Summer is just around the corner and that means plenty of outdoor parties. You probably need some quick and easy treats for your family. Finding the perfect memorial day desserts does not have to be stressful. In fact it should be fun and completely no fuss.
When the weather gets warm you want to stay out of the kitchen. Nobody wants to turn on a hot oven. That is exactly why these Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches are going to be your new favorite go to treat.
They are incredibly fast to put together. You only need two simple ingredients. Plus they look absolutely fantastic on a party platter.
If you need a reliable crowd pleaser this is it. These July 4th Ice Cream Sandwiches are always a massive hit with kids and adults alike. Let me show you how simple they are to make.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to love how convenient this sweet treat is. Busy parents know that time is precious. When you are planning a summer cookout you already have enough on your plate.
Making elaborate memorial day desserts can take hours of your day. This recipe takes only about ten minutes of active work. The freezer does all the rest of the heavy lifting for you.
You will also appreciate the incredibly easy cleanup. There are no mixing bowls or measuring cups to wash. You just need a simple shallow dish for dipping the treats.
Kids absolutely adore helping with this Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe. They can easily dip the edges into the colorful sprinkles. It is a wonderful way to get them involved in the kitchen safely.
These treats are also perfectly portioned for guests. Mini sandwiches are just the right size for a quick sweet bite. Guests can easily grab one while mingling in the backyard.
They bring a festive pop of color to any picnic table. The vibrant sprinkles make them look like a special bakery treat. However they cost a fraction of the price to make at home.
Budget friendly recipes are always a huge win. You can feed a large crowd without spending much money at all. Just grab a couple boxes from the grocery store and you are set.
This is truly the ultimate no fuss summer sweet. You get maximum flavor and visual appeal with minimal effort. It is exactly what every busy family needs for the holidays.
Ingredients
You only need two items from the grocery store for this recipe. It really is that wonderfully simple to shop for.
- 1 box of 16 mini ice cream sandwiches
- 1 container of red, white, and blue sprinkles
If you are hosting a larger crowd simply grab two boxes of the sandwiches. The mini size is highly recommended for this project.
They are easier to handle and dip quickly before melting. They also make the perfect finger food for busy parties.
I love using a mix of classic sprinkles and fun shapes. Finding star shaped sprinkles adds a wonderful festive touch.
You can find these patriotic sprinkles at most grocery stores. They usually stock them right before the summer holidays begin.
If you want to create beautiful Red White And Blue Ice Cream Sandwiches these sprinkles are essential. They instantly transform a plain treat into a festive delight.
That is literally the entire ingredient list. You will not need any extra sugar or flour. Just these two simple store bought items.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining a nine by nine inch baking pan. You can use parchment paper or wax paper for this step.
This lined pan will be the resting place for your treats. Having it ready is crucial because the cold treats melt fast.
Make sure the paper covers the bottom completely. This prevents the sandwiches from sticking to the metal or glass pan.
Step 2: Unbox The Sandwiches
Open your box of mini treats. Remove them all from the cardboard packaging immediately.
Place the wrapped treats right back into your freezer. Taking them out of the box now saves you precious time later.
When you start dipping you need to move quickly. Having them loose in the freezer allows you to grab them one at a time.
Step 3: Set Up The Sprinkle Station
Pour your sprinkles into a small shallow bowl. The bowl needs to be wide enough to fit the edge of a sandwich.
A shallow dish makes the dipping process much smoother. You want to easily press the edges right into the colorful mix.
Make sure you have a good layer of sprinkles in the bowl. This ensures every side gets a thick coating of color.
Step 4: Dip And Coat Quickly
Working very quickly take your first mini sandwich out of the freezer. Unwrap it and hold it gently by the top and bottom cookies.
Dip all four sides into your shallow bowl of sprinkles. You want each exposed edge to be colorfully coated.
You may need to dip each side a few times. Press gently to help the sprinkles stick to the cold edges.
Once coated place the treat in your lined nine by nine inch pan. Stand it up on one of its long edges.
Step 5: Work In Batches
Continue this process until all the mini treats are dipped. Remember that warm kitchens will make them soft very quickly.
If the first few start getting too soft place the pan in the freezer immediately. You can pause your dipping process anytime.
Just add the remaining undipped treats back to the freezer too. Wait a few minutes for them to firm up before continuing.
This batch method keeps your memorial day desserts looking neat. It prevents melted messes and keeps the sprinkles firmly attached.
Step 6: Freeze Until Firm
Once all your treats are coated and in the pan place them in the freezer. They need to freeze until completely firm.
Leave them in the freezer for at least one hour. This gives them time to harden back up after handling.
When the hour is up they are ready to serve. Watch them disappear as soon as you bring them outside.
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers storing them is incredibly easy. You just need an air tight freezer safe container.
Place a piece of parchment paper between each layer. This prevents the cookies from freezing together in a solid block.
Make sure your container has a tight fitting lid. This protects your Red White Blue Ice Cream Sandwich treats from freezer burn.
You can keep them stored like this for up to two weeks. They are great to have on hand for sudden sweet cravings.
