Best Ice Cream in Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines Ice Cream

Strolling along Gray’s Lake Park’s trails with a cone of the best ice cream in Des Moines in your hand – I can’t think of a better way to truly soak in the essence of this city.

The sheer number of options in Des Moines when you desire a sweet treat is overwhelming. Here are some of the best picks to help you decide:

Black Cat Ice Cream

Black Cat Ice Cream
PC Black Cat Ice Cream

Referred to as ‘the best ice cream on Earth’ by SORTEDFood, there’s no denying Black Cat indeed serves terrific ice cream. Interestingly, the name was inspired by a big, fat, black cat named Boo Bear (an adopted, tough street cat who would melt only for ice cream).

Their handcrafted small-batch artisanal ice cream comes in fabulous flavors. They have rotating seasonal flavors, gluten-free, and vegan options too, including Cream Cheese Lemon Cake, Coffee & Donuts, Honey Cornbread, Brown Butter Cookie Dough, Blueberry Waffle, Chocolate Ghost Chili, and Red Velvet Oreo.

They also offer donut ice cream sandwiches and sundaes. If you’re curious about their daily specials, especially the vegan options, check out their Facebook or Instagram page before you visit.

Snookie’s Malt Shop

Snookies
PC Snookie’s

A family business serving a variety of creative frozen desserts in vintage digs, Snookie’s has been a local favorite since 1986. You know it’s springtime in Des Moines when you see Snookie’s Malt Shop open for the season. It isn’t uncommon to see the line wrap around the building in the warm summer months This walk-up and drive-thru shop serves ice cream, malts, shakes, and other delectable treats and is also a Beaverdale favorite. You can find the best soft-serve ice cream here, served with a range of toppings and dips.

Apart from vanilla or chocolate ice cream, there are also other options. Get a dipped cone with coating flavors ranging from Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter, and Butterscotch to Blue Raspberry, Chocolate, and Cherry. Their over-the-top treats include the choice of Banana Split, Peanut Parfait, Brownie Delight, Strawberry Shortcake, Turtle Sundae, and Banana Delight. 

If you bring along your furry friend, they’ll serve a free pup cone.

Classic Frozen Custard

Classic Frozen Custard
PC Classic Frozen Custard

This may sound wacky, but Classic Frozen Custard’s slogan is “Once you lick it, you’ll love it.” And, with good reason, too, they have the best custard in Des Moines. The variety of flavors and toppings will have your tastebuds partying. If there’s one thing they’re known for, apart from their mouthwatering custard, it is the notoriously large portions they serve. 

Ensure you visit them with a big appetite, for you’ll be dazed by their options of cones, shakes, malts, and sundaes. You can also watch the custard being made while you enjoy your treat. Some of the flavors include Birthday Cake, Cappuccino, Mint Chip, Carmel Cashew, Lemon, Cookies n Cream, Black Raspberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla.

Dairy Zone

Dairy Zone
PC Dairy Zone

An Eastside favorite, Dairy Zone is your one-stop shop for a quick bite, refreshing drinks, and some spectacular desserts. Their sandwiches, meals, and sides will have you drooling at the mere sight. You can finish your meal with a cone, slushie, drink, malt, shake, sundae, or ice cream sandwich.

Their most popular treat is Turtle sundaes with pecans, hot fudge, and caramel. My favorite is the Oreo Twist Delight (with Oreo cookies, twisted ice cream, hot fudge, marshmallow cream, whipped cream, and a cherry).

  • Dairy Zone, 2219 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317

Bauder’s Pharmacy

Bauder’s Pharmacy.jpg
PC Bauder’s Pharmacy.jpg

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this local ice cream shop, a Des Moines tradition since 1916. A classic soda fountain, Bauder’s makes some irresistible Peppermint ice cream bars they sell at the Iowa State Fair.

Wondering what these famous Peppermint bars are? They’re thick sandwiches made with homemade peppermint ice cream, hot fudge, and crushed Oreos.

The Ingersoll location features homemade ice cream and a soda fountain that will take you back in time. Thick sandwiches, great donuts (yes, they’re also a donut shop), and ice cream sodas await you at this popular spot. You’ll find it all at the classic ice cream counter with the old-style rotating counter stools. They also have hard-pack selections to take home – the strawberry and peach ones are worth it.

Molly’s Cupcakes

Molly’s Cupcakes
PC Molly’s Cupcakes

While best known for its gourmet cupcakes, Molly’s Cupcakes also serves small-batch, house-made ice cream that pairs perfectly with their baked goods. .Ice cream flavors rotate regularly, featuring classics like vanilla bean and chocolate, along with creative options inspired by their cupcake menu. A scoop of their rich, creamy ice cream atop a warm cupcake is a must-try combination for anyone visiting.

