I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! National Ice Cream Day is a holiday that we feel obliged to celebrate, and we can’t wait to do it our way. There’s nothing like a refreshing treat to coast you through a hot summer’s day and hit that sweet spot.
This chilled treat was first brought to America in the 1700s and is known to be a favorite of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. George Washington even bought a mechanical ice cream maker in 1784 to put in his estate in Mount Vernon. Now, each year we reserve a day to honor this exquisite dessert that’s been passed down for generations.
At Wondercide, we’re excited to embrace this day of deliciousness by offering a simple vegan recipes to satisfy any ice cream craving, like this recipe from Elizabeth’s Table by Elizabeth Varga. Of course, we didn’t forget about our furry friends! We’re also sharing a special recipe for our animal pals so they can get in on the frozen fun, thanks to Toni Okamoto and Plant Based on a Budget.
Join us on July 21st as we bask in the sweetness of this delightful holiday. Get your scoops ready and let's make this National Ice Cream Day one to remember!
“Nice” Cream for Humans
- 1 ½ cup non-dairy milk - we used fresh almond milk
- 1 cup almond butter
- 5-6 pitted Medjool dates
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a freezer safe container.
- Place in the freezer for a few hours.
- You’re done! You’ve made a delicious “nice” cream treat!
If you prefer soft serve, let it melt a little and stir or put in a high-speed blender for a few seconds.
“Nice” Cream for Furry Ones (or anyone!)
Ingredients:
- 3 regular size bananas
- ¼ cup nut butter like peanut or almond butter (without xylitol as it can be toxic to dogs)
- ⅓ cup blueberries or other berries of your choosing (no pits or seeds and don’t use grapes)
- Dog biscuit molds, optional. We used inexpensive silicone molds from Amazon that come in a set of various shapes and sizes.
Instructions:
- Blend bananas and nut butter with a handful of berries in a blender until it reaches a creamy consistency. If necessary, add a little water to help give it a creamy texture.
- Pour the mixture into your molds or an ice cube tray to create their shapes and give them a place to sit in the freezer.
- Put the molds into the freezer for a few hours or however long it takes to completely shape and freeze the treats.
That's it! You've made fun, refreshing, and nourishing pup treats. It's OK if you try one too. They're so good!
Now, just take out the treats and let your pup devour them! (In moderation, of course!)
We hope these recipes will give you a break from the scorching summer heat and more importantly, you’ll have fun making them! For those of you who have a sweet tooth and are ready to take on all things “nice cream” on this special day, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s celebrate a dessert that’s been making people smile for centuries. Happy National Ice Cream Day!
