Wandering the streets of a favourite city with an ice cream cone piled high with your favourite scoop is, we grant, a joy. But somehow ice cream at home has the edge – provided, of course, the bowl is just right. Ceramic, glass or metal, the assignment is to make even a generous ball from a tub of Wall's feel like an occasion – ideally with a touch of Wes Anderson whimsy about it.
Soft Serve: 24 Super Cool Ice Cream Bowls
What’s better than ice cream in a cone? Why, ice cream scooped into a deliciously perfect bowl, of course.
FAQs: Ice Cream Bowls
What is the best bowl for serving ice cream?
A small bowl with gently curved sides is ideal, helping keep scoops neatly piled and slowing melting. Glass coupes and footed sundae dishes feel particularly nostalgic, while ceramic bowls are excellent for keeping ice cream colder for longer.
Should you chill ice cream bowls beforehand?
Yes. Pop bowls in the fridge or freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. A chilled bowl helps prevent ice cream melting too quickly, especially on warm summer evenings.
What size bowl is best for ice cream?
Bowls that hold between 200ml and 300ml are usually perfect. Large bowls can make portions look meagre and encourage over-scooping, while smaller bowls make even a simple serving feel generous.
Are glass or ceramic ice cream bowls better?
Both have their merits. Glass bowls have a retro ice-cream-parlour charm and beautifully show off colourful scoops and toppings. Ceramic bowls feel more artisanal and tend to keep desserts cooler for longer.
What can you serve in an ice cream bowl besides ice cream?
Ice cream bowls are wonderfully versatile. Use them for berries and cream, mousses, affogatos, sorbets, trifles, puddings or even a handful of salty snacks at aperitivo hour.
What are footed dessert bowls called?
Footed dessert bowls are often referred to as coupes or sundae dishes. Their elevated shape gives even the simplest scoop of vanilla a slightly celebratory feel.
How can you make shop-bought ice cream feel special at home?
The secret is presentation. Serve it in a beautiful bowl, add fresh berries, chopped pistachios or a drizzle of olive oil and flaky sea salt, and suddenly even a tub from the freezer feels like dessert at an Italian seaside café.
By
Nancy Alsop
·
Published July 2026
Nancy is a magpie for the best in design and culture.
