Best Homemade Ice Cream in Orleans, MA: Why Locals Love Ice Cream Cafe
If you’re searching for the best homemade ice cream in Orleans, Massachusetts, there’s one name locals and visitors alike keep coming back to: Ice Cream Cafe. For over 30 years, this family-owned ice cream shop has been a Cape Cod staple, known for small-batch flavors, inclusive menu options, and a warm community feel that keeps generations returning summer after summer.
Whether you’re visiting Nauset Beach, exploring Cape Cod, or you’re a local looking for your favorite seasonal treat, Ice Cream Cafe delivers a truly unforgettable ice cream experience.
A Family Tradition of Homemade Ice Cream Since 1991
Ice Cream Cafe has proudly served Orleans since 1991 and is now second-generation owned and operated. While the ownership has evolved, the mission has stayed the same:
make exceptional ice cream that brings people together.
Every scoop reflects decades of experience, care, and attention to detail. All ice cream is made on the premises in small batches, ensuring freshness, quality, and consistency in every flavor.
This long-standing commitment to craftsmanship is a big reason Ice Cream Cafe is consistently ranked among the best ice cream shops on Cape Cod.
Small-Batch Ice Cream Made Fresh Daily
What truly sets Ice Cream Cafe apart is how the ice cream is made.
Fresh milk and cream with high butterfat content
Carefully hand-folded mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, and real fruit
No shortcuts, no mass production
The result is ice cream that’s rich, creamy, smooth, and full of flavor. Instead of overwhelming sweetness, each scoop lets the ingredients shine.
Ice Cream Cafe maintains a core lineup of classic favorites while regularly introducing limited-edition flavors inspired by the season, local ingredients, and creative inspiration.
Over 30 Homemade Ice Cream Flavors to Choose From
Ice Cream Cafe offers over 30 rotating flavors, giving guests plenty of options every time they visit. Popular choices include:
Vanilla
Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Coffee Heath Bar Crunch
Salty Caramel
Cookies & Cream
Maple Walnut
Peanut Butter Cup
Strawberry
Black Raspberry
Seasonal and specialty flavors rotate throughout the year, so there’s always something new to discover.
Inclusive Options: Vegan, Non-Dairy & No-Sugar-Added Ice Cream
Ice Cream Cafe believes everyone deserves great ice cream, regardless of dietary needs.
That’s why the menu includes:
Vegan & Non-Dairy Ice Cream
Made from coconut cream or soy-based alternatives, these flavors deliver the same creamy texture without dairy. Vegan options are clearly labeled and continue to expand as new recipes are developed.
No-Sugar-Added Ice Cream
Perfect for guests with sugar restrictions, these options allow everyone to enjoy a treat without compromise.
Allergen-Sensitive Choices
Menu items are clearly labeled, and staff are knowledgeable about ingredients, making Ice Cream Cafe a trusted stop for families with food sensitivities.
Soft Serve & Custom-Blended Frozen Yogurt
In addition to hard ice cream, Ice Cream Cafe is well known for its soft serve and frozen yogurt offerings.
Frozen yogurt is custom blended to order using non-fat chocolate or vanilla bases made in-house. Guests can mix in:
Fresh fruits
Candies
Cookies
Cakes
There are no artificial flavors, and combinations are limited only by imagination.
This made-to-order approach makes Ice Cream Cafe one of the best places for frozen yogurt in Orleans, MA.
Sorbets & Summer Coolers for Hot Cape Cod Days
On warm summer afternoons, Ice Cream Cafe’s dairy-free sorbets are a refreshing favorite. Slightly sweet and refreshingly tart, they’re perfect for beach days and evening strolls.
Available flavors often include:
Raspberry
Lemon
Orange
The shop also offers Summer Coolers, made by blending sorbet with fresh fruit and seltzer for a light, refreshing drink that’s ideal for hot Cape Cod weather.
Ice Cream Cakes for Birthdays, Weddings & Special Events
Ice Cream Cafe makes celebrating easy with custom ice cream cakes available for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and special occasions.
Cake options include:
Multiple sizes (serving 2–16+ guests)
Custom flavor combinations
Center fillings with favorite toppings
Personalized decorations
With 48 hours’ notice, guests can create a fully customized cake made with any two ice cream flavors.
The Ice Cream Cafe Truck at Nauset Beach & Events
Ice Cream Cafe doesn’t stop at the shop. During the summer, you’ll find their ice cream truck at Nauset Beach, serving select menu favorites with the same attention to quality.
The truck is also available for:
Weddings
Corporate events
Private parties
Community celebrations
Booking the Ice Cream Cafe truck adds a fun, memorable touch to any Cape Cod event.
Organic Coffee & Espresso Drinks
Ice Cream Cafe proudly serves Organic Fair Trade coffee roasted by Dean’s Beans. Guests can enjoy:
Hot and iced coffee
Cold brew
Espresso drinks
Signature espresso shakes blended with ice cream
It’s the perfect complement to a scoop—or a treat all on its own.
Why Ice Cream Cafe Is One of the Best Ice Cream Shops in Cape Cod
Locals and visitors continue to choose Ice Cream Cafe because of:
30+ years of trusted quality
Small-batch, on-site production
Inclusive menu options
Friendly, family-run atmosphere
Prime Orleans and Nauset Beach locations
This isn’t just ice cream—it’s a Cape Cod tradition.
Visit Ice Cream Cafe in Orleans, MA
If you’re searching for:
Best ice cream near Nauset Beach
Homemade ice cream in Orleans, MA
Vegan and non-dairy ice cream on Cape Cod
Ice Cream Cafe is a must-visit destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Ice Cream Cafe located?
Ice Cream Cafe is located in Orleans, Massachusetts, with a seasonal ice cream truck at Nauset Beach.
Do you make ice cream in-house?
Yes. All ice cream is made on the premises in small batches using fresh milk and cream.
Do you offer vegan or non-dairy ice cream?
Yes. Ice Cream Cafe offers vegan and non-dairy ice cream, as well as vegan soft serve options.
Are there no-sugar-added options?
Yes. Several flavors are available with no sugar added.
Can I order an ice cream cake?
Absolutely. Ice cream cakes are available daily, with custom orders requiring 48 hours’ notice.
Do you cater weddings or events?
Yes. Ice Cream Cafe offers event catering and ice cream truck rentals throughout Cape Cod.