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Southern Living ice cream recipes capture the rich, comforting flavors of the South with creamy textures and vibrant, nostalgic ingredients.
From classic butter pecan and peach bourbon swirl to unique creations like sweet potato pie and mint julep, these recipes bring warmth and sweetness to every scoop.
Whether you’re craving a refreshing treat on a hot day or a decadent dessert to complement a hearty meal, Southern Living’s ice cream collection offers endless inspiration for delightful homemade frozen treats.
Explore over 26 irresistible recipes that celebrate Southern charm, tradition, and innovative flavors perfect for any occasion.
26+ Delicious Southern Living Ice Cream Recipes for Every Occasion
Southern Living ice cream recipes offer more than just frozen desserts—they’re a celebration of Southern heritage, flavors, and creativity.
With over 26 recipes to explore, you can indulge in everything from fruity, refreshing sorbets to rich, decadent ice creams that highlight beloved ingredients like pecans, peaches, and bourbon.
Whether you prefer classic flavors or adventurous twists, these recipes provide a delicious way to bring a taste of the South to your table.
Whip up a batch today and enjoy the creamy, flavorful essence of Southern living with every scoop.
Peach Bourbon Swirl Ice Cream
This creamy delight blends the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches with the warm, smoky notes of bourbon, creating a perfect balance of flavors that dance on your palate.
The velvety texture melts smoothly, releasing bursts of fruity freshness and a hint of caramel warmth.
Ideal as a standalone treat or paired with a slice of pecan pie, this ice cream adds a luxurious Southern twist to any dessert table.
Sweet Tea Sorbet
Bursting with the familiar, comforting aroma of freshly brewed Southern sweet tea, this sorbet offers a refreshing and slightly tangy twist that invigorates the senses.
Its icy, smooth texture cools and cleanses the palate, making it a versatile companion to spicy barbecues or a light, standalone refresher on hot days.
The subtle lemon undertones elevate its complexity, turning every bite into a nostalgic escape.
Pecan Pie Ice Cream
Rich, buttery pecans and swirls of gooey caramel pie filling mingle in this indulgent ice cream, delivering a perfect harmony of crunch and creaminess.
The nutty aroma invites you in, while the luscious taste transports you straight to a Southern kitchen on a cozy afternoon.
Enjoy it as a decadent topping for warm apple crisps or savor it solo for a deeply satisfying dessert experience.
Magnolia Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Delicate lavender blossoms and fragrant magnolia honey infuse this ice cream with an elegant floral sweetness that soothes and delights.
Its silky texture offers a luxurious mouthfeel, enhanced by subtle herbal notes that make it uniquely refreshing.
Perfect to serve after a light summer salad or as a calming treat during a quiet evening, this recipe embodies Southern charm in every spoonful.
Buttermilk Pie Ice Cream
This ice cream captures the tangy richness of classic buttermilk pie with a creamy, smooth base that feels like a comforting Southern hug.
Hints of vanilla and citrus zest brighten the profile, while the luscious texture invites slow, savoring bites.
It pairs wonderfully with warm fruit cobblers or can be enjoyed on its own as a nostalgic, soul-soothing dessert.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Juicy, sun-ripened strawberries burst through creamy vanilla ice cream, accompanied by tender cake pieces that add a delightful contrast of textures.
The aroma is fresh and sweet, evoking memories of Southern picnics and summer gatherings.
Versatile enough to be served in a cone, atop fresh berries, or simply by the scoop, this recipe is a vibrant celebration of Southern summertime sweetness.
Butter Pecan Ice Cream
This classic Southern favorite boasts a rich, buttery base studded with toasted pecans that offer a satisfying crunch in every bite.
The sweet, nutty aroma fills the air, inviting you to indulge in its creamy, velvety texture.
Perfect as a cooling complement to spicy grilled meats or simply enjoyed on its own, this timeless recipe never fails to delight.
Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Smooth and silky, this ice cream highlights the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes blended with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Its comforting aroma and creamy richness create a uniquely Southern dessert experience that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Serve it alongside pecan pie or savor it solo for a taste of Southern harvest in every spoonful.
Mint Julep Ice Cream
Inspired by the iconic Southern cocktail, this refreshing ice cream combines cool mint leaves with a subtle hint of bourbon essence.
The crisp, herbal fragrance awakens the senses while the creamy base soothes the palate with each cool, smooth bite.
Enjoy it after a rich meal or as a festive treat during warm afternoons on the porch.
