, WA 206-937-1600 Online: saltys.com
Eat with a view at this 16th floor restaurant atop the Lotte Hotel downtown. Brunch here is full of culinary surprises that parents will love, and kids will find many of their go-to favorites on the kid's menu (think: buttered noodles and PB&J). Make your mouth happy with the amuse before diving into the prix-fix, four course meal that features PNW cuisine. Poached Chilean Sea Bass and Anderson Ranch Lamb are a couple of the enticing entrees you'll find on the menu. Don't forget to pair it with spritzers ($25) for the perfect balance.
2022 Update: Easter brunch plans are still being made here.
2022 update: Ivar's is still in the planning stages for Easter brunch.
For an Easter brunch that is uniquely Northwest, Ivar’s Salmon House, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing and Ivar’s Acres of Clams, on the downtown Seattle waterfront, are offering a robust Easter brunch buffet. Indulge in Alaskan salmon, mussels, clams, crab legs, crepes, prime rib and all the other usual breakfast suspects at Ivar's Acres of Clams and Ivar's Salmon House. For those who prefer a sit down-style meal, the Mukilteo Landing will be serving a plated version of their brunch. Psst! Keep an eye out for Ivar’s famous Easter Clam (yep, we told you this was a uniquely Northwest Easter brunch).
Ivar’s Salmon House 401 N.E. Northlake Way Seattle, WA 98105 Reservations: 206-632-0767 or online
Mukilteo Landing (next to Mukilteo Ferry Dock) 710 Front St. Mukilteo, WA 98275 Reservations: 425-742-6180 or online
Ivar’s Acres of Clams 1001 Alaskan Way–Pier 54 Seattle, WA 98104 206-624-6852 or online
It’s the ultimate summer dessert, an occasional bribe, a sweet treat snuck from the freezer at midnight—it’s safe to say we’re obsessed with ice cream (as are our kids). We’ve rounded up a list of the best ice cream shops in every state (plus D.C.) so you can satisfy your sweet tooth all summer long. Keep reading to get the scoop on the ice cream parlors that should be on your radar.
1. Alabama: Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream With cones, floats, splits and old-fashioned sodas, Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream has something for everyone. Try a scoop of one of Matt’s specialties, like the Creole praline or red velvet cake—you'll be glad you did.
2. Alaska: Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream During the summer months, Hot Licks is a must. Their ice cream is made in-house in 40-quart batches, and with local flavors like cranberry and wild blueberry, it’s some of the best Alaska has to offer.
3. Arizona: Sweet Republic From the local Arizona milk and cream to the slow-roasted bananas, everything here is made with care. And with rotating flavors like Meyer lemon, peaches ‘n’ cream and peaberry espresso, you’ll want to come to Sweet Republic again and again to try them all. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
4. Arkansas: Loblolly Creamery Loblolly Creamery is a must-stop the next time you’re in Little Rock. Folks in the know love their salted caramel and Little Rocky Road. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, from fruit to lavender.
5. California: Fentons Creamery Founded in 1894 in Oakland, Fentons has been a Bay Area favorite ever since. The ice cream is made in small batches (there’s a production tour for curious kids!), and the menu has decadent sundaes to satisfy any dessert connoisseur.
6. Colorado: Little Man Ice Cream With a distinctive shop in the shape of an ice cream cone, Little Man serves up nostalgic flavors that your whole crew will love (not to mention some awesome vegan options). And for every scoop of ice cream purchased, Little Man matches that scoop with a donated scoop of rice, beans or other essentials to a community in need.
7. Connecticut: Arethusa Farm For the ultimate in ice cream, you really can’t beat Arethusa Farm. Fresh milk is brought from their dairy cows a few miles away to make classic flavors like butter pecan, strawberry and pistachio.
8. Delaware: Woodside Farm Creamery The Woodside Farm was established in 1796, but their ice cream operation didn’t get started until 1998. They’ve been a Delaware favorite ever since, offering up flavors like dirt (that’s gummy worms and Oreo cookies in chocolate ice cream) and cake batter. Say hi to the cows after enjoying your scoop.
9. Florida: Azucar Ice Cream Company Be sure to scope out this sweet shop in Little Havana, where you'll find great flavors like platano maduro and rum cake with walnuts.
