Cool Down With These Elevated Frozen Treats

Welcome to Summer - we’ve got ice cream.

Not just the old ice-cream-truck classics, either. Our favorite cool-down treats - from yogurt barks to next-level icebox cakes - are of the elevated variety. To quote a classic Chef Janice refrain, “yep, we fancy.”

Whether you’re hosting a picnic and want to bring out the big guns or you’re trying to get your kiddo that extra serving of fruit under the guise of “dessert for breakfast,” these treats require delightfully little prep work. The freezer/ice cream maker does the heavy lifting for you. So put down that Bomb Pop and pick up some Greek yogurt; your body - and taste buds - will thank you. 

Frozen Yogurt Bark

Spoiler alert: they’re super healthy. Barely sweet and deliciously textured, this bark combines all the probiotics of Greek yogurt, the antioxidants of whole berries, and the healthy fat of pistachios to make a surprisingly balanced and filling snack. And, obviously, it’s gorgeous.

Blackberry Lavender & Lemon Icebox Cakes

A bit more “frozen trifle” than traditional icebox cake, these sweet little cups will be a big hit with the kids. Think lavender is a little too advanced for your picky eater? The creamy cheesecake layers and whipped cream say otherwise.

Roasted Banana Vegan Ice Cream

If no one else is going to say it, I will: vegans are tired of whipped frozen bananas being heralded as the perfect non-dairy ice cream alternative. They’re sweet but lack pizzazz. And creaminess. Enter this roasted banana & coconut-cashew milk ice cream. The flavor is more intense thanks to the roasting step, and the cocoa butter and coconut oil combine with two types of vegan milk to make this scientifically irresistible. Seriously. Let your omnivore friends try it and report back. They’ll be forever changed.

Watermelon Granita

When it’s too hot even for ice cream, try literal ice. Well, sort of. As the classy, adult version of Italian ice, Granita is the easiest three-ingredient treat that also feels distinctly elevated. Originating in Sicily and consisting solely of sugar, water, and your fruity flavor of choice, it takes exactly as long as it takes to pop an ice tray into the freezer. Not only is it sweet and super refreshing, but it also lends itself to herbaceous, complex flavors if you want to get creative with garnishes. A little basil, mint, or lime can go a long way.

If this all sounds great, but you just don’t have the time… Ask your chef!

Sure, maybe we specialize in complete, well-rounded meals… but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to get down on some cool snacks for the summer!