The Easy, Healthy Summer Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed

As a homeschool mom of three boys, life (and summer living!) moves fast. Between lessons, field trips, park days, baseball, and keeping everyone well-fed and thriving, I know how important it is to keep things simple—especially in the kitchen. But simple doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition or flavor. That’s why I’m so excited to share with you our favorite easy summer delicious dessert: the Kombucha Float.

Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Imagine the nostalgia of a root beer float—but elevated. Cleaner, healthier, and gut-friendly. This is the kind of treat that brings smiles to messy, sun-kissed faces without the sugar crash or questionable ingredients. And the best part? It’s made with homemade ice cream (recipe below!) and your favorite bottle of bubbly, probiotic-rich kombucha.  Quick Tip:  Use my homemade ice cream recipe for easy ice cream cakes or along side your favorite bake treat! 

Easy summer desserts don’t need to be difficult!  I know there are several summer dessert recipes out there that can seem and feel complicated, but they don’t have to be! They can be easy as fresh fruit, bake desserts, or even just using your fresh strawberries for strawberry shortcake!  But what I love about this particular sweet treat is that on a hot summer day, instead of sugar weighing you down, you have a little healthier of a treat with the kombucha, but still the delight of a scoop of vanilla ice cream on those hot days ahead! 

Let’s dive into why this dessert works so beautifully for intentional families like ours, how to customize it, and of course, how to make it.

Why a Kombucha Float Is the Perfect Summer Treat

• It’s Quick and Easy–Summer is not the time for long baking sessions or complicated recipes. A kombucha float is so simple—it takes literally minutes to make. The only thing you need is ice cream and kombucha!  You scoop the ice cream, pour the kombucha, and boom: instant refreshment. This perfect treat only requires a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for last-minute company, after-dinner treats, or impromptu picnics in the backyard.
• It’s Clean and Nourishing–Unlike most store-bought desserts, which are often loaded with refined sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives, this float is made with real, wholesome ingredients. You’re in control of what goes in, from the base of your ice cream to the quality of your kombucha. Kombucha brings added probiotics and enzymes to the mix, supporting gut health and digestion. Meanwhile, your homemade ice cream—made with clean, intentional ingredients—is a satisfying, creamy treat that doesn’t derail your wellness goals.
• It’s Free from Common Allergens and Additives–Depending on how you make your ice cream, this dessert can easily be dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and gluten-free. It’s a gentle choice for sensitive systems (kids, big kids, and adults alike!) and a fun way to enjoy a treat without compromising your values.

My Homemade Ice Cream Recipe (Clean, Creamy, and Kid-Approved)

Here’s the recipe I use over and over again in our home. It’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly customizable. A great dessert after a delicious summer meal!  You’ll need an ice cream maker and just a few ingredients!  

Ingredients

• 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup of cold whole milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (dye-free, naturally sweetened)
• 1 tablespoon collagen peptides–a great way to add in extra protein

Directions

1. Combine heavy whipping cream and milk together
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with your sweetener.
3. Pour everything together and mix, adding in the vanilla and sea salt.  Keep mixture cold as possible.
4. Churn on low speed in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  You will churn ice cream for about 15-20 minutes or until the mixture is thick.  
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours to set fully.

That’s it! You’ve got a creamy, dreamy ice cream that tastes indulgent but supports your intentional, non-toxic lifestyle.  You can find my favorite ice cream making items including freezer containers HERE. 

How to Make a Kombucha Float

Once your ice cream is ready, it’s time for the fun part: assembly.

Ingredients

• 1–2 scoops homemade ice cream
• 1 bottle of kombucha (choose your favorite flavor)

Directions

• Scoop the ice cream into a wide glass or mason jar.
• Slowly pour chilled kombucha over the top until the glass is nearly full.
• Watch the bubbly magic happen—it foams and fizzes just like a soda float, but better.
• Add a straw or long spoon and enjoy immediately.  You can always elevate it by adding some whipped cream right on top! 

Best Kombucha Flavors for Floats

Here are some delicious combinations we’ve tried and loved:

• Vanilla Ice Cream + Ginger Lemon Kombucha—A refreshing, slightly spicy combo with bright citrusy zing–the perfect lemon flavor. 
• Coconut Ice Cream + Pineapple Kombucha—Tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass.
• Honey Ice Cream + Berry Hibiscus Kombucha—Fruity and floral, this one is beautiful to serve at gatherings.
• Cinnamon Vanilla Ice Cream + Apple Kombucha—Fall flavors meet summer fun—a cozy twist that works surprisingly well in warm weather or even makes a great treat for an after-school treat during the fall! 

Feel free to experiment with whatever flavors you have on hand. This dessert is flexible and forgiving.

Why This Dessert Aligns with Non-Toxic, Intentional Living

As a mom committed to clean living, I care deeply about what goes into our bodies. I’ve learned that food can either nourish or deplete us—and that includes dessert.

The kombucha float hits all the right notes for our family

• No refined sugar
• No artificial flavors or colors
• No preservatives or gums
• Packed with probiotics, healthy fats, and real food ingredients

It’s also a great opportunity to teach our kids about balance—that you can enjoy dessert without compromising your health or your values.

When our kids see that fun, sweet treats can be made from whole foods, it shifts their mindset around food entirely.  

Tips for Hosting with Kombucha Floats

If you’re entertaining this summer—whether it’s a homeschool co-op day, a birthday party, or summer bbqs—Kombucha Floats make a fabulous and unique dessert bar idea. Here’s how:

Set Up a Kombucha Float Bar:

• Pre-scoop homemade ice cream into cups and freeze until ready.
• Offer several kombucha flavors on ice.
• Let guests pour their own and add toppings if desired.
• Provide fun garnishes: mint leaves, citrus zest, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of raw honey.

It’s interactive, family-friendly, and a great conversation starter about healthy living.

Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-Ons

Once you get the hang of the basic float, you can get creative with different ice cream bases and kombucha varieties. Here are some ideas to spark inspiration:

Ice Cream Swaps:

• Cashew milk or almond milk base
• Add fresh berries before freezing
• Fold in chopped dates, cacao nibs, or shredded coconut

Kombucha Variations:

• Try a home-brewed kombucha
• Look for seasonal or small-batch flavors at your local health store
• Choose low-sugar kombucha if you’re keeping an eye on overall sugar intake

Learning Through Food

Everything in our home is an opportunity to learn—and that includes food. When we make ice cream from scratch and explore fermentation with kombucha, it naturally opens the door to conversations about:

• Science (how fermentation works)
• Math (measuring and ratios)
• Health (why gut health matters)
• Life Skills (making things from scratch)

Making Kombucha Floats becomes more than just dessert. It’s a moment of connection, creativity, and curiosity with my kids!  I love that so much! 

Simple Treat, Big Impact

At the end of the day, this dessert isn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth. It’s about creating a lifestyle that feels aligned with your values—one where you don’t have to choose between fun and wellness, between easy and intentional.

The Kombucha Float is a joyful little reminder that living well doesn’t have to be complicated.  You can homeschool, chase your kids through the sprinkler, cook from scratch, and still find time to enjoy a frosty treat that feels special, nourishing, and aligned with your clean-living goals.

So next time the sun is shining and your kids are begging for a treat—reach for that homemade ice cream and a bottle of kombucha. Your gut (and your kids) will thank you!

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As always, thank you for following along!  If you want more recipes or healthy living ideas brought to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!  I would love for you to tag me @thehensrudehome over on instagram if you decide to make the plunge and get a water filter!  Cheers to healthy living!