July is National Ice Cream Month, and The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is helping consumers celebrate by sharing homemade recipes that highlight the role of real dairy milk and cream in frozen desserts. With a variety of options ranging from gelato and frozen custard to frozen yogurt and sherbet, the organization emphasizes that real cream and milk are what give these treats their signature richness, making them a summer staple.
Ice cream itself sets the standard for frozen dairy desserts, requiring at least 10 percent milk fat and quick churning to achieve its light, fluffy texture. However, other frozen dairy desserts like gelato, frozen custard, frozen yogurt, and sherbet each put their own spin on real dairy, from custard's rich egg yolks to frozen yogurt's tangy cultured milk. The Dairy Alliance notes that understanding these distinctions can help consumers make informed choices when selecting or making frozen treats at home.
To mark National Ice Cream Month, The Dairy Alliance is spotlighting two reader-favorite recipes. The Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream puts a homemade spin on the viral trend, layering dark chocolate ice cream with a sweet and salty pistachio kadaifi cream and topping it with a chocolate shell and crushed pistachios. For a lighter option, the Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream blends real dairy cottage cheese with fresh strawberries for a no-churn treat that is just as creamy as traditional ice cream, with a high-quality protein boost built in. Both recipes use real dairy as the foundation, ensuring a genuinely indulgent texture.
"Making ice cream at home lets you control exactly what goes into it, and real dairy milk and cream gives you a texture that feels genuinely indulgent," said Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance. "Whether you're recreating a viral trend or keeping it simple with a no-churn recipe, real dairy is what takes it to the next level."
Each recipe comes together with pantry staples and a few hours of freezer time, making them approachable for first-time ice cream makers and seasoned dessert lovers alike. The Dairy Alliance encourages consumers to visit thedairyalliance.com/dairy-recipes for the full collection of frozen dairy recipes to celebrate National Ice Cream Month.
This initiative underscores the importance of supporting local dairy farmers and promoting sustainable dairy practices, as The Dairy Alliance works to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of real dairy milk and dairy foods. By making ice cream at home with real dairy ingredients, consumers can enjoy a more authentic and customizable treat while contributing to the dairy industry's sustainability efforts.