Banana Pudding Ice Cream
This nostalgic recipe captures the essence of Southern banana pudding with layers of fresh banana flavor and vanilla wafer chunks folded into creamy ice cream.
The sweet, fruity aroma mingles with a gentle vanilla scent, offering a luscious, textured dessert that feels like a homemade hug.
Ideal to serve at family gatherings or simply to satisfy a sweet craving any day.
Blackberry Cobbler Ice Cream
Juicy blackberries burst through a creamy ice cream infused with buttery cobbler crust pieces, creating a harmonious blend of tart and sweet.
The warm, baked aroma of cinnamon and fruit invites you to dive into its comforting, rich texture.
Perfect for pairing with grilled pork or enjoyed as a decadent, standalone dessert.
Coconut Cream Pie Ice Cream
This silky ice cream delivers the tropical sweetness of coconut cream pie with shredded coconut flakes and a graham cracker swirl.
The creamy texture melts effortlessly, releasing a delicate blend of vanilla and coconut aromas that soothe the senses.
Versatile and indulgent, it’s a refreshing finish to any Southern meal or a delightful treat on its own.
Red Velvet Ice Cream
This ice cream captures the rich, cocoa-infused flavor of classic red velvet cake, with swirls of cream cheese frosting folded in for a luscious finish.
The velvety texture and subtle hint of cocoa create an indulgent treat that feels both familiar and decadent.
Enjoy it solo or paired with warm chocolate brownies for a truly Southern-inspired dessert experience.
Peach Cobbler Ice Cream
Sweet, tender peach chunks mingle with buttery cobbler crust pieces in this creamy ice cream, evoking the warm aroma of a fresh-baked Southern dessert.
The rich texture and juicy fruit bursts make it perfect on its own or alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Its versatility makes it a great match for summertime barbecues or cozy evenings by the fire.
Pecan Praline Ice Cream
Crunchy praline pecans coated in caramelized sugar add irresistible texture and sweetness to this creamy Southern classic.
The aroma of toasted nuts and caramel fills the air, while the silky ice cream base provides a smooth, indulgent experience.
Ideal as a standalone treat or paired with a slice of rich chocolate cake.
Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream
Smooth vanilla ice cream enhanced with a splash of bourbon creates a harmonious blend of creamy sweetness and warm, smoky depth.
The inviting aroma of bourbon and vanilla invites slow, savoring bites that melt luxuriously on the tongue.
Perfect to enjoy after dinner or alongside warm pecan pie for a classic Southern pairing.
Sweet Corn Ice Cream
This unique ice cream celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh Southern corn, offering a subtly creamy texture with a hint of vanilla.
The gentle corn aroma adds an unexpected but delightful twist, making it a versatile dessert for both sweet and savory meals.
Enjoy it alone or as a refreshing side to spicy grilled dishes.
Key Lime Ice Cream
Bright, tangy key lime shines through this creamy, refreshing ice cream with just the right balance of sweet and tart.
The zesty citrus aroma awakens the senses while the smooth texture cools and delights with every spoonful.
It’s a perfect palate cleanser or a light finish to a rich Southern meal.
Sweet Potato Pie Ice Cream
This ice cream brings the warm, comforting flavors of sweet potato pie into a creamy, chilled dessert that’s rich with cinnamon and nutmeg.
The smooth texture and fragrant spices create a nostalgic Southern treat that melts delightfully on your tongue.
Enjoy it on its own or paired with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
Blackberry Ice Cream
Fresh, ripe blackberries burst with juicy tartness throughout this creamy, smooth ice cream base.
The deep berry aroma combined with a subtle sweetness makes it a refreshing and versatile dessert option.
Perfect for enjoying solo or alongside warm cobbler for a double dose of Southern flavor.
Chocolate Pecan Ice Cream
Decadent chocolate ice cream loaded with crunchy toasted pecans offers a perfect marriage of rich and nutty flavors.
The aroma of roasted nuts and cocoa invites you to indulge in each creamy, satisfying bite.
Great as a stand-alone treat or served with a drizzle of warm fudge sauce for a decadent finish.
Conclusion
With a variety of over 26 Southern Living ice cream recipes at your fingertips, you’re perfectly equipped to delight family and friends with authentic Southern flavors.
These recipes combine traditional ingredients and inventive twists to create ice creams that are both comforting and exciting.
Whether served as a standalone treat or paired with classic Southern desserts, each recipe invites you to savor the rich textures and bold flavors that define Southern cuisine.
Dive into this collection and discover your new favorite ice cream that captures the spirit and sweetness of the South.
