This homemade ice cream sundae, finished with sprinkles, chopped nuts and a maraschino cherry, is a timeless summer dessert that delights kids and adults alike. Easy to assemble and endlessly customizable, a sundae is the perfect way to elevate a scoop of ice cream into a special treat.
Recipe tips and frequently asked questions
What is an ice cream sundae?
An ice cream sundae is a dessert composed of scoops of ice cream topped with sauce and a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles and fruit. The classic version typically includes vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top.
How is a sundae different from plain ice cream?
Plain ice cream is simply frozen cream and flavorings. A sundae adds sauces and toppings to create layers of texture and flavor — think hot fudge or caramel, crunchy nuts, colorful sprinkles and a cloud of whipped cream.
Where did the ice cream sundae originate?
The sundae originated in the United States in the late 1800s, likely evolving from the earlier ice cream soda. Several American towns claim credit for creating the first sundae, and the name may have been inspired by the day of sale or by the evolution of the word “Sunday.”
What glass should I use for a sundae?
Choose a fluted sundae glass or a clear milkshake glass so you can see the layers of ice cream, sauce and toppings. A transparent container makes the presentation more inviting.
Ideas and variations
Mix and match flavors and textures to build sundaes that suit your taste. A few popular ideas:
- Banana split style with bananas and three scoops of ice cream.
- Chocolate sundae with chocolate ice cream and hot fudge.
- Strawberry sundae with strawberry ice cream and fresh berry compote.
- Caramel sundae with caramel sauce and chopped nuts.
- Brownie sundae with warm brownie pieces and chocolate sauce.
Sundae topping ideas
The toppings are where you can get creative. Here are options to combine for a memorable sundae:
- Hot fudge, caramel or strawberry sauce
- Milk, dark or white chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, almonds)
- Whipped cream
- Colorful sprinkles or nonpareils
- Wafers or biscuit sticks
- Cookie pieces (Oreos, chocolate cookies)
- Mini marshmallows
- Candy pieces (chocolate candies, gummy candies)
- Fresh fruit (maraschino cherries, berries, banana)
- Dessert pieces (brownie or cake chunks)
- For adults: a dash of liqueur such as rum or cream liqueur
If you have a favorite topping not listed here, try it — sundaes are all about personal preference.
Ingredients
Ice cream: Vanilla is classic, but chocolate, strawberry or caramel are popular alternatives. Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra richness.
Sauce: Chocolate, caramel or strawberry syrup work well and can be warmed slightly for easy drizzling.
Whipped cream: Fresh whipped cream offers the best texture, but stabilized or ready-made whipped cream is a fine shortcut.
Sprinkles: Also called jimmies or nonpareils, they add color and a party feel.
Nuts: Chopped peanuts, pecans or candied nuts add crunch.
Wafers or cookies: A wafer or cookie stick provides structure and visual flair.
Maraschino cherry: The classic finishing touch for many sundaes.
How to make an ice cream sundae
Making a sundae is quick and forgiving. Gather your toppings and sauces before you take the ice cream out of the freezer so everything is ready to go.
Optional: chill your sundae glass in the freezer for a few minutes to help slow melting on a hot day.
- Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of your chosen sauce around the inside of the glass.
- Add one scoop of ice cream, then drizzle more sauce over that scoop.
- Add a second scoop (and a third if you like).
- Pipe or spoon a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and sprinkles over the whipped cream.
- Insert wafers or cookie sticks for decoration and crunch.
- Finish with a maraschino cherry on top and serve immediately with a long spoon.
How to serve
Serve sundaes immediately so the ice cream holds its shape. Provide long spoons so guests can reach all the layers, and place napkins nearby to catch drips.
How to store
Sundaes are best assembled just before serving. If you want to prepare in advance, store components separately: keep ice cream frozen, sauce refrigerated at room temperature or cooler, and toppings in airtight containers.
📋 Recipe
