You’re Going to Want These 20 Ice Cream Alternatives

There’s a whole world of ice cream alternatives out there, and these are the ones you’re going to want. Whether you're avoiding dairy, watching your sugar, or just ready for something different, these options hit the spot without trying too hard. They’re easy, crowd-friendly, and actually something you’ll look forward to making again. No extra steps, no weird ingredients—just smart swaps and great results.

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Lemon Granita. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Strawberry Tiramisu

This strawberry tiramisu skips the oven and takes less than 20 minutes to prep. It’s a smart cold dessert when you want something fast, creamy, and low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Tiramisu

Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Recipe Ninja CREAMi

Bluberry Frozen Yogurt in a white bowl with an ice cream scoop. — Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Recipe Ninja CREAMi. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Blueberry frozen yogurt made in the Ninja CREAMi is smooth, cold, and packed with fruit. It’s a quick way to mix things up when regular ice cream feels overdone.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Recipe Ninja CREAMi

Frozen Yogurt Banana Bites

Only five ingredients in these frozen yogurt covered bananas! Made with plain yogurt and sweetened with stevia. Use your favorite toppings to customize the frozen banana bites and they make the perfect, cooling, kid-approved, summertime snack #easyrecipe #healthysnacks #kidsfood #frozenbananarecipes — Frozen Yogurt Banana Bites. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Frozen yogurt covered bananas are easy to pull together and let you customize with toppings. They’re a simple frozen snack that works great when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt Banana Bites

Lemon Granita

Lemon granita uses just a few basics and comes together with minimal hands-on time. It’s a sharp, frozen option that works as a refresher or light dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Granita

Raspberry Frozen Cheesecake Bites

Frozen cheesecake bites with raspberries freeze well and need minimal prep. They’re a great go-to when you want something cold, creamy, and made ahead.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Frozen Cheesecake Bites

Tropical Green Smoothie Popsicles

Tropical green smoothie popsicles mix fruit and creamy elements into one frozen snack. They’re perfect when you want something cold without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Green Smoothie Popsicles

Peanut Butter and Jelly Frozen Yogurt Bars

These peanut butter and jelly frozen yogurt bars layer chewy granola and a chocolate shell. They’re a fun frozen pick when you're after something sweet but easy.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Frozen Yogurt Bars

Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt cups are quick to prep and easy to dress up for parties or holidays. They’re a great cold option when you want something festive without baking.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt

Spumoni

Spumoni mixes frozen layers with nuts, cherries, and chocolate in a no-bake format. It’s a chilled dessert that feels special without needing extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Spumoni

Frozen Chocolate Cherry Bars

Frozen chocolate cherry bars are quick to make and have a bit of protein built in. They’re a smart choice when you want a cold treat that still hits that sweet spot.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Chocolate Cherry Bars

Tartufo

Tartufo brings together a cherry center, chocolate shell, and cookie crunch in one frozen bite. It’s an easy way to skip store-bought and still get something interesting.
Get the Recipe: Tartufo

High Protein Frozen Yogurt

A bowl of frozen yogurt with raspberries and corn flakes. — High Protein Frozen Yogurt. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Protein frozen yogurt is smooth and simple, and doesn’t require an ice cream maker. It’s a practical frozen dessert when you want something homemade and light.
Get the Recipe: High Protein Frozen Yogurt

Frozen Coconut Peach Bites

Frozen coconut peach bites are easy to prep ahead and stash in the freezer. They’re a quick grab when you want something cold, fruity, and low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Coconut Peach Bites

Perfect Peach Sorbet

Peach sorbet keeps it simple with bold fruit and no extra fluff. It’s a light frozen option that works well when you want something clean and cooling.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Peach Sorbet

Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles

Cherry mango popsicles with coconut milk and lime are easy to freeze and grab. They’re a chilled pick that fits right in when the weather heats up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles

Skyr Popsicles

These yogurt protein popsicles are made with three ingredients and freeze fast. They’re a practical cold treat that works when you want something light and quick.
Get the Recipe: Skyr Popsicles

Chocolate Hazelnut Semifreddo

Chocolate hazelnut semifreddo looks fancy but takes little prep and can be made ahead. It’s a great way to get a smooth, frozen dessert without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Semifreddo

Homemade Peanut Buster Bars

Peanut buster bars layer chocolate, peanuts, and ice cream in a homemade version of the classic. They’re a fun frozen option when you want that store-bought feel without the trip.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Peanut Buster Bars

Mint Chocolate Freezer Fudge

Mint chocolate fudge is chewy, cold, and has a clean mint flavor. It’s a smart frozen treat when you want something that comes together in just a few steps.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Freezer Fudge

Lemon Sorbet

Lemon sorbet brings a fresh citrus flavor with a smooth texture and short ingredient list. It’s a great frozen pick when you want something light after a meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sorbet