When the heat of summer settles in, nothing satisfies quite like a refreshing dessert. From icy treats to creamy indulgences, summer desserts cool you down while delivering bold, satisfying flavor. Across generations, people have turned to chilled sweets, today, the options are more diverse, and more delicious.
Summertime Desserts
Classic summer desserts come in many forms. Fresh fruit based treats like watermelon slices, berry parfaits and citrus sorbets offer a light and refreshing option packed with natural sweetness. Frozen desserts such as popsicles, shaved ice and granitas provide a quick burst of icy relief on a hot day. Even baked goods find their place in summer when served chilled or paired with cold toppings, think brownies topped with ice cream or chilled cheesecake with fruit glaze. These desserts all share one common goal, helping people cool off while still indulging their sweet tooth.
I Scream for Ice Cream
Among all summer treats, however, ice cream stands out as the ultimate favorite. Lauren Walsh says, “On a heated day the only dessert I look forward to is one that will cool me down.” Its creamy texture, endless flavor combinations and nostalgic appeal make it a staple of warm weather enjoyment. Whether served in a cone, a cup or layered into elaborate sundaes, ice cream delivers both comfort and refreshment. The cold temperature provides instant relief from the heat, while the richness satisfies cravings in a way few other desserts can.
Ice cream is also incredibly versatile. From classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to more creative options like cookie based blends or fruit infused varieties, there is something for everyone. Sandra Amorim states, “ I love sweet things but the one thing I love about ice cream is that I can get a fruity flavor! It helps me enjoy the best of both worlds.” The can be enjoyed simply or elevated with toppings like sprinkles, cookie dough or candy pieces. It can even be combined with other desserts, brownies, cakes or waffles, to create indulgent hybrid treats. This adaptability is one of the reasons ice cream continues to dominate as a summer favorite year after year.
You Scream for Nasto’s Ice Cream
One place where ice cream tradition truly shines is Nasto’s Old World Desserts, a historic shop rooted in Newark, New Jersey. Founded in 1939 by Frank Nasto Sr. and his wife Angelina, the business began as a small neighborhood operation and has grown into a beloved institution known for its premium ice cream and Italian specialty desserts.
What makes Nasto’s unique is not just its longevity, but its strong family foundation. The business has remained family owned for generations, with recipes tracing back to Italy and techniques passed down over time. Frank Sr. built a legacy that continues today through his family. The Newark location became well known for its traditional methods and high quality ingredients, serving classic Italian desserts such as spumoni, tartufo and tortoni, alongside a wide variety of ice cream and gelato flavors.
About Nasto’s
More recently, the family legacy has expanded even further. The current Newark owner, the son of the original founder, has passed down the business values to the next generation. His daughters have gone on to open a second location in Woodbridge, continuing the family tradition while introducing Nasto’s to a new community. This expansion shows how a small family run shop has grown into a multi generational success story while staying true to its roots. Beyond its history, what truly defines Nasto’s is how well it connects with its customers. A recent survey of ninety eight people provides insight into what customers love most about the shop and its offerings.
The Survey Data
When asked about favorite ice cream flavors, the top choice was Triple Chocolate Brownie, earning twenty nine point six percent of responses. This highlights a clear preference for rich, indulgent flavors. Cookie Monster followed with twenty one point four percent, while Holy Cannoli received nineteen point four percent. Italian Rainbow Cookie and Green Tea also received votes, showing that both traditional and unique flavors have strong appeal.
The survey also revealed interesting trends in how people prefer to enjoy their ice cream. A majority, thirty five point seven percent, preferred a mini or small cup, suggesting that portion control or convenience plays a role in customer choices. Waffle cones were the second most popular option at twenty four point five percent, followed by medium or large cups at eighteen point four percent. Wafer cones and sugar cones each received ten point two percent, showing a fairly even split among cone preferences.
Top your Treat
Toppings are another essential part of the ice cream experience. Rainbow sprinkles were the top choice at twenty nine point six percent, followed by cookie dough at twenty four point five percent and Oreo crumbs at twenty two point four percent. Chocolate sprinkles and sour gummy worms added variety, proving that customers enjoy both classic and playful toppings.
The Desserts
When it comes to specialty desserts, the survey highlighted some standout favorites. The brownie ice cream sandwich was the most popular Nasto’s special, receiving forty three point nine percent of responses. The Shirley Temple float came in second at twenty five point five percent, while the berry bunny shake earned nineteen point four percent. These results show that customers are drawn to creative, indulgent combinations that go beyond traditional ice cream.
Warm desserts paired with cold ice cream also proved popular. Lava cake led this category with thirty nine point eight percent. Followed by brownies at thirty one point six percent and cookie lava cake at twenty three point five percent. Temera Francis says, “I’ll take a lava cake with ice cream any day.” This combination of hot and cold textures is a classic summer indulgence that continues to resonate with customers. Even beyond ice cream, Nasto’s offers a wide variety of desserts that appeal to different tastes. From cannoli to gelato to ice cream cakes, the shop provides something for everyone. Tiago Amorim states, “the one thing that makes Nastos unique is that I can go in looking forward to satisfying everyone’s sweet treat. I don’t like ice cream but sure love a cannoli!” Survey responses showed strong interest in items like mini chocolate cannoli and chocolate hazelnut gelato.
Overview
Overall, the survey paints a clear picture, customers value rich flavors, customizable options, and creative combinations. These preferences align perfectly with what Nasto’s has been offering for decades, high quality, handcrafted desserts that have tradition. In the end, summer desserts are all about enjoyment, refreshment and a little bit of indulgence. While there are many options to choose from, ice cream remains the centerpiece of summer treats. Its ability to cool you down while delivering rich, satisfying flavor makes it unmatched. At places like Nasto’s, where history and family come together, ice cream becomes more than just a dessert.
