This article is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jewel-Osco. All opinions are 100% mine.

Transform your summer with these Healthier Homemade Ice Cream Drumsticks, featuring three irresistible variations. Crafted with light ice cream, sugar-free chocolate, and your choice of delightful toppings, these treats are a guilt-free indulgence that captures the essence of childhood nostalgia.

Beat the Heat with Healthier Homemade Ice Cream Drumsticks

There’s nothing quite like the arrival of ice cream season, a time when sweet, frozen delights become an essential part of our daily routine. While ice cream is a year-round pleasure, the summer sun has a magical way of making each lick and bite taste even sweeter. And for many of us, the ultimate summer treat is a classic ice cream drumstick, with its crunchy cone, creamy filling, and that delightful surprise of chocolate at the very bottom.

This year, why not elevate your summer experience by creating your own healthier versions of these iconic treats right in your kitchen? Forget the drive-thru; we’re bringing the joy of cherry-dipped vanilla cones and more, directly to you with a wholesome twist. Imagine crafting your perfect drumstick, customized with your favorite flavors and toppings, all while keeping an eye on healthier ingredients. It’s the perfect way to make new memories and relive old ones, spoon by delicious spoon.

The Quest for Guilt-Free Indulgence: Discovering Open Nature® Scandal-less Ice Cream

Our family cherishes sweet treats during the summer months, especially those that help us cool down and feel good about what we’re eating. Homemade dipped ice cream cones consistently top our list, and the key to making them “healthier” without sacrificing flavor lies in selecting the right ice cream. Recently, during a shopping trip to Jewel-Osco, I stumbled upon a game-changer: Open Nature® Scandal-less light ice cream products.

The variety of irresistibly delicious flavors immediately caught our attention. After much delightful deliberation (and some spirited discussion among the kids!), we settled on three fantastic choices: Birthday Cake, Vanilla, and Sea Salt Caramel. These flavors promised a delightful base for our homemade drumsticks, and the “Scandal-less” claim made them even more appealing.

What Makes Open Nature® Scandal-less Ice Cream a Healthier Choice?

Open Nature® Scandal-less light ice cream isn’t just about great taste; it’s about a smarter approach to indulgence. These products boast a clean ingredient deck, meaning they are free from artificial colors or flavors. But the benefits extend far beyond that:

• **Guilt-Free Indulgence:** Enjoy your favorite dessert without the heavy feeling.
• **Lower Calorie and Fat Content:**
  • Contains 60-80% fewer calories than regular ice cream.
  • Features 40-50% less fat compared to traditional ice cream.
  • Each pint ranges from just 240 to 370 calories.
• **High Protein Content:** A welcome bonus for those looking to add more protein to their diet, making it a more satisfying treat.

Choosing Open Nature® Scandal-less ice cream allows you to create decadent homemade drumsticks that align with a healthier lifestyle, proving that you don’t have to compromise on flavor to make better choices.

Crafting Your Healthier Homemade Ice Cream Drumsticks: The Essentials

Making your own ice cream drumsticks at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. With just a few key ingredients, you can recreate this nostalgic treat with a lighter touch. Here’s what you’ll need for our three delightful variations:

• Open Nature® Scandal-less light ice cream (Birthday Cake, Vanilla, and Sea Salt Caramel or your preferred flavors)
• Sugar ice cream cones
• Sprinkles (for the Birthday Cake cones)
• Sugar-free chocolate chips (or your favorite chocolate)
• Salted peanuts (chopped, for the Vanilla cones)
• Sea salt (for the Sea Salt Caramel cones)

A Note on Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips

To truly keep these cones on the lighter side and contribute to their “healthier” status, I opted for semi-sweet sugar-free chocolate chips, typically made with stevia. This choice helps to reduce the overall sugar content without sacrificing that essential chocolatey crunch. However, the beauty of homemade treats is customization! Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate: milk chocolate, dark chocolate chips, or any chopped chocolate you prefer. For an extra special touch, consider using white almond bark for a beautiful white chocolate-dipped version. Just remember, using traditional chocolate will alter the nutritional information.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Healthier Homemade Ice Cream Drumsticks

The process is straightforward, but a little patience and quick action are key, especially when working with light ice cream. We’ll start with the base steps common to all three varieties, then dive into their unique toppings.

