National Ice Cream Day 2025 is more than a date on the calendar around here, it’s a full-blown celebration of sticky counters, giggling kids, and the sweet scent of strawberries. This Sunday, July 20, we’re diving into our family tradition: homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream. I started making this when store-bought tubs just couldn’t match the flavor or the fun. Now it’s a July staple, right alongside backyard sundae bars and chasing the neighborhood ice cream cart. This year’s no-churn version is easier than ever and gives even cookie monster ice cream or a pop tart ice cream sandwich a run for their money.
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What Is National Ice Cream Day? (And Why July 20 Matters)
National Ice Cream Day falls on Sunday, July 20, and it’s no accident. Back in 1984, President Ronald Reagan officially declared the third Sunday in July as a day to celebrate America’s favorite frozen dessert. Over 90% of Americans enjoy ice cream regularly, so this summertime holiday hits the sweet spot.
Whether you’re into classic moose tracks ice cream, trendy propitious mango ice cream, or nostalgic picks like dibs ice cream, the goal is simple: enjoy a scoop, share a cone, and celebrate the joy it brings. It’s also the perfect excuse to whip up your own strawberry shortcake ice cream from scratch.
Sweet Freebies and Deals You’ll Find on National Ice Cream Day
One of the most exciting parts of National Ice Cream Day is the hunt for free scoops. Big-name chains like Dairy Queen, Cold Stone, Baskin Robbins, and even McDonald’s roll out limited-time offers to keep customers cool. Expect buy-one-get-one cones, discounted pints, and bonus toppings.
You might even see promotions on vegan ice cream near me or creative concoctions like oreo ice cream sandwiches and cotton candy ice cream. If you’re lucky, some local shops may even debut seasonal flavors like peach ice cream or bold twists like gluten free ice cream with cookie crumbles.
How to Make No-Churn Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream (Easy & Homemade)
If you’re short on time but still want to celebrate National Ice Cream Day in a big way, this no-churn strawberry shortcake ice cream is the answer. It’s ridiculously easy, refreshingly creamy, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment just a bowl, a whisk, and a freezer.
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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- Total Time: PT6H
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, swirled, and bursting with summer flavor, this no-churn strawberry shortcake ice cream is made with real berries, cream cheese, and crumbled cake—perfect for National Ice Cream Day.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (or unrefined cane sugar)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 4 oz cream cheese (or mascarpone)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream)
- 1½ cups shortcake, pound cake, or cookie crumbles
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer until thickened and juicy. Cool, then chill 1 hour.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Slowly mix in condensed milk and vanilla until creamy.
- Whip cream to stiff peaks in a separate bowl. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold in chilled strawberries 3–4 times for visible swirls.
- Layer mixture with cake crumbles in a loaf pan. Smooth top, cover, and freeze for 5+ hours.
Notes
Let the strawberry compote cool fully before mixing to avoid melting your whipped base. Use graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT5M
- Category: Frozen Dessert
- Method: No-Churn
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (about ½ cup)
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Ingredients for No-Churn Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
Use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Substitute with cane sugar for a more natural sweetness. - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Lime juice also works in a pinch. - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Mascarpone can be swapped for a milder flavor. - 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Double-check that it’s condensed, not evaporated. - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Or use vanilla bean paste for a more intense aroma. - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
You may try full-fat coconut cream as a dairy-free option. - 1½ cups shortcake or pound cake, crumbled
Graham crackers or shortbread cookies can add a fun twist.
Instructions
- Simmer the Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the berries release their juices and form a thick sauce.
- Chill the Mixture: Remove from heat and let the strawberry mixture cool completely. Chill it in the fridge for about an hour to avoid melting your whipped base later.
- Mix the Cream Base: In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the condensed milk and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the texture is creamy and fully blended.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. This takes 3–4 minutes. Make sure not to overwhip.
- Fold It Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful to keep the mixture light and airy don’t overmix.
- Swirl in the Strawberries: Add your chilled strawberry compote. Fold it through just 3–4 times so the mixture stays swirled and doesn’t turn fully pink.
- Layer and Freeze: In a loaf pan or freezer-safe container, alternate between spoonfuls of the cream base and layers of crumbled shortcake. Finish with a swirl on top. Cover and freeze for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight.
Topping Ideas
- Fresh whipped cream for an extra rich scoop
- Sliced strawberries for a juicy pop
- Fresh mint to brighten up the presentation
- Chocolate sauce drizzle to satisfy choco-strawberry fans
- Crushed shortbread cookies for crunch and nostalgia
Tips & Tricks
- Always cool the berries first before mixing—hot compote will melt your whipped base.
- Fold gently to keep the mixture swirled, not fully blended.
- Whip to stiff peaks so your ice cream holds shape and scoops perfectly.
