A Fun, Idaho-Inspired Dessert That Looks Just Like a Real Spud!
Yes, you read that right—Ice Cream Potato! This playful dessert looks just like a baked potato but is actually a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream coated in cocoa powder, topped with all the “fixings” like whipped cream, nuts, and chocolate sauce.
I love this recipe because it’s fun, creative, and always gets people talking! It’s a specialty from Boise, Idaho, and if you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a sweet surprise. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or just a unique treat to impress your friends!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Does this actually taste like a potato?
Nope! Despite looking like a real baked potato, it’s 100% dessert, made with ice cream, cocoa powder, whipped cream, and toppings.
Q: What kind of ice cream works best?
Classic vanilla ice cream is best because it mimics a fluffy baked potato interior, but you can use chocolate or caramel ice cream for a fun twist!
Q: How do I get the potato shape?
Scoop out a large oval of ice cream and shape it with your hands or plastic wrap before rolling it in cocoa powder.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the ice cream potatoes up to 2 days in advance and freeze them until ready to serve.
Q: What toppings work best?
Traditional toppings include whipped cream (sour cream), chopped nuts (bacon bits), and chocolate sauce (gravy)—but feel free to get creative!
What You Need to Make Ice Cream Potato
Ingredients:
- 4 large scoops of vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup cocoa powder (for coating)
- 1 cup whipped cream (for “sour cream”)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (for “bacon bits”)
- ¼ cup chocolate sauce (for “gravy”)
- ¼ cup crushed cookies or graham crackers (optional, for texture)
- 4 maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Ice Cream Potato
Step 1: Shape the Ice Cream
- Scoop large ovals of vanilla ice cream and shape them to resemble baked potatoes.
- Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Coat with Cocoa Powder
- Roll each ice cream potato in cocoa powder until completely covered, creating a “potato skin” effect.
- Lightly dust off any excess cocoa powder for a natural look.
Step 3: Add Toppings
- Slice a small “X” on top of the ice cream to mimic a real baked potato.
- Pipe or dollop whipped cream into the “X” to resemble sour cream.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a “bacon bit” effect.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce to look like melted butter or gravy.
- Add a maraschino cherry for a fun touch!
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately or return to the freezer until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Ice Cream Potato
✔ Work quickly – Ice cream melts fast, so shape and coat them swiftly.
✔ Use high-quality cocoa powder – It creates the best potato skin look.
✔ Freeze between steps – This helps maintain the shape.
✔ For extra texture – Roll the ice cream in crushed graham crackers before the cocoa powder.
✔ Want extra fun? – Serve on a small plate with a spoon wrapped in foil to mimic a real baked potato setup!
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “I made these for a dinner party, and everyone was fooled! They look SO real but taste amazing!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Fun, easy, and delicious! My kids loved them, and we had a blast making them together.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “The best novelty dessert ever! I added caramel sauce as ‘butter,’ and it was perfect.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Such a clever idea! They were a hit at our Idaho-themed party!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “I was skeptical at first, but WOW! They really look like potatoes, and they taste incredible.”
Printable Recipe
Ice Cream Potato
This Ice Cream Potato is a fun and delicious dessert that looks just like a real baked potato! Made with vanilla ice cream, cocoa powder, and sweet toppings, it’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
Ingredients
- 4 large scoops of vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup cocoa powder (for coating)
- 1 cup whipped cream (for "sour cream")
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (for "bacon bits")
- ¼ cup chocolate sauce (for "gravy")
- ¼ cup crushed cookies or graham crackers (optional, for texture)
- 4 maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Shape the Ice Cream
- Scoop large ovals of vanilla ice cream and shape them to resemble baked potatoes.
- Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Coat with Cocoa Powder
- Roll each ice cream potato in cocoa powder until completely covered, creating a "potato skin" effect.
- Lightly dust off any excess cocoa powder for a natural look.
Step 3: Add Toppings
- Slice a small "X" on top of the ice cream to mimic a real baked potato.
- Pipe or dollop whipped cream into the "X" to resemble sour cream.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a "bacon bit" effect.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce to look like melted butter or gravy.
- Add a maraschino cherry for a fun touch!
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately or return to the freezer until ready to serve.
Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts
Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake
Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Ice Cream Potato, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves quirky desserts. Homemade treats always taste better when shared! Tag me if you try it!