10. Georgia: Leopold’s Ice Cream Leopold’s Ice Cream was founded in 1919, and the shop still has old-school charm—the black marble soda fountain, wooden back bar and telephone booth come from the original location. The ice cream is just as delicious as ever, with classic flavors like butter pecan alongside unique seasonal picks like spicy mocha.
11. Hawaii: Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts In addition to regular scoops and cones, Bubbies’ specialty is mochi ice cream—a scoop of ice cream that’s wrapped in a layer of chewy mochi (a soft, sweet paste made out of rice). It’s a refreshing treat that’s sure to be an instant family favorite.
12. Idaho: Goody’s Soda Fountain You won’t regret a visit to Goody’s Soda Fountain—with their massive banana splits and ice cream sodas, there’s no way you’ll leave hungry. They also offer homemade chocolates if you’re in the mood for something different.
This fun ice cream spot was launched almost 100 years ago, but now they have four locations! Their ice cream trucks can also be found all over the city, and the spot on Navy Pier is especially fun for visitors. They have tons of flavors, plus ice cream cakes and even donuts.
14. Indiana: The Chief Ice Cream On a hot summer’s day, you can’t beat a visit to The Chief. Grab a scoop of peanut butter or toasted coconut and head out back to the picnic tables to gobble it up—delicious!
15. Iowa: Heyn’s Premium Ice Cream It’ll be love at first bite when you visit Heyn’s—the ice cream is made with 14% buttermilk fat content, giving it an extra oomph of creaminess. And with flavors like monster mash (vanilla ice cream with cookie dough, peanut butter and M&Ms) and blueberry cheesecake, you’ll keep coming back for more.
16. Kansas: Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream Sylas and Maddy’s takes hand-crafted ice cream to the next level. They use an entire watermelon in every batch of watermelon sherbet, and their pie flavors (think apple pie, key lime pie) contain an entire pie in each bucket of ice cream. Get your scoop in a homemade waffle cone to up the tasty factor.
17. Kentucky: The Comfy Cow The Comfy Cow is serious about making awesome ice cream, and you’ll be able to tell when you sample their flavors. Whether you go for brown butter peanut brittle or cookie monster dough, you won’t be disappointed.
13301 Shelbyville Rd., Ste. 106 Louisville, KY
Additional locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana
18. Louisiana: Creole Creamery You’ll love the old-school look of New Orleans’ best ice cream parlor, and with rotating flavors like lavender honey and chocolate malt chip, they’ve got something for everyone. If you dare, take the challenge to finish an enormous Tchoupitoulas sundae and earn a spot in their Hall of Fame.
19. Maine: The Dairy Corner With more than 70 ice cream flavors to choose from in addition to frozen yogurt and sorbet, it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone at The Dairy Corner. Bring your treats outside to the picnic tables and chairs to enjoy them in the sunshine.
20. Maryland: Scottish Highland Creamery Founded by an Edinburgh native, the Scottish Highland Creamery is a must visit, loved for their super fresh ice cream made with local ingredients, fresh milk, cream and flavorings imported from Italy. Order the Mexican vanilla or the Italian lemon cookie and prepare to be amazed.
21. Massachusetts: Toscanini’s Ice Cream Located around the corner from MIT, Toscanini’s has been serving up amazing ice cream to college kids, locals and tourists alike for more than 30 years. Try one of their inventive flavors like B3 (brown sugar, brown butter, and brownies) or sour cherry sorbet.
22. Michigan: Moomers Homemade Ice Cream This family-owned shop is a real winner, with more than 160 flavors made right in-house (20 of which are available each day). The coolest part? The shop overlooks their dairy farm, meaning you can watch the cows while you gobble up your ice cream.
23. Minnesota: Cup and Cone This understated hidden gem serves a generous helping of soft serve in a kiddie cone or cup for just .70 cents and that's just one of the things locals love about the Cup and Cone. The lines can go for over a block in the summer but they are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. most day so you can usually find a time to grab a treat. The owners donate proceeds to a special frozen treat (different ice cream treats are featured each month) to the local food shelf, and the Cup and Cone provides gainful summer employment for some of the sweetest local youth.
24. Mississippi: Area 51 Ice Cream Area 51 prides itself on using only the freshest seasonal produce—from the local farmers market, no less—for its ice creams. The end product is innovative flavors like blackberry goat cheese, green tea latte and salted dark chocolate.
