10 Fantastic Frozen Desserts From Around the World

Posted by Leslie Wu on August 2, 2017

Think beyond your scoop of vanilla ice cream this summer — there’s a whole world of fantastic frozen desserts to explore out there. From frosty Mexican paletas and frozen horchata to a Filipino halo halo, here’s how people around the globe cool off in hot weather.

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Mexico

A frosty paleta can be a spicy or sweet treat, but is always refreshing. Made with fresh raspberries or strawberries, these paletas are pepped up with hibiscus and lemon zest for layers of flavour. For a creamier ice pop, try a frozen spin on horchata, a popular rice drink, with cinnamon, condensed milk and summery strawberries. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/frozen-paleta-treats/14522/" target="_blank">Frozen Paleta Treats</a>
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Thailand

Inspired by the Thai dessert Khao Niao Mamuang, with sweet coconut sticky rice topped with fragrant mangos, this recipe adds condensed milk for body, lime zest and juice for tang and mango and strawberry chunks for pops of colour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mango-coconut-ice-pops/14479/" target="_blank">Mango Coconut Ice Pops</a>
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Vietnam

Sinh To Bo, thick and creamy sweetened avocado shakes, can be found at many Vietnamese restaurants. (Don’t drink too many, or you’ll have no room for dinner). These avocado popsicles honour the idea of the classic drink while taking them in another direction with tequila for a boozy treat. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/avocado-popsicles/7256/" target="_blank">Avocado Popsicles</a>
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Philippines

Halo halo is a dessert for the indecisive – or the gourmand who wants to try a little bit of everything. An eye-popping purple yam ice cream and scoops of shaved ice cool things down, while plantains, sweet beans, coconut or palm fruit can be included in your order. (Like many specialties from around the world, each vendor may put their own spin on this classic.) Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/halo-halo/20495/" target="_blank">Halo Halo</a>
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Hong Kong

A Hong Kong diner classic, milk tea can be served hot or cold to accompany a variety of breakfasts or small snacks. Try this frozen version, which turns a delicious beverage into a frosty treat on its own. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hong-kong-style-milk-tea-ice-pops/14744/" target="_blank">Hong Kong Style Milk Tea Ice Pops</a>
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Japan

Matcha has become ubiquitous in the past few years, infusing everything from doughnuts and cheesecake to even wine. This flavourful powder makes an excellent addition to a traditional ice cream sandwich, piled high in potato buns for a unique twist on a classic. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/green-tea-ice-cream-sandwiches/18767/" target="_blank">Green Tea Ice Cream Sandwiches</a>
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Italy

When you think of Italian frozen desserts, creamy gelato or light granitas may come to mind. These pops add fresh raspberries to simple syrup and mint for a vibrant and sweet delight that you’ll soon add to your repertoire. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/italian-ice-pops/16270/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Italian Ice Pops</a>
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India

At the end of Indian meals, you can try kulfi, a frozen dessert that is thicker than traditional ice cream and flavoured with rosewater, saffron or other ingredients. Try this lighter mango-and-yogurt version with a hint of cardamom and fennel and garnished with pistachios for crunch. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mango-kulfi-indian-ice-cream/11288/" target="_blank">Mango Kulfi Ice Cream</a>
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Florida

In Florida, tiny and zesty key limes are a hallmark of the region. You don’t have to head to Key West to enjoy the flavours of a key lime pie, however — these four-ingredient ice pops use Greek yogurt, lime zest, juice and graham cracker crumbs for a fast and easy treat. Enjoy on your patio with your favourite Hemingway novel. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/key-lime-pie-pops-36136/" target="_blank">Key Lime Pie Pops</a>
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France

For novice cooks who fear the uncertainty of a soufflé, make it easier on yourself with this never-fail version of a French classic. A frozen white chocolate mousse makes an effective trompe l’oeil, while a rhubarb purée makes for a tart surprise. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/frozen-white-chocolate-souffle/2599/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Frozen White Chocolate Soufflé</a> Leslie Wu is a Toronto-based food and travel writer, editor and explorer. Follow her on Twitter at @leslie_wu.
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