When the heat is on, there’s no better way to end a meal than with cool, rich ice cream. Here are our picks for some easy ways to dress up the sweet freezer staple. You don’t even have to make them from scratch. Just pick up your favorite flavor at any grocery store and make it your own edible masterpiece. —Karen Palmer

Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are super-easy and fun for the whole family to make. Buy or make large chocolate chip or other cookies, pick up some ice cream, and make the sandwiches: Let the ice cream soften slightly, then, using an ice cream scoop, place a rounded scoop on one cookie, then press the top cookie down to flatten it. To dress them up, roll each cookie in mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes or sprinkles. Or wrap them like an edible present in wax paper tied with a bow.

Parfaits
Layers of ice cream and embellishments, ice cream parfaits aren't far from classic sundaes, but showcased in a tall, pretty glass, they look a lot more elegant and taste just as good. Plus, the possibilities are endless--think ice cream with any combination of caramel, chocolate sauce, or fruit sauce, brownies, crumbled cake, cookies, candied or toasted nuts, fresh fruit, and whipped cream. To make yours, dig thorugh your toppings options and get building: In a tall glass, scoop a layer of softened ice cream, then top with whatever you have on hand. Repeat the layers until you reach the top. It couldn’t be easier—or more delicious.

Truffles
Take plain old chocolate to the next level by making ice cream truffles. Using a small scoop or a tablespoon, make small round balls of the ice cream, then freeze them on a wax-lined cookie sheet overnight. Melt bittersweet chocolate over a double-boiler, and allow it to cool to almost room temperature. Quickly roll the ice cream balls in the chocolate, then coat them in flaked coconut or your favorite finely-chopped nuts. Put them back in the freezer for a few hours to harden, then take them out when you’re ready to serve.

Italian Style
If you love both frozen treats and strong coffee, then the traditional Italian affogato (espresso served over ice cream) is for you. Simply pour a shot of warm espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and serve. If you want to dress it up, top it with fresh whipped cream drizzled with Kahlua, or a few chocolate-covered espresso beans.

Pie
Pre-made graham cracker crusts are a godsend for creating ice cream pies. To impress guests, use two different flavors, for example butter pecan ordulce de leche. Spread half a pint of the first flavor on the bottom of the crust, sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios or chocolate flakes, then top with half a pint of raspberry sorbet or ice cream and another level of toppings. Top with the remainder of the first flavor and a sprinkle of toppings, then freeze about four hours to set. To serve, slice it up like you would a regular pie--and don't expect leftovers!

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