25. Missouri: Betty Rae's Ice Cream Newly re-opened under new owners, Betty Rae's still offers unique flavors like Lavender Honey, brown butter & toasted pecans and blood orange creamsicle.
26. Montana: Big Dipper Ice Cream On a summer evening, there’s nothing better than a visit to Big Dipper. Relax at their picnic tables while you devour a scoop of their raved-about huckleberry ice cream on a homemade waffle cone.
27. Nebraska: Ted & Wally’s An Omaha classic, Ted & Wally’s has been selling their 18% butterfat ice cream since 1984. They’ve got classic flavors like Dutch chocolate alongside more experimental rotating batches like watermelon gazpacho and butter mochi.
28. Nevada: Dylan's Family Ice Cream This mom-and-pop shop is a kid’s ice cream dream. In addition to colorful flavors like circus animal cookies, rainbow sherbet and birthday cake, they’ve got an area with games and a chalkboard just for the little ones.
29. New Hampshire: Jordan’s Ice Creamery With a huge selection of homemade ice creams, frozen yogurts and sugar-free options, there’s something for everyone at Jordan’s. Try their blueberry pie ice cream (made with Maine berries!) or the coffee heath bar.
30. New Jersey: Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream Cool off with a scoop or two of seriously delicious ice cream at Cliff’s. From butterbeer to s’mores to peach melba, the rotating list of flavors will keep you coming back for repeat visits.
31. New Mexico: I Scream Ice Cream I Scream Ice Cream is heaven for the little ones—after you’ve polished off a scoop of cotton candy or raspberry chocolate chunk, head to the back of the store to check out their collection of vintage memorabilia, toys, and games. Go ahead, play a game on the Ms. Pac-Man machine or play dress-up with their collection of masks.
32. New York: Ample Hills Creamery New York has enough amazing ice cream parlors to keep your sweet tooth satisfied and then some, but our top pick goes to Ample Hills for their hands-on approach. Their ice cream is pasteurized on site, and almost all their mix-ins are made in-house from scratch. Try The Munchies (pretzel-infused ice cream with Ritz crackers, potato chips, pretzels and M&Ms) or Snap Mallow Pop (marshmallow ice cream with Rice Krispie clusters).
33. North Carolina: The Parlour After operating out of a converted school bus for two years, The Parlour opened their Durham shop in 2013, and they’ve been serving up delicious 18% butterfat ice cream ever since. Try one of their well-loved, inventive flavors like salted butter caramel, blueberry buttermilk (made with local NC berries) or rosemary olive oil.
34. North Dakota: Pride Dairy The only small-town creamery remaining in North Dakota, Pride Dairy is a must-visit shop. They still use the same basic recipe from when the creamery started producing ice cream in the 1940s, offering tried-and-true flavors like strawberry cheesecake, chocolate peanut butter and rhubarb-strawberry.
35. Ohio: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams You can count on Jeni’s for inventive and delicious flavors—think gooey butter cake, brambleberry crisp, wildberry lavender and Bangkok peanut. You’ll love the smooth taste (thanks to the buttercream base); all their ice creams are made without synthetic flavorings, dyes and off-the-shelf mixes.
36. Oklahoma: Roxy’s Ice Cream Social Grab a simple scoop or a cookie ice cream sandwich at this Oklahoma City hot spot. Their small-batch ice creams are a local favorite, offering classic flavors like cookies 'n' cream alongside a rotating menu of specialties like bananas foster and graham cracker.
37. Oregon: Salt & Straw At Salt & Straw, you’ll find crazy unique flavors year round. Whether you’re in the mood for Meyer lemon buttermilk with blueberries, goat cheese marionberry habanero or cinnamon snickerdoodle, you’re going to leave satisfied.
838 NW 23rd Ave. Portland, OR
3345 SE Division St. Portland, OR
2035 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR
Additional locations in Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and San Francisco
Penn State's dairy research started in 1865, and with that came the creamery. They offer dozens of flavors and their world-famous 12 steps to perfect ice cream are legendary. A visit to the area is not complete without a stop at the Creamery.
119 Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building University Park, PA 16802
39. Rhode Island: Brickley’s Ice Cream With more than 45 flavors to choose from on any given day, Brickley’s has classic flavors that everyone in your family will love. Get your scoop on a homemade waffle cone and sit back and enjoy the huge portions.