National Ice Cream Day Party Ideas: Sundae Bars, Ice Cream Carts & More
If you’re hosting a celebration this National Ice Cream Day, don’t stop at scoops, turn your space into an ice cream wonderland. A DIY sundae bar is always a hit. Set out toppings like cookie crumbles, diced fruit, and maybe even cut-up protein mug cakes for a high-protein dessert station. Add bowls of crushed oreo ice cream sandwich bits, sprinkles, sauces, and let guests build their own creations.
Want to go bigger? Rent or DIY an ice cream cart setup with a few homemade flavors like strawberry shortcake ice cream, cookie monster ice cream, and vegan ice cream options for dairy-free friends. You can even toss in nostalgic surprises like mini dibs ice cream bites or pop tart ice cream sandwiches for retro fun. Keep it simple, playful, and cold.
Popular Flavors to Try Alongside Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
While strawberry shortcake ice cream may steal the spotlight, National Ice Cream Day is the perfect excuse to offer variety. For fruity fans, peach ice cream or a scoop of propitious mango ice cream brings tropical flair. Kids love cotton candy ice cream or colorful cookie monster ice cream. And if you’re up for creative fun, try using leftover shortcake or even a Kodiak Cakes mix from this pancake recipe to build your own ice cream sandwiches.
For the classic crowd, you can’t go wrong with moose tracks ice cream, its swirls of fudge and peanut butter cups are a rich contrast to strawberry’s bright flavor. Mix and match flavors so your guests can discover new favorites, or layer them all in one epic sundae.
Why Vegan Ice Cream Options Belong on Every Celebration Table
It’s 2025, and no one should miss out on dessert. Vegan ice cream near me searches skyrocket every summer, and with good reason. Coconut milk, almond milk, and cashew-based ice creams are creamy, indulgent, and allergy-friendly.
At your National Ice Cream Day party, offer a dairy-free version of the strawberry shortcake recipe, just swap the whipping cream for coconut cream and use vegan pound cake. Add a drizzle of strawberry puree and guests won’t even miss the dairy. It’s a thoughtful and delicious way to include everyone at the table.
The Rise of Retro Flavors: Dibs, Pop Tarts, and Turkey Hill Classics
As trends cycle back around, retro flavors are making a big splash this National Ice Cream Day. Remember dibs ice cream? These nostalgic chocolate-covered nuggets still hit the spot and are perfect as sundae toppings or grab-and-go snacks.
Turkey Hill ice cream classics are also having a moment, especially old-school flavors like butter pecan or Neapolitan. Then there’s the genius of the pop tart ice cream sandwich, a warm pop tart stuffed with cold ice cream, bridging breakfast and dessert. These vintage favorites bring fun and surprise to your celebration and pair surprisingly well with your homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream.
Ice Cream Culture in the U.S. – More Than Just a Cone
National Ice Cream Day isn’t just about freebies and scoops, it’s a reflection of how deeply ice cream is woven into American life. Over 90% of U.S. households enjoy ice cream regularly, and that love affair spans generations and regions. From roadside stands selling peach ice cream in the South to freezer aisles stocked with oreo ice cream sandwiches, it’s a treat that adapts to every taste.
The resurgence of creative flavors like cookie monster ice cream and propitious mango ice cream proves that people crave both nostalgia and novelty. Whether it’s homemade strawberry shortcake ice cream made for a family picnic or a store-bought gluten free ice cream bar, this frozen favorite continues to evolve, while still keeping us connected to simple joy, one scoop at a time.
FAQs About National Ice Cream Day
Is there an international ice cream day?
No, there isn’t an official international ice cream day. However, many countries celebrate their own national versions. In the U.S., National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday in July, thanks to a 1984 proclamation by President Ronald Reagan.
What national day is ice cream day?
National Ice Cream Day is celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of July every year. In 2025, it falls on Sunday, July 20.
What day is National Ice Cream Cone Day?
National Ice Cream Cone Day is celebrated annually on September 22nd in the United States. It honors the iconic edible cone that holds our favorite frozen treats.
Who created National Ice Cream Day?
President Ronald Reagan created National Ice Cream Day in 1984. He declared the third Sunday in July a day to appreciate and enjoy ice cream across the country.
Why is July a National Ice Cream Month?
July was designated National Ice Cream Month by President Reagan in 1984 to recognize ice cream’s popularity and its role in American culture. It’s the peak of summer, making it perfect for frozen treats.
Who first sold ice cream?
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact individual, ice cream was first sold in the U.S. during the 1700s. Some records credit early vendors in New York City for selling ice cream to the public in the late 18th century.
Conclusion
National Ice Cream Day isn’t just about grabbing a free cone, it’s a moment to pause and savor one of life’s simplest pleasures. Whether you’re scooping from your homemade batch of strawberry shortcake ice cream, loading up a sundae bar with protein mug cake chunks, or trying a wild new flavor like propitious mango ice cream, the joy is in the sharing. July 20 is your excuse to get a little messy, mix a little sweet with the silly, and celebrate summer the way it should be cold, creamy, and full of flavor. So go ahead, prep your freezer, invite some friends, and make this year’s celebration unforgettable. You’ve got the scoop.
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