Scoop Into Summer: Cool, Creamy Mango Desserts

Summer is made for slowing down and cooling off — long evenings on the porch, bare feet on warm pavement, and something sweet melting a little faster than you can eat it. While chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are timeless favorites, why not give the season a tropical twist with mango?

Naturally sweet, juicy, and bursting with sunshine flavor, mangos pair beautifully with ice cream in both classic and creative desserts. Whether you’re making something from scratch or simply adding fresh fruit to your favorite scoop, mango turns an everyday treat into the taste of summer at its peak.

Homemade Mango Ice Cream

Skip the store-bought carton and make your own refreshing mango ice cream at home. Ripe mangos blend into a silky base, creating a naturally sweet dessert bursting with tropical flavor. Whether you use an ice cream maker or a no-churn recipe, homemade mango ice cream is sure to become a summer favorite.

Trendy Mango Ice Cream Pops

Looking for a fun frozen treat? Mango ice cream pops are a refreshing option for hot summer days. Dip them in white or dark chocolate, then roll them in toasted coconut, chopped pistachios, or colorful sprinkles, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Grilled Mango with Vanilla Ice Cream

Fire up the grill for an unexpected dessert! Grilling ripe mango caramelizes its natural sugars and enhances its rich, tropical flavor. Serve warm grilled mango slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and finish with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fresh mint for an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly simple.

New to Mango?

Choosing a ripe mango is easier than you might think. Here are a few simple tips:

• Give it a gentle squeeze.A ripe mango will yield slightly to gentle pressure, much like a ripe avocado.
• Don’t judge by color alone.Different mango varieties ripen to different colors, so softness is a better indicator than appearance.
• Smell the stem end.A ripe mango often has a sweet, fruity aroma near the stem.
• Avoid wrinkles or bruises.Smooth skin with just a little give is ideal.

Once you’ve picked the perfect mango, you’re ready to create something delicious.

Ready to Try a Mango Ice Cream-Inspired Recipe?

Before you start, you’ll need to know how to cut a mango. It’s easier than it looks! Slice along each side of the flat pit, score the flesh into cubes, then either scoop them out with a spoon or invert the skin to pop the cubes out.

Fresh mango cubes, slices, or puree can be added to almost any frozen dessert, from sundaes and milkshakes to homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Summer doesn’t last forever, so make every scoop count. However you enjoy it, one thing is certain: dessert tastes a little more like summer when mango is on the menu.