40. South Carolina: Sweet Cream Company With a constantly rotating menu, on any given day at Sweet Cream Company, you’ll find ingenious flavors like white chocolate lavender, blueberry crumble and cranberry thyme sorbet. You can also snag a cookie ice cream sandwich—of course, the cookies are made from scratch in-house too.
41. South Dakota: Leones’ Creamery Leones’ Creamery is a small-town staple with some seriously delicious and unexpected flavors: think blueberry goat cheese, vanilla black pepper and rhubarb. Since the menu is constantly changing, you’ll want to come back again and again.
42. Tennessee: Clumpies Ice Cream Co. Opened by the son of a third-generation candy maker, Clumpies has been a Chattanooga favorite since 1999. Try one of their signature flavors like coconut almond chunk or raspberry sorbet, or go for a specialty like sweet corn blueberry or vegan peanut butter Oreo.
43. Texas: Lick Honest Ice Creams This Austin hot spot takes honest to heart when making their ice cream—they source milk and cream from a family-owned dairy in central Texas, and their seasonal offerings let the freshest local ingredients shine. Try an old standby like Texas sheet cake or get adventurous with lemon lavender or loquat margarita.
44. Utah: Rowley’s Red Barn Located right on a farm, Rowley’s is totally worth the trip. They’re famous for their home-grown cherries, so the cherry cheesecake or cherry chocolate chip is a must-try. Or go for an apple cider slush—icy hand-pressed apple cider that can be mixed with vanilla ice cream.
45. Vermont: Creemee Stand Of course Ben & Jerry’s is Vermont’s most famous ice cream empire, but Creemee Stand is another local favorite. With rave-worthy soft serve and hard scoop ice creams, they’ve really got something for everyone. Try their signature maple soft serve, made with fresh Vermont maple syrup.
46. Virginia: Island Creamery Since 1975, Island Creamery has been serving up delicious treats to locals and tourists alike on beautiful Chincoteague Island. Sample the muddy butter (chocolate ice cream with nutter butter cookies and peanut butter swirl) or the cantaloupe—you’ll be an instant fan!
47. Washington: Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream When it comes to ice cream, we’re all about fresh and local, and Molly Moon’s fits the bill. 90% of their ingredients are locally sourced, from milk and cream to honey and fruit. The result is drool-worthy flavors like cherry chunk, honey lavender and cookie chunk that your whole crew will love.
48. Washington D.C.: Ice Cream Jubilee Started by a corporate lawyer turned ice cream mogul, Ice Cream Jubilee is a must-visit the next time you’re in the District. You’ll love their outside-the-box flavors like snickers snickerdoodle and Thai iced tea.
49. West Virginia: Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream For almost 20 years, Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream has been serving up old-fashioned treats that locals and tourists alike love. In addition to the classics like mocha almond and black raspberry, you’ll find a rotating selection of seasonal flavors like lavender honey and lime orange pineapple.
50. Wisconsin: Sassy Cow Creamery Head to Sassy Cow for some of the creamiest, freshest ice cream around. You can gaze at the grazing cows as you chow down on your ice cream, and you can also pick up delicious milk and cheese there while you’re at it. Hunker down with a yummy scoop of blueberry cheesecake or caramel chunk.
51. Wyoming: Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream Huckleberry ice cream, anyone? You’ll find it and lots more at Moo’s, a Wyoming favorite serving up rave-worthy treats. With a rotating menu of 24 flavors, there’s definitely something for everyone in your crew.
Sometimes you really just want a slice of cheesecake. Then you remember how long it takes to bake at home—but fighting the restaurant crowds for a slice also makes you shudder. Still, cheesecake sounds so good, preferably blended up with some ice cream. Here comes Sonic to the rescue with new Cheesecake Blasts!
The popular drive through chain is offering two new flavors in its Blast lineup, Cheesecake Blast and Strawberry Cheesecake Blast. Both swirl delicious cheesecake and graham cracker pieces with ice cream, and the strawberry cheesecake even has real pieces of fruit added in.
“From the rich, velvety flavor to the craveable crunch of the graham cracker, SONIC magically perfects the unmistakable experience of indulging in decadent cheesecake, with no fork or plate necessary,” said Scott Uehlein, vice president of product innovation and development for SONIC. “With high quality ingredients from start to finish, our guests can delight in the classic, or Strawberry Cheesecake Blast, to truly capture the delectable flavors of Summertime.”
