Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes the ultimate excuse to indulge in everyone’s favorite frozen treat: ice cream. But this year, it’s not just about the usual chocolate or vanilla. Ice cream brands are getting wildly creative, unveiling flavors that are more adventurous, nostalgic, and downright irresistible than ever before. If you’re the kind of person who checks the freezer aisle for limited-edition pints or makes a detour to Cold Stone just to see what’s new, you’re in for a serious treat.
From bold collaborations with nostalgic snacks like NUTTER BUTTER® and Birthday Cake OREO® to inventive twists like Spicy Lime Margarita and Tart Cherry Blast, these aren’t your average scoops. Think creamy textures layered with cake chunks, swirls of real fruit, and just the right amount of crunch. You’ll find options that taste like your favorite childhood desserts, while others push the flavor boundaries in the best way possible.
And the best part? These summer specials are showing up everywhere—from Cold Stone and Baskin-Robbins to Costco and Target’s private-label Favorite Day line. That means no matter your taste or budget, there’s a fresh, exciting flavor waiting for you. But fair warning: most of these are limited-time offers, some disappearing by the end of August, so you’ll need to move fast if you want to taste them all.
Whether you’re looking to wow your friends at a backyard BBQ, chill out after a long beach day, or just need a solo pick-me-up straight from the carton, these 10 new ice cream flavors are exactly what your summer needs. So grab your spoon, clear some freezer space, and get ready—because once you see what’s hitting shelves, one scoop just won’t be enough.
1. NUTTER BUTTER® Bliss
Peanut butter fanatics, prepare for your new obsession! Cold Stone Creamery’s NUTTER BUTTER® Ice Cream combines creamy peanut butter ice cream with chunks of the iconic cookies we’ve loved since childhood.
The addition of sugar crystals provides a delightful crunch while ribbons of rich fudge create the perfect chocolate contrast. Each spoonful delivers that nostalgic peanut butter sandwich cookie flavor in frozen form.
Available until August 26, 2025, this limited-edition treat gives you plenty of time to indulge repeatedly. Perfect for peanut butter lovers who appreciate that ideal balance of sweet and salty.
2. Birthday Cake OREO® Cookie Ice Cream
Remember the joy of childhood birthday parties? Cold Stone Creamery captured that feeling in their Birthday Cake OREO® Cookie Ice Cream, available through August 26, 2025.
The festive base blends birthday cake flavor with pieces of OREO® cookies scattered throughout like confetti. What makes this creation special are the sweet OREO® frosting swirls and colorful rainbow sprinkles that transform each bite into a celebration.
You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy this party in a cup – the combination of familiar cookie crunch and creamy cake batter is worth celebrating any day of summer!
3. Dad’s Root Beer Float Ice Cream
Dad’s Root Beer Float Ice Cream brings back the magic of old-fashioned soda shops in a convenient container. This nostalgic treat perfectly balances root beer sherbet with classic vanilla ice cream for an authentic float experience without the fizz overflow!
The root beer component delivers authentic sarsaparilla flavor that isn’t overly sweet, while the vanilla brings that creamy richness we all crave. It’s like the classic drink transformed into perfect scoopable form.
Look for the 48 oz tubs at select retailers nationwide. This flavor works beautifully as a simple dessert or as the foundation for an elevated root beer float with extra soda poured over top.
4. Dubai Chocolate Bar Ice Cream
Viral food trends rarely live up to the hype, but Costco’s Dubai Chocolate Bar Ice Cream certainly does! Inspired by the Instagram-famous Coachella desert treat, these bars feature rich pistachio ice cream encased in a chocolate shell with crispy kataifi (shredded phyllo dough).
The contrast between smooth, nutty pistachio ice cream and the satisfying crunch of the chocolate-kataifi exterior creates a multi-sensory experience.
Each bite delivers subtle sweetness with sophisticated flavor notes uncommon in typical summer treats. Sold in convenient 10-packs exclusively at Costco, these premium bars let you enjoy a taste of Dubai without leaving your backyard.
