Ordinary ingredients come together to make this delicious summertime treat. 
It is a long good-bye. That’s what they call Alzheimers.
The actual passing of my mom, Jude, was sudden though. I’ll never ever forget the sorrow and pain that ran through my body when dad said those words to me over the phone. “Mom died.”
In these last two weeks, my life has not been the same, but I’m trying to find strength as I’m reminded of the things she’s taught me. Remembering her as she was before this cruel disease and sharing her energy through this blog means everything.
The passing of my mom has me riding on wild waves of grief, catching me off guard when that wave crashes down. Today is my mom’s 72nd birthday and I can see the waves coming.
My youngest, Ella Jude, the sweetest and most sensitive in our family, suggested we make her Ammie a birthday treat. So together, we grabbed mom’s recipe card and made her Summertime Ice Cream Pie. It was the perfect remembrance that life is filled with joy in between those waves. 
This pie is made with plain ingredients that come together to make something that tastes incredible. It’s a little reminder of the spirit my mom had. Take something ordinary and make it extraordinary.
This summery treat takes just a few minutes to whip up.
A crunchy, chewy, chocolaty cornflake crust is the base. Spoonfuls of ice cream make the filling. And that’s it.
The texture of the crust combined with the creaminess of the ice cream is a tasty surprise and a perfect combination.
Kept casual and served right in a foil pie dish, it is perfect for a backyard get-together or a potluck party. It’s always a crowd pleaser!
You can customize it with any ice cream flavor you want. I am partial to a good ol’ fashioned vanilla bean here, but this is fabulous with coffee ice cream, mint chocolate chip, and strawberry ice cream too. It’s up to you, so make it your own.
In dishes like this, my mom lives on, reminding me of summer evenings on the deck when our family was whole. Reminding me of the qualities she possessed that I strive for every day.
Happy Birthday, mama! 
- 3 cups corn flakes
- 2 squares baking chocolate
- 1 stick butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar tightly packed
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 quart of ice cream flavor of your choice
- Remove ice cream from the freezer to soften a bit.
- In a large saucepan over low-medium heat, combine chocolate, butter, and brown sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved and then stir in vanilla.
- Remove from heat. Add corn flakes and gently stir until the corn flakes are coated.
- To a greased pie pan, pour in the chocolate coated corn flakes. Reserve some for the top.
- Chill for a few minutes in the freezer to set.
- Fill the crust with one quart of ice cream.
- Top the center with the reserved corn flakes.
- Cover and freeze until ready to serve.
Use the ice cream of your choice. Classic vanilla is our favorite. Mint chocolate chip, coffee, and strawberry are other delicious options. Make it your own.
Looks delicious! My sister makes a similar ice cream pie, but she mixes a cup of peanut butter into the ice cream. It’s SO rich and yummy!
That sounds fabulous! May have to give that a try next time we make it!
Your recipes are always making me drool! This is so sweet and perfect for summer!
Thanks, Kelsey! Glad you like this one too! It’s definitely tasty!
This looks SO delicious! I’m gonna have to pin this and try it soon!
Thank you! Hope you enjoy!
This looks absolutely perfect, especially with the handwritten recipe card <3
I love these old recipe cards. Thankful I have them!
I just pinned this. It looks heavenly. I would love a piece right now!
Awesome! Thanks!
This post gave me goosebumps and tears. It is perfect. How wonderful that Ella thought to make grandma a birthday treat. This recipe makes me fall in love with your mom as I can tell she was simple perfection. ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks so much for sharing this Jen.
Oh, Lorie! Thank you so very much for
Your kind and thoughtful words. My far away food blogger friend, it means the world to me! ❤️????❤️
This looks like a definite must try….and It looks like something my baking skills could handle….still working on changing my current status of hot wife cold meal to hot wife hot meal given to me by the husband????????????
Love it! You totally got what it takes!! ❤️
You had me at ice cream! I love the idea of putting corn flakes in there too! Does the coating on the corn flakes keep them crispy?
Thanks! Yes-they are crispy and a bit chewy. Not soggy at all!
I’m so sorry on the passing of your Mom. What a wonderful way to celebrate her birthday. This looks delicious!
Thank you, Liz!
What an incredibly sweet story. Happy birthday to your mama.
Thanks so very much, Rachel!
What a beautiful recipe to remember your Mom by. Thank you for being willing to share. I have pinned this for later, and just know that I will think of you and your sweet mom when I make it! Thanks for sharing!
That means the world
To me! Thank you!!!
I’m so sorry about your mom, I know this is a difficult time for you and your family. Your daughter is certainly thoughtful and smart to think of celebrating your mom’s birthday. This pie is so intriguing, unlike anything I’ve ever made and I’m going to make it this summer. I’m glad that you were able to think about the happier days when your mom was truly herself.
Thank you for your sweetness. I am touched by your comments. Hope you enjoy!!
I’m sorry for your loss. You’re doing the right thing by turning up good memories with this delicious recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Katrina! It definitely helps.
Ohhh this looks so refreshing and yummy!!! I wonder if you could do it with the chocolate version of corn flakes too.
Thanks! Couldn’t hurt to try but you may want to cut back on the brown sugar?? May be too sweet?
This recipe is so quick and easy, it looks yummy!
That is the best part, for sure.
This looks so yummy and refreshing, such a great summer treat
Thanks, Mimi!
I’m usually not into pie but this looks delicious! I’ll definitely have to try it out!
Thanks! It is definitely different than traditional pie.