One piece of bad news: the new blasts are only available for a limited time at participating Sonic drive ins, through June 27. If that news has you racing to your car, you can also order online or through the SONIC app for contactless payment and delivery. Consider your craving satisfied in minutes, not hours.
Celebrate all of the “mini wins” in your life with mini doughnuts. Krispy Kreme is introducing a new limited-edition Mini Dessert Doughnut Collection, inspired by four fan-favorite desserts, that is a delightfully small, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Available beginning Jan. 11 at participating shops across the U.S., the Mini Dessert Doughnut Collection includes: Lemon Bar, Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Birthday Cake mini doughnuts.
Fans can try all four of the delicious mini desserts in a new four-count box, joining the 16-count box offering for even more ways to celebrate together.
To further help fans celebrate their “mini wins” kicking off the year, from remembering to unmute yourself before talking on video meetings to wearing “real” pants, Wednesdays throughout the month are now mini “Win-days” at Krispy Kreme.
On Jan. 13, 20 and 27, Krispy Kreme will offer sweet deals on doughnuts for anyone who participates in the mini win; just follow @krispykreme on social media to be among the first to know the “Win-day” offer.
“Coming off 2020, celebrating any and all wins – including small ones – is a way we can keep each other’s spirits up,” said Krispy Kreme Chief Marketing Officer Dave Skena. “Our Mini Dessert Doughnut Collection is a great way to celebrate the little wins to bring out the big smiles that keep us going.”
Show how you’re celebrating the mini wins and enjoying Krispy Kreme’s Dessert Minis by using #KrispyKreme and tagging @krispykreme on social. Learn more about Krispy Kreme’s new Mini Dessert Doughnut Collection by visiting www.krispykreme.com/promos/dessertminis.
Editor’s note: Please remember to wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines when you’re out and about. Stay safe and healthy!
The best way to cool off on a simmering, summer afternoon is by devouring a refreshing treat! From traditional Hawaiian shave ice to Asian frozen delicacies, these spots transform something basic–ice–into sweet creations that will exceed your wildest dessert dreams. Read on for the best places around the Sound to find authentic shave ice.
Snowy Village, located in the University District, is so delicious that even Cougs will head into Husky territory to enjoy its Korean shave ice creations. Traditionally known as patbingsu or bingoo, this Korean delicacy is a shaved-ice dessert with sweet toppings, usually featuring chopped fruit, condensed milk, fruit syrup and more. At Snowy Village, all ingredients are fresh and the “snow” is crafted with 100 percent milk. Choose from a variety of sizes and flavors to suit the whole fam's tastes. Need a recommendation? Check out the mango or strawberry bingsoo. Both desserts are bursting with layers of fruit, perfectly complementing the smooth, milky texture of the ice. Craving a pastry instead? Snowy Village also serves up taiyaki, Japanese fish-shaped cakes, filled with deliciousness like Nutella or savory flavors. Snowy Village serves up generous portions and features seasonal flavors so you can try something new every time you stop by.
Good to know: Dine-in seating is limited to 50% capacity.
Handcrafted, decadent desserts are plentiful at Lynnwood’s LUMI Dessert Café. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, LUMI specializes in Korean bingsoo, authentic, melt-in-your-mouth snow ice. LUMI aims to introduce its customers to delicious and unique flavors from around the globe. Choose from combinations like berrylicious (creamy milk snow topped with assorted fresh berries and locally-made strawberry ice cream) or caramel apple (creamy milk snow topped with sweet and tangy caramelized apples and locally-made vanilla ice cream). Flavor combinations abound depending on what you're feelin'. LUMI’s presentation, originality and flavor will tantalize your taste buds. Try some of the other dessert specialties and order an expertly-crafted coffee or specialty drink to go along with your sweet treat.
Good to know: Limited dine-in seating is available. Please call ahead to see if there's a spot.
If smooth and creamy is what you’re craving, Cafe O'Dessert’s Hong Kong-style snow shave ice is what you need. Nestled among stores and restaurants on The Ave in the University District, Cafe O'Dessert offers many flavor choices so you can customize your treat. From mango to blueberry, coconut to green tea, you choose the flavor (or flavors) and then top with their selection of fresh fruit, mochi and more. The friendly staff will help you discover the perfect dessert if you need help narrowing down your choices. Cafe O'Dessert also features savory dishes and espresso beverages, so come hungry and splurge on dinner and dessert.