Preparation Steps (Common to all cones):

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heat-safe bowl, melt your sugar-free chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize.
2. Coat the Cone Interior: Drizzle a generous amount of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each sugar cone. Swirl the cone gently to ensure the entire inside surface is coated, creating that beloved “surprise chocolate” layer. Allow the chocolate to set for a few minutes to harden. This step is crucial for preventing the ice cream from making the cone soggy and for providing that satisfying bite at the end.

For Birthday Cake Dipped Cones:

3. Fill with Ice Cream: With a spoon, gently press the Birthday Cake Open Nature® Scandal-less light ice cream into the bottom of the chocolate-coated cone, then smooth the top.
4. Scoop the Top: Using a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop, create a generous scoop of Birthday Cake ice cream on top of the cone, forming a classic ice cream cone shape.
5. Initial Freeze: Place the filled cones into the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the ice cream is firm. This ensures a stable base for dipping.
6. Dip and Decorate: Working one cone at a time (this is important with light ice cream!), remove a cone from the freezer. Spoon more melted chocolate over the ice cream top, smoothing it gently to create an even coating. Immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Place the decorated cone back into the freezer for at least 1 more hour to fully harden.

For Vanilla Dipped Cones:

3. Fill with Ice Cream: Spoon vanilla Open Nature® Scandal-less light ice cream into the bottom of the cone, smoothing the surface.
4. Scoop the Top: Scoop additional vanilla ice cream onto the top of the cone.
5. Initial Freeze: Freeze the cones for at least 1 hour until firm.
6. Dip and Decorate: One at a time, remove a vanilla cone from the freezer. Spoon melted chocolate over the top, ensuring full coverage. Immediately sprinkle with chopped salted peanuts, pressing them gently into the chocolate. Return to the freezer for at least 1 more hour to harden completely. The combination of sweet vanilla, crunchy peanuts, and rich chocolate is a timeless classic!

For Sea Salt Caramel Dipped Cones:

3. Fill with Ice Cream: Place sea salt caramel Open Nature® Scandal-less light ice cream into the cone and smooth the top.
4. Scoop the Top: Add another scoop of sea salt caramel ice cream to the top of the cone.
5. Initial Freeze: Freeze for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Dip and Decorate: Working quickly with one cone, remove it from the freezer. Spoon melted chocolate over the ice cream, coating the entire top. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt (or even some caramel drizzle, if you’re feeling extra indulgent!) before the chocolate sets. Return to the freezer for 1 more hour to ensure it’s perfectly hardened and ready to enjoy. The sweet and savory combination is incredibly satisfying.

Beyond the Classics: Endless Flavor Exploration

While our three chosen flavors offer a fantastic start, the world of ice cream is vast and exciting. Both Signature SELECT™ and Open Nature® lines feature a wide range of high-quality ice cream and non-dairy frozen dessert options, perfect for endless experimentation. Don’t limit yourself to just these three; feel free to unleash your creativity!

Consider these inspiring combinations for your next batch of homemade drumsticks:

• Cookies and Cream: Dip in dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
• Mint Chip: A refreshing choice! Dip in white chocolate (perhaps tinted green) and add mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint.
• Cookie Dough: Coat in milk chocolate and top with mini chocolate chips or small cookie dough pieces.
• Peanut Butter Cup: Dip in chocolate and sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups or crushed peanuts.
• Cotton Candy: A fun, whimsical option! Dip in white chocolate and decorate with colorful edible glitter or small candies.

For those with dietary preferences, Open Nature® also offers excellent non-dairy desserts. Pair these with dairy-free chocolate chips for a delicious, inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Homemade Drumsticks

Making these delightful drumsticks is a joyous process, but a few insider tips can make it even smoother and ensure professional-looking results every time.

Standing Up the Cones

To keep your cones upright and stable while you’re filling them with melted chocolate and ice cream, use small glass jars or mason jars. You can fill the bottom of these jars with sprinkles, extra chocolate chips, or even dry rice. This simple trick prevents your cones from tipping over, making the assembly process much cleaner and easier.

