The Beehive State of America, Utah, claims to have the “greatest snow on Earth,” with the snow falling light and dry on the Rocky Mountains. Yet, Utah is the second driest state in the United States after Nevada and has about 300 sunny days in a year. That’s just the perfect setting to taste the best ice cream in Utah, don’t you think?
From soft serve and banana splits to ice cream sandwiches or plain ol’ vanilla ice cream, here are Utah’s best ice cream shops to cater to your frozen dessert cravings.
BYU Creamery on Ninth
Brigham Young University’s Creamery on Ninth is one of Utah’s most beloved establishments. This is your traditional, old-school ice cream shop, serving some of the best in Utah County. The drool-worthy Graham Canyon stands as their unparalleled local favorite; chocolate-coated Graham crackers in a sweet, salty Graham cracker ice cream. It’s a Graham cracker wonderland!
If you’ve had one of BYU’s famous mint brownies, you can bet their Mint Brownie ice cream will also be equally sumptuous. Other BYU Creamery ice cream flavors you must try include Rose’s Sneakerdoodle, Marionberry, Raspberry Cream Cheese, Blue Goggles, Peanut Butter Cup, and German Chocolate Crunch.
- BYU Creamery on Ninth, 1209 900 E, Provo, UT 84604
Brooker’s Founding Flavors Ice Cream
For a truly American ice cream experience, hop into this ice cream shop spread across three locations in Utah. You can’t help but giggle when you browse the menu at this Revolutionary War-themed ice cream place; it’s loaded with historic puns. With a range of ice cream in different flavors and the Early American Hot Drinking Chocolate, this ice cream tavern captures the spirit and passion of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Cookie Dough is a personal favorite. It’s chocolate and chocolate chip cookie dough chunks in salted milk chocolate ice cream. The zanniesy choice of the lot is The Liberty Bell Monumental Sundae – a one-of-a-kind patriotic ice cream experience. It’s 13 scoops of ice cream and toppings of all sorts! Would you dare take the Liberty Bell Challenge?
The local ice cream shop churns custard-like ice cream from local, high-butterfat cream and packs it with creative homemade mix-ins. Even their seasonal flavors have patriotic names; you’d want to look at them all just for fun.
- Brooker’s Founding Flavors Ice Cream, multiple locations
Blacksmith Ice Cream Co.
Looking for some respite from a hot summer day in Utah? Head over to Blacksmith Ice Cream Co. This quaint ice cream shop in the heart of historic Bountiful Main Street has several delicious flavors to pick from.
Their homemade ice cream is whipped in small batches, and they use fresh, natural ingredients. With fresh fruit and premium ingredients, they mix and mash everything together on a freezer pan, then roll it up right before you.
If you’d like them to whip up (or roll up) any new flavors for you, just take your pick of flavors and mix-ins and watch as the magic unfolds.
- Blacksmith Ice Cream Co., 180 S Main St #100, Bountiful, UT 84010
Rockwell Ice Cream Company
Inspired by America’s old-fashioned ice cream shops, Rockwell Ice Cream Co. isn’t just another normal ice cream shop. It’s where they use all-natural ingredients to make deliciously dense and creamy ice cream using 16% butterfat.
While their signature flavor Rockwell Road (dark chocolate ice cream, marshmallow swirls, and almond brittle) will have your taste buds partying, The G.O.A.T. is the true star here. It’s a rich goat cheese base with blackberry, honey rosemary roasted almonds, and lemon jam swirls.
And for that decadent dessert craving, go for a Roasted Banana Split. It’s caramelized bananas with Rockwell’s classic chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice creams in a bowl coated with hot fudge and caramel.
- Rockwell Ice Cream, 43 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84601 and 115 Regent St, Suite 115 A, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Doki Doki – Japanese Dessert Cafe
Doki Doki is where you can get a taste of Japan right in the middle of Salt Lake City. Each of their desserts is a treat to the eyes and taste buds.
They have a range of ice cream sundaes that you can relish, including the Taiyaki ice cream sundaes and Cream Puff ice cream sundaes. Don’t forget to check out their rolled ice cream options with various flavors and toppings.
- Doki Doki Dessert Cafe, 249 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Aggie Creamery
Aggie Creamery is a beloved institution in Logan, Utah, with a rich history dating back to 1888 when Utah State University began teaching dairy science. Today, the creamery produces some of the creamiest, most flavorful ice creams around, using fresh ingredients sourced locally and the expertise of the university’s food science students.
Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the ice cream-making process and, of course, sample a rotating selection of classic and inventive flavors like Aggie Blue Mint, a vibrant combination of mint and white chocolate.
The creamery’s welcoming storefront offers generous scoops, pints to go, and even ice cream sandwiches that are perfect for a treat after exploring the Cache Valley area. It’s a must-visit for anyone traveling through northern Utah.
- Aggie Creamery, 750 N 1200 E, Logan, UT 84321
Dolcetti Gelato
Dolcetti Gelato located in Salt Lake City brings a taste of Italy to Utah. Known for its small-batch production and creative flavor profiles, Dolcetti offers a refined dessert experience with options like Honey Lavender, Pistachio, and Blood Orange Sorbet. Their gelato is made with locally sourced milk and cream, as well as imported Italian ingredients, ensuring both authenticity and exceptional quality.
Whether you’re stopping in for a scoop on a hot day or craving a rich affogato, Dolcetti delivers a delightful break from the ordinary. The ever-changing seasonal menu encourages repeat visits, allowing guests to discover new favorites with every trip.
- Dolcetti Gelato, 902 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Rowley’s Red Barn
Rowley’s Red Barn offers more than just ice cream—it’s a full-fledged country experience. Known for its fresh produce and homemade treats, the Red Barn’s ice cream is a highlight for visitors year-round. Made from premium ingredients and featuring farm-fresh fruits like cherries and apples, their ice creams and milkshakes embody the taste of Utah’s agricultural richness. The Apple Cider Slush with a scoop of vanilla is a crowd favorite, offering a refreshing twist on a classic treat.
Beyond the ice cream, Rowley’s Red Barn provides hayrides and a country store stocked with local jams, candies, and baked goods. It’s the perfect place for a family outing, where you can savor a sweet treat while enjoying the stunning mountain views and experiencing a slice of rural Utah life.
- Rowley’s Red Barn, 901 S 300 W, Santaquin, UT 84655
Normal Ice Cream
Normal Ice Cream is anything but ordinary, standing out as one of Salt Lake City’s most creative and modern dessert experiences. Known for their innovative soft-serve creations and aesthetically stunning cones, Normal offers a rotating menu that features flavors like Malted Vanilla, Toasted Milk, and seasonal specials that push the boundaries of traditional ice cream. Each cone is a work of art, often garnished with toppings like torched marshmallows, cookie crumbs, and house-made sauces.
They also operate a mobile ice cream truck, bringing their delightful treats to events and festivals around the city. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a fresh and exciting take on soft-serve.
- Normal Ice Cream, 169 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Penguin Brothers
Penguin Brothers has made a name for itself with its indulgent ice cream sandwiches, pairing freshly baked cookies with premium ice cream for a match made in dessert heaven. With multiple locations across Utah, they offer a wide range of cookie and ice cream combinations, allowing customers to mix and match flavors like chocolate chip and cookies & cream or snickerdoodle with dulce de leche.
- Penguin Brothers, multiple locations
Farr Better Ice Cream
Farr Better Ice Cream is a Utah classic, with roots that date back to 1920 when the Farr family began crafting their rich, creamy frozen delights. Now with multiple locations, Farr Better continues to serve up beloved favorites like Play Dough, a colorful, fruity concoction, and Burnt Almond Fudge, a creamy, nutty classic. Their old-fashioned soda fountain atmosphere evokes nostalgia, making it a beloved stop for generations of Utahns.
- Farr Better Ice Cream, multiple locations
Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery may be a national chain, but its multiple Utah locations have cultivated a loyal following thanks to their signature “mix-in” experience. Customers get to customize their ice cream with a variety of toppings, from fresh fruits and candies to nuts and fudge, all mixed together on a cold granite slab. Popular creations like Birthday Cake Remix or Founder’s Favorite ensure there’s something for everyone.
- Cold Stone Creamery, multiple locations
The cherry on top!
With such a diverse ice cream scene, Utah is the perfect place to satisfy your most intense dessert cravings. Here’s a fun fact: if you visit Utah State University, you can taste the unique ice cream flavor – blue mint with Oreos and white chocolate chips. For all you know, the students and staff might have invented it in the school’s food science program!
Traveling Elsewhere? Here Are Some Great Ice Cream Shops You Can Try!