Poke bowls might be the headliner at goPoke, but don’t miss their shave ice that is out of this world! Choose from a regular size with up to three flavors or supersize your sweet snack and order a Snow Cap. This jumbo dessert takes your basic shave ice and adds ice cream, sweetened condensed milk and Li Hing Mui (a salty, sweet, and sour plum powder that is sprinkled on top). If shave ice isn’t your jam, select other sweets like mochi ice cream and Dole Whip, soft serve straight from the Dole Plantation in Hawaii (made famous by Disneyland). Bonus: Purchase your dessert in a reusable mason jar and bring it back next time for a discount on any dessert.
Good to know: Due to COVID-19 safety measures, goPoke's Tukwila location is the only one that is currently open for business, and is only serving DoleWhip.
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
17348 Southcenter Pkwy., Suite 104 Tukwila, WA 98188 206-960-1325 Online: gopokeseattle.com
Family-owned Goodie Goodie Corner Sweet Shop brings the aloha spirit to the Pacific Northwest with its extensive selection of fresh baked treats, candies, ice cream, and Hawaiian shave ice. Choose traditional ice and syrup or up the flavor factor by adding ice cream to the bottom of your shave ice. Goodie Goodie features over 19 flavors including basic fruit flavors or authentic Hawaiian ones like lychee, guava and Li Hing Mui. The shave ice treats will truly transport you to the islands. Tucked away just off Highway 99 in Lynnwood, Goodie Goodie’s portions are huge, and they never skimp on the syrup, so every bite is filled with sweetness.
The first Bambu Shoppe opened over a decade ago in the heart of the Vietnamese community in San Jose, California. Since then, the Bambu love has spread across the country, including six Puget Sound locations in Bellevue, Seattle, Edmonds, Kent, Tacoma and Puyallup. Bambu boasts a large menu of fresh, healthy, and authentic Che dessert drinks, boba milk teas, Vietnamese coffees, fruit smoothies and juices. Che dessert drinks are Vietnamese sweet treats made from all sorts of flavors. Bambu’s “chelicious” concoctions combine unique flavors poured over shaved ice creating cool, creamy delights. Bambu features house favorite drink recipes or you can customize their own drinks. Every Bambu Shoppe has its own commercial kitchen where house-made ingredients are prepped fresh every day. Try the super fluffy and creamy strawberry cheesecake dessert that promises to hit the spot.
There are two layers in the middle, cheesecake flavored and strawberry flavored. The frozen confection is sandwiched between two vanilla wafers.
You can find the Strawberry Cheesecake Snowboard Sandwiches in boxes of six at Kroger. Each box retails for just $1.99
There are other Snowboard Sandwiches varieties available at Kroger as well. Check out the vanilla, chocolate chip, Neapolitan and mini vanilla versions as well.
The Golden Girls knew that cheesecake was the answer to all of our problems. A late night cheesecake run is not always feasible, but now you can run to your local grocery store to pick up a pint of your favorite cheesecake flavor.
The Cheesecake Factory has partnered with Wells Enterprises, Inc., a Le Mars, Iowa-based manufacturer, to release a line of cheesecake ice cream featuring seven varieties. The ice cream is made with sour cream and the chain’s signature cream cheese blend, bringing your favorite flavors to your local grocery store.
The 14 oz. cartons retail for $4.99 and will be available nationwide in grocery stores by March.
The ice cream is an extension of The Cheesecake Factory At Home product line which includes whole cheesecakes, slices, cupcakes, brown bread, and more.
The full list of flavors includes:
Birthday Cake: premium cake flavored cheesecake ice cream with a signature cream cheese blend, sour cream, cake pieces, swirls of icing and candy sprinkles
Chocolate: premium chocolate cheesecake ice cream with a signature cream cheese blend, sour cream and rich chocolate fudge swirls
Cookies & Cream: premium cookies & cream cheesecake ice cream with a signature cream cheese blend, sour cream and chocolate cookie swirls
Key Lime: premium key lime cheesecake ice cream with a signature cream cheese blend, sour cream and graham swirls
Original: premium cheesecake ice cream with a signature cream cheese blend, sour cream and graham swirls
Salted Caramel: premium caramel cheesecake ice cream with a signature cream cheese blend, sour cream, sea salt caramel and graham swirls
Strawberry: premium strawberry cheesecake ice cream with a signature cream cheese blend, sour cream, strawberry and graham swirls