5. Strawberry Tres Leches
Baskin-Robbins’ Strawberry Tres Leches flavor is summer’s most elegant dessert in frozen form. The ice cream base captures the rich, milky essence of traditional tres leches cake with its signature three-milk blend.
Fresh strawberry pieces provide bursts of bright, juicy flavor that perfectly balances the dessert’s creamy richness. The addition of soft white cake chunks completes the authentic cake experience, adding delightful texture variation.
As Baskin-Robbins’ limited Flavor of the Month, don’t wait to try this unique creation! The strawberry-cake combination makes it perfect for summer celebrations or as a refreshing end to spicy Latin-inspired meals.
6. Peach Cobbler
Target’s Favorite Day Peach Cobbler ice cream captures summer in the South perfectly. The brown sugar ice cream base provides a warm, caramelized foundation reminiscent of baked goods fresh from grandma’s oven.
What makes this flavor special are the generous pieces of soft cake scattered throughout, mimicking the cobbler’s tender crust. The peach filling swirl delivers authentic fruit flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and slight tartness.
Even on the hottest days, this frozen treat manages to evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. It’s especially delicious topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or paired with actual warm peach cobbler for the ultimate dessert experience!
7. Tart Cherry Blast
Tart Cherry Blast from Target’s Favorite Day line isn’t for the faint of heart! This bold creation starts with a tangy cream cheese base that provides the perfect canvas for its star attraction: a sharp cherry swirl that packs serious punch.
Colorful sprinkles add playful visual appeal and tiny bursts of sweetness that balance the cherry’s natural tartness. The cream cheese foundation gives this ice cream a unique richness reminiscent of cheesecake but with lighter, brighter notes.
Cherry lovers will appreciate that this flavor doesn’t shy away from authentic fruit intensity. It’s particularly refreshing on hot summer evenings when you’re craving something that wakes up your taste buds!
8. Mango Sweet Cream
Mango Sweet Cream from Target’s Favorite Day line combines two beloved desserts – cheesecake and tropical fruit – in one extraordinary frozen treat.
The cheesecake-inspired base provides rich creaminess with that distinctive tangy undertone that makes cheesecake so irresistible. Generous swirls of smooth mango puree wind throughout, delivering authentic tropical flavor that tastes like perfectly ripened fruit.
The balance between the creamy base and fruit component is masterfully executed – neither overwhelms the other. Unlike some fruit ice creams that can be overly sweet, this creation maintains sophisticated flavor harmony. Perfect for mango enthusiasts or anyone seeking a more refined summer dessert option!
9. Strawberry Angel Food Cake
Strawberry Angel Food Cake ice cream from Target’s Favorite Day line elevates the classic strawberry ice cream to spectacular heights. The vanilla base serves as the perfect backdrop, light and creamy without overwhelming the other components.
What makes this flavor special are the cloud-like pieces of angel food cake that maintain their delicate texture even when frozen. The bright strawberry swirl delivers authentic berry flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and subtle tartness.
This combination creates a frozen version of the beloved summer dessert that might be even better than the original! It’s particularly delightful served slightly softened, allowing the cake pieces to reach their optimal texture.
10. Spicy Lime Margarita
Who needs a margarita when you can have Spicy Lime Margarita ice cream from Target’s Favorite Day line? This adults-only flavor (without the alcohol) captures the essence of everyone’s favorite summer cocktail.
The bright lime base delivers intense citrus flavor while a salty swirl mimics that classic salt-rimmed glass. What makes this creation truly special is the subtle chili-lime heat that builds gradually with each spoonful, creating a sophisticated complexity rarely found in frozen desserts.
Surprisingly light and refreshing, this flavor is perfect for poolside enjoyment or as a palette cleanser after spicy summer barbecue. The hint of heat makes it uniquely satisfying on the hottest summer days!
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