Is there anything more tasty than vanilla ice cream in the summer? I remember growing up and eating it at my parent’s home and when we went to the lake. It was a summer dessert that I loved. Today, I’m sharing an easy recipe to make that includes, you guessed it, vanilla ice cream!

Often, you think of topping vanilla ice cream with berries during the summer. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are delicious, but I wanted to try something a little different which led me to this citrus-inspired recipe I am going to share with you today.

This easy summer recipe is simply vanilla ice cream topped with orange mint sauce. Sounds delicious, right!?!

The fresh mint I used came from my father’s container garden as you can see above, but you can use store bought mint too. Mint really defines that fresh, summer taste! We often enjoy mint in our ice-water with some lemons and oranges. Adding it to your ice cream will enhance the look and summer taste too. Now, let’s get started!

Orange Mint Sauce Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (per serving):

• 1 heaping Tablespoon orange marmalade

• 1 small to medium-sized mint leaf

• 3/4 C. vanilla ice cream (or you can substitute Greek yogurt)

• Optional: 1 tsp shredded coconut

• Optional substitute for mint garnish: 1 Tablespoon toasted slivered almonds

FIRST, in a small microwavable bowl, place the mint leaves and gently press a spoon against the leaves to lightly crush them. You’re basically squeezing the moisture out of the leaves which will leave a minty residue in the bowl. When you’ve done this, remove the leaves.

THEN, add orange marmalade to your bowl and stir it. This adds a nice hint of mint to the marmalade.

NEXT, microwave the marmalade for 10 seconds, or until slightly warm, then stir. Pour over very cold vanilla ice cream while sauce is still warm. (Or, allow sauce to cool and use as a topping for Greek yogurt substitute.)

NOTE: For an extra flavor, you can add coconut if you want.

FINALLY, garnish the mixture with extra mint leaves! (Or, if you choose, hold off on the mint garnish and substitute with almond slivers as shown in the photos.)

Trust me, it is as delicious as it looks! With the various options such as the coconut and slivered almonds, you are sure to meet everyone’s taste preference.

This dessert recipe is so easy that it is one you can do on a busy summer night or if you are having a large crowd come over. Which combination do you think you’d choose?

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