When you want a quick weeknight dessert just grab one from the bin. They taste just as good days later.
Avoid storing them near the freezer door. The temperature fluctuates there and can cause them to soften and refreeze.
Keep them tucked in the back of the freezer instead. This ensures your memorial day desserts stay perfectly frosty and delicious.
Tips
Making these treats is simple but a few tips can help. First always make sure your hands are cool and dry.
Warm hands will melt the chocolate cookies very quickly. You can briefly run your hands under cold water and dry them before starting.
If you are making an Ice Cream Sandwich 4th Of July spread for a huge crowd you will need more space. Use a large baking sheet instead of a square pan.
Just make sure the baking sheet actually fits in your freezer first. There is nothing worse than prepping a pan that is too big.
You can also customize the coating if you like. Some people prefer making a Patriotic M&m Dessert variation instead.
Simply crush up some red, white, and blue candy coated chocolates. Use those crushed candies in place of the sprinkles for a fun crunch.
Another great tip is to buy the boxes a day ahead. Grocery store freezers are sometimes not cold enough.
Letting them sit in your home freezer overnight makes them super firm. A firmer treat is much easier to unwrap and dip.
If you want to mimic an American Flag Ice Cream look try organizing them in rows. Alternate rows of entirely red sprinkles and entirely blue sprinkles.
This creates a wonderful visual display on your serving tray. It is a simple trick that makes these memorial day desserts look incredibly festive.
Always serve them straight from the cold. Do not let them sit on a sunny picnic table for too long.
Conclusion
Summer entertaining should be relaxing and completely stress free. You do not need to spend hours baking to impress your guests.
These simple treats prove that quick recipes can be incredibly fun. They are the absolute perfect memorial day desserts for busy families.
With just two ingredients you can create something magical. The kids will love them and the adults will appreciate the nostalgic flavor.
Grab a box of mini treats and some colorful sprinkles today. Your next backyard cookout is going to be a massive success.
Enjoy the warm weather and these delightful frosty treats. Have a wonderful and delicious summer holiday with your loved ones.
FAQ
Can I Use Full Sized Sandwiches?
Yes you certainly can use full sized ones. However you will need to cut them in half before dipping.
Full sized ones are a bit too large for a quick party snack. Cutting them makes them the perfect portion size.
Just be sure to cut them while they are frozen solid. Use a sharp knife and work quickly to prevent melting.
What If My Ice Cream Melts Too Fast?
Warm kitchens are the enemy of this Fourth Of July Ice Cream Sandwich recipe. If melting happens do not panic.
Simply stop what you are doing. Put everything directly back into the freezer for about twenty minutes.
Once they firm up again you can resume dipping. Working in small batches of four is the best way to avoid melting.
Can I Add Other Candies?
Absolutely you can add other candies to the edges. Mini chocolate chips are a fantastic addition to the mix.
Crushed nuts or toasted coconut also work wonderfully. Just make sure whatever you use is chopped very small.
Large candy pieces will not stick to the edges properly. Keep the pieces tiny for the best results.
How Long Will These Last In The Freezer?
These memorial day desserts will last up to two weeks. You must store them in a proper air tight container.
If you leave them uncovered they will absorb freezer odors. They will also develop ice crystals which ruins the texture.
Always use parchment paper between the layers. This keeps your festive treats looking perfect until you are ready to eat.
Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches
These quick and easy Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches are your new go-to for summer parties! With just two simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a festive, family-friendly treat that’s perfect for Memorial Day or July 4th. No baking, no fuss, just colorful fun!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a nine by nine inch baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper, ensuring the bottom is completely covered.
- Remove mini ice cream sandwiches from their cardboard packaging and place the wrapped treats back into your freezer.
- Pour the red, white, and blue sprinkles into a small shallow bowl, wide enough to fit the edge of a sandwich. Ensure a good layer of sprinkles.
- Working quickly, take one wrapped mini sandwich from the freezer. Unwrap it and gently hold it by the top and bottom cookies. Dip all four exposed sides into the shallow bowl of sprinkles, pressing gently to coat.
- Place the coated treat into your lined baking pan, standing it up on one of its long edges. Repeat for all sandwiches. If treats begin to soften, place the pan and any undipped sandwiches back into the freezer to firm up before continuing.
- Once all treats are coated and in the pan, place them in the freezer for at least one hour, or until completely firm, before serving.
Notes
Keep your hands cool and dry to prevent the ice cream sandwiches from melting too quickly.
For larger crowds, use a large baking sheet instead of a square pan, ensuring it fits your freezer.
Customize the coating by crushing red, white, and blue candy coated chocolates and using them instead of sprinkles for a fun crunch.
For extra firm sandwiches that are easier to handle, buy them a day ahead and store them in your home freezer overnight.
Create an “American Flag Ice Cream” look by alternating rows of entirely red sprinkles and entirely blue sprinkles on your serving tray.
Store any leftover treats in an airtight freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to two weeks. Avoid storing them near the freezer door where temperatures fluctuate.
If using full-sized sandwiches, cut them in half while frozen solid using a sharp knife for perfect party portions.
Nutrition
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