Their ice cream is the perfect complement to their decadent cupcakes.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
PC Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt

For those looking for a lighter, customizable frozen treat, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt offers a self-serve experience with a variety of flavors and toppings. Customers can choose from traditional favorites like vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream, or opt for more adventurous flavors such as wedding cake or pineapple. The rotating selection ensures there’s always something new to try, and with non-dairy and no-sugar-added options available, there’s a choice for every dietary preference.

The fun at Orange Leaf continues with its extensive topping bar, featuring fresh fruit, candies, nuts, syrups, and even cereal. Guests can create their ideal frozen yogurt masterpiece by mixing and matching flavors and toppings. Orange Leaf’s combination of variety, customization, and quality ingredients makes it a standout spot for frozen yogurt fans in the Des Moines area.

Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe

Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe
PC Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe

A beloved small-town gem, Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe serves up classic soft-serve and hand-dipped ice cream in a nostalgic, family-friendly setting. The shop offers a mix of traditional flavors and unique creations, including sundaes, shakes, and seasonal specials.

Their menu features favorites like the classic hot fudge sundae and banana split, alongside more adventurous treats like the Tornado—a blended ice cream dessert loaded with mix-ins like candy, cookies, or fruit.

Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe

Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe
PC Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe

Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe is a locally loved institution known for its old-fashioned charm and delicious soft-serve ice cream. Their menu includes classic cones, sundaes, shakes, and flurries, all made with rich, creamy ice cream that has kept customers coming back for generations. One of their standout items is the “Cyclone,” a blended treat similar to a Blizzard, featuring mix-ins like Oreos, Reese’s, and Butterfinger.

The nostalgic, small-town feel of the shop, combined with its generous portions, makes it a go-to spot for families and ice cream enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re stopping by for a classic chocolate-vanilla swirl cone or trying one of their loaded sundaes, Van Dee’s offers a satisfying, no-frills ice cream experience.

Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream

Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream
PC Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream

Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream is a craft ice cream shop specializing in small-batch, high-quality flavors made with local ingredients. Their unique, hand-crafted flavors set them apart, with options like Brownie Batter, Salted Caramel Pretzel, and Fruity Pebbles. Each batch is made with care, ensuring a rich and creamy texture with bold flavors that keep customers coming back for more.

The shop’s modern yet cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a scoop or two. They also offer flights for those who want to sample multiple flavors in one visit.

The Outside Scoop

Outside Scoop
PC Outside Scoop

With its bright pink exterior and reputation for incredible homemade ice cream, The Outside Scoop is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. Known for its inventive flavors, the shop features a rotating selection that includes favorites like Cinnamon Roll, Peanut Butter Brownie, and Lemon Poppyseed.

In addition to their brick-and-mortar shop, The Outside Scoop operates a popular food truck, bringing their delicious creations to events and festivals throughout the area. Their commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations makes them a standout in the Des Moines ice cream scene.

Over the Top

Over the Top
PC Over the Top

Located in Pleasant Hill, Over the Top is known for its ultra-creamy, premium ice cream served with a signature “over the top” scoop placed on each cone. Their menu features a mix of classic and unique flavors, including Black Raspberry Truffle, Cookie Monster, and Espresso Oreo. Each scoop is made in-house with high-quality ingredients, creating an indulgent treat that’s both rich and satisfying.

They also offer pints and quarts to go, so customers can enjoy their favorite flavors at home. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Over the Top stands out as one of the best ice cream destinations in the Des Moines area. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick treat or picking up a pint for later, this shop delivers top-notch ice cream every time.

Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamert
Image Credit: Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery offers a classic, indulgent ice cream experience with its signature mix-in creations. Customers can choose from a variety of premium ice cream flavors and add-ins, which are blended together on a frozen granite stone. P

opular options include the Birthday Cake Remix, loaded with cake batter ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, brownie chunks, and fudge, or the Founder’s Favorite, featuring sweet cream ice cream, pecans, brownie, fudge, and caramel. The shop also serves milkshakes, ice cream cakes, and seasonal specials, making it a favorite stop for families and dessert lovers alike.

The cherry on top!

Whether you’re craving some traditional vanilla ice cream or banana splits or looking for your favorite flavor, the ice cream shops in Des Moines have it all. There’s no need to hunt for a frozen treat on a hot summer day; stop by any of these places listed here, and you’ll be more than satisfied.

Traveling Elsewhere? Here Are Some Great Ice Cream Shops You Can Try!

Salaam Ice Cream Parlor (Newark)
@PC Salaam Ice Cream Parlor (Newark)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *