Pizza and ice cream are the perfect combination. In fact, a bit of ice cream or gelato is an ideal ending to a pizza meal. Similar to pizza, ice cream desserts can be great for sharing.
In celebration of National Pizza Month in July, I’m sharing some cool ice cream treats I’ve noticed at pizzerias lately. I hope this inspires you to show off your ice cream creativity this July, and all through the summer!
On a recent trip to Alaska, my family and I stopped into Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria. After a couple of pizzas, we dove into the restaurant’s infamous Moose Pie (see photo above). It’s Moose’s riff on the classic mud pie, with chocolate cookie crust, coffee ice cream, fudge, roasted almonds, and fresh whipped cream. The substantial pie easily fed all four of us.
Perusing Facebook last week, I ran across a photo of the Ice Cream Lasagna (yes, I said lasagna) at Anna’s Pizza in Winnebago, Illinois. When I stopped drooling long enough to inquire about the dessert, owner Brian Weavel informed me, “The Ice Cream Lasagna is our own creation and is one of a kind, with layers of crushed Oreo cookies, vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge and butterscotch.” He says that they can hardly keep up with the dessert’s demand, which he says is a great problem to have. (Photo: Anna's Pizza)
Related: Frozen treats create upsell opportunities.
At Pizzeria Lola in Minneapolis, chefs get uber creative making their own soft serve. Rotating flavors range from Mint and Sicilian Pistachio ice creams to pink grapefruit sorbet. Favorite flavors cycle back in each year to welcome spring and summer—and draw back fans. (Photo: Pizzeria Lola)
Last time I was at Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit, I didn’t have room for dessert, but the pizzeria’s dessert menu highlights a delicious Michigan favorite—Sanders Hot Fudge. From the Sanders Hot Fudge Sundae to a Sanders Hot Fudge Cream Puff, sundae lovers enter a state of bliss here. (Photo: Buddy's Pizza)
Related: How to market ice cream in your pizzeria.
Another dessert that’s crying to be shared is the Deep Dish Sundae at Chicago-based Uno’s Pizzeria & Grill. I’m a total sucker for chocolate chip cookie sundaes, and this one has everything I like. The giant chocolate chip cookie is baked fresh in a deep-dish pan and then topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Yes, please! (Photo: Uno's)
How are you getting creating with ice cream this summer? Let us know in the comments!