Mastering the Melt and Dip

Achieving that perfectly smooth chocolate shell requires a bit of finesse. When melting your chocolate, stir thoroughly between each 30-second microwave interval to prevent burning and ensure even melting. The goal is a fluid consistency that coats easily. If your chocolate seems too thick, you can add a tiny bit of coconut oil (about ½ teaspoon per cup of chips) to thin it slightly for a smoother dip. For best results, allow your melted chocolate to cool slightly before dipping the frozen ice cream; this helps it set faster and maintain a beautiful shine.

Freezing for Success

Light ice cream, by nature, tends to be softer than regular ice cream due to its lower fat content. This means you need to work quickly when assembling and dipping your drumsticks to prevent excessive melting. It’s often best to work on one cone at a time, especially during the final dipping and topping stage. Return each cone to the freezer immediately after dipping. I noticed the Sea Salt Caramel flavor was particularly soft, requiring extra swiftness. Ensure your freezer is set to a cold temperature, and allow at least an hour (or even more, up to 2 hours) for the ice cream and chocolate shell to harden completely before serving. Proper freezing ensures that satisfying crunch and prevents a messy experience!

Serving Size and Storage

From a single pint of Open Nature® Scandal-less light ice cream, you can easily make at least 6 full-sized drumsticks. This recipe yields enough for a small gathering or for you to enjoy throughout the week. Once hardened, store your homemade drumsticks individually wrapped in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh and delicious for up to a few weeks, though they rarely last that long in our household!

Our entire family absolutely devoured these “skinnier” drumsticks, and I’m confident yours will too! They truly capture the essence of a classic summer treat with a healthier, homemade touch.

Recipe Summary: Healthier Homemade Ice Cream Drumsticks 3 Ways

Yields: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Additional Time (Freezing): 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 7 minutes

Ingredients:

• Open Nature® Scandal-less light ice cream in 3 flavors, of choice (e.g., Birthday Cake, Vanilla, Sea Salt Caramel)
• 1 (9oz bag) sugar-free chocolate chips
• 6 Sugar ice cream cones
• 1/4 cup sprinkles
• 1/4 cup salted peanuts, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. Start melting chocolate in the microwave, in a heat-safe bowl, in 30-second increments, stirring between each to ensure it melts smoothly without burning.
2. Drizzle melted chocolate into the bottom of each cone, swirling it around to coat the entire inside. Allow to set for a few minutes.
3. For Birthday Cake cones: Spoon Birthday Cake ice cream into the cone, smoothing the top. Scoop more ice cream onto the top. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Remove one at a time, spoon melted chocolate over the top, and immediately sprinkle with sprinkles. Return to freezer for 1 more hour.
4. For Vanilla cones: Spoon Vanilla ice cream into the cone, smoothing the top. Scoop more ice cream onto the top. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Remove one at a time, spoon melted chocolate over the top, and immediately sprinkle with chopped salted peanuts. Return to freezer for 1 more hour.
5. For Sea Salt Caramel cones: Spoon Sea Salt Caramel ice cream into the cone, smoothing the top. Scoop more ice cream onto the top. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Remove one at a time, spoon melted chocolate over the top, and immediately sprinkle with sea salt. Return to freezer for 1 more hour.

Notes:

*Nutritional information provided is an estimate for one Birthday Cake Dipped Cone and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 cone):

• Calories: 230
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 13mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 3g

What is your favorite combination of dipped cones? We can’t wait to try even more flavor combos in the months to come!

Find Your Ingredients at Jewel-Osco

Signature SELECT™ and Open Nature® brands are your go-to for high-quality ice cream and non-dairy frozen dessert options for the entire family. You can find these exceptional products at a great value exclusively at Jewel-Osco in the Chicagoland area. If you’re outside this region, look for them at the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Vons, Randalls, Shaw’s Supermarket, Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Pavilions. You can also conveniently shop for these products online.

Jewel-Osco makes grocery shopping effortless with their Grocery Delivery and DriveUp & Go™ services. Enjoy the convenience of having your ingredients delivered straight to your door or ready for quick pickup, so you can spend less time shopping and more time creating delicious memories.

For more delightful summertime recipes and entertaining ideas, be sure to check out our Easy Summer Charcuterie Board!