18 Fun Ways to Use a Tub of Store-Bought Vanilla Ice Cream

side view of a slice of homemade ice cream cake with a chocolate cake base, crunchy cookie filling, vanilla ice cream top layer, and whipped cream frosting with candy sprinkles
Photo: Allrecipes

Looking for a way to use that carton or tub of ice cream in the back of your freezer? You've come to the right place. We've rounded up some of our favorite creative recipes that utilize store-bought vanilla ice cream. From quick and easy treats to throw together in minutes with just a few ingredients to impressive no-bake cakes to serve at your next big event, find a new frozen favorite in this collection of our best desserts with prepared vanilla ice cream.

01 of 19

Creamsicle Ice Cream Cake

creamsicle ice cream cake on plates
Mackenzie Schieck

A layer of vanilla ice cream is sandwiched between two layers of orange-flavored cake. The whole thing is topped with frozen whipped topping to add extra creaminess.

02 of 19

Vanilla Milkshake

Vanilla Milkshake
Photo by Meredith.

Make this restaurant-worthy vanilla milkshake in a blender with just ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Top with fresh fruit or chocolate syrup.

03 of 19

Easy Incredible Ice Cream Cake

side view of a slice of homemade ice cream cake with a chocolate cake base, crunchy cookie filling, vanilla ice cream top layer, and whipped cream frosting with candy sprinkles
Allrecipes

"Layers of moist cake, crunchy cookies, rich ice cream, and a smooth, buttery-like icing deliver sweet perfection in every bite," NicoleMcMom says of this budget-friendly ice cream cake.

04 of 19

Guinness Float

guinness floats with vanilla ice cream
Meredith

This boozy take on a diner favorite couldn't be easier to make with just a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a can of cola, and a bottle of stout beer.

05 of 19

Bloody Sundaes

vanilla ice cream with walnuts and red topping
Allrecipes Magazine

Perfect for Halloween (or any day you're craving a decadent treat), these caramel- and walnut-covered vanilla ice cream sundaes are as easy as they are delicious.

06 of 19

Coffee Ice Cream Pie

Coffee Ice Cream Pie
Meredith

This chocolate-crusted ice cream pie has two layers of irresistible ice cream: store-bought vanilla on the bottom and homemade coffee on top.

07 of 19

Chocolate Wafer Ice Cream Sandwiches

Chocolate Wafer Ice Cream Sandwiches

Make these kid-friendly ice cream sandwiches with just a quart of vanilla ice cream, chocolate wafer cookies, and the topping of your choice (spinkles or chocolate chips work great).

08 of 19

S'mores Popsicles

S'mores Popsicles with marshmallows

Sweet summertime snacking has never been easier. Use a Popsicle mold to create these ice pops with just milk, instant chocolate pudding mix, graham crackers, and vanilla ice cream.

09 of 19

123 Green Tea Ice Cream

692501-123-Green-Tea-Ice-Cream-133666-sdun713-640x441.jpg

Just add green tea powder (matcha) to store-bought vanilla ice cream to make this exceptionally simple dessert. It's as easy as 1-2-3!

10 of 19

Fried Ice Cream

Fried Ice Cream
Kelly in PA

Crushed cornflakes cereal spiked with cinnamon adds welcome crunch to plain vanilla ice cream. Make sure to fry for only 10 to 15 seconds at a time to prevent melting.

11 of 19

Five Layer Ice Cream Bars

Five Layer Ice Cream Bars
Recipe junkie

Recipe creator ROCHELE_99 says this simple recipe tastes just like Dairy Queen's famous Buster Bars, "but better."

12 of 19

Baked Alaska Dessert

Baked Alaska Dessert
1Fatchef

If you're intimidated by Baked Alaska, don't be! This classic dessert is actually easier than you think to make with store-bought ice cream and a simple meringue.

13 of 19

Rose Ice Cream

Rose Ice Cream
Photo by Jenny Aleman.

Vanilla ice cream is infused with saffron, rose syrup, and cardamom in this impressive recipe. Top with chopped pistachio to add nutty flavor and crunch.

14 of 19

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cake

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cake
N Hellis

It doesn't get much more decadent than this no-bake cake featuring a chocolate chip-cookie crust with layers of hot fudge topping and ice cream.

15 of 19

Baked Peaches 'n Cream

Baked Peaches 'n Cream
Jennifer Aleman

Less is more in this simple summertime dessert. Peaches are topped with brown sugar and cinnamon, baked in the oven, and then served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

16 of 19

Best Ever Caramel Rolls

Best Ever Caramel Rolls
Jennifer Aleman

The rich caramel sauce that tops these cinnamon rolls has a special and unexpected secret ingredient: vanilla ice cream!

17 of 19

Hot Buttered Rum Batter

Hot Buttered Rum Batter in mugs
The Gruntled Gourmand

Make this festive frozen drink with just butter, brown sugar, confectioners' sugar, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

18 of 19

Chocolate Lovers Fettuccine a la Mode

Chocolate Lovers Fettuccine a la Mode
sanzoe

Here's a restaurant-worthy dessert, featuring chocolate fettuccine noodles and vanilla ice cream, that's surprisingly easy to make at home.

19 of 19

More Inspiration

Instant Chocolate Hard Shell
Holiday Baker

Upgrade your basic sundae with Our Best Ice Cream Toppings and learn how to host an Easy DIY Ice Cream Sundae Party. Plus, explore our entire collection of Ice Cream Recipes.

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