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Overview & Highlights

Nestled on Hubbell Avenue in Des Moines, Granny's Sweet Freeze is a beloved ice cream shop that has captured the hearts and taste buds of the East Side community for decades. This family-run gem offers an irresistible variety of soft serve flavors, dips, and unique frozen concoctions that bring joy with every bite.

What makes Granny's Sweet Freeze truly stand out is its commitment to quality and flavor combinations that spark nostalgia while offering fresh, inventive tastes. Whether you’re craving a classic vanilla swirl, a rich Black Cherry with vanilla swirl cone as Blanca Jauregui raved about, or a creative specialty like the Pineapple Upside Down Cake soft serve praised by J. Nicole Barrett, each treat promises an explosion of taste and creamy satisfaction.

Customers frequently highlight the warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff who make each visit feel like coming home. Carolina "Cat" Wells-Galdames shared how attentive the team was to dietary needs, carefully ensuring a diabetic-friendly sugar-free blue raspberry slushie was just right. The presence of a cozy outdoor seating area lets guests linger over their creamy delights, enhancing the overall experience despite the shop’s somewhat unexpected location.

From the refreshing Hawaiian swirl that blends pineapple and strawberries to the indulgent Oreo shakes and s’mores attic swirls, every item is crafted to be a memorable treat. Kristine Newell’s late-night visit proves the shop is reliable, speedy, and budget-friendly — a rare trifecta that keeps locals and visitors alike coming back for more. The enticing "What a Blizzard Wishes It Was" freeze captures the playful creativity Granny’s is known for, inspiring smiles and cravings simultaneously.

What truly resonates is the deep connection this ice cream haven has forged with its community. Angela McKernan fondly recalls growing up loving Granny’s since the 1980s, now delighted to share those same cherished flavors with her own children. Cadillac Girl’s observation about the surprisingly low prices for such top-notch quality ice cream speaks to Granny’s dedication to value as much as taste.

In all, Granny’s Sweet Freeze isn’t just an ice cream stop; it’s a joyful destination where every visit feels like a celebration of flavor, family, and fun. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite, seeking a creative new swirl, or grabbing a quick sweet snack after a day at the dog park, Granny’s guarantees a satisfying and heartfelt frozen experience that will keep your sweet tooth happily engaged for years to come.

Next time you find yourself on the East Side of Des Moines, don’t miss your chance to indulge in a scoop (or two) at Granny’s Sweet Freeze — a place where every lick is layered with love and local pride.

Comforts & Conveniences

Service options
  • Takeaway
  • Delivery
  • Dine-in
  • Same-day delivery
Popular for
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Where to Visit

Visitor Testimonials (696)

I went today, first time, I had the black cherry with vanilla swirl ice cream cone and my son had the Hawaiian, pinnaple, strawberries swirl... It was the best ice cream we've had in a while. I'm definitely putting them on my top ice cream places to go and we give them a Ten.

This is the best ice cream shop on the East side. If you are ever in Des Moines and want a sweet treat, take the time to stop by. Can’t be disappointed.

I have LOVED this family run shop since I was a kid! This place is an East Side staple! I used to love their Brownie Delights as a kid, and now as an adult have started to really enjoy the Arctic Freezes and their delicious flavorful soft serves! Tonight I tried the Pineapple Upside Down cake, and my son had Oreo. This place offers such a great value for the money. Friendly and efficient staff, and good quality Ice cream and treats!

Love all of the options! I was feeling dipped soft-serve after the dog park. Quality stuff here! There are a few tables off to the side where you can sit and enjoy your ice cream. Kind of a weird area for an ice cream shop but don't let that deter you. We left super happy!!!

Went today (7/17) for the first time. I did not feel rushed and the employees were very friendly. I ordered a s’mores attic swirl, Oreo shake, and a sugar free blue raspberry slushie. When I mentioned that the slushie was for a diabetic, they quadrupled checked to make sure there was extremely little to no sugar. Very informative on the amount they put in and that there would be even less than 0.5 grams of sugar. That service itself had me impressed and the ice cream was delicious! I may have found my new favorite ice cream place! I recommend it for sure!!!

We came by late at night and had GREAT service. It was fast, friendly and easy. Prices were great. I ordered a freeze for myself "what a blizzard wishes it was" is the perfect catch line for the tasty treat!

Granny's is always busy but a nice treat on a beautiful day! Prices are surprisingly low for the quality of their ice cream.

An absolute favorite of mine since I was tiny in the 80's! When I moved back to Iowa a couple years ago, I was ecstatic to see that Granny's was still around. Love to be able to take my kids to my childhood favorite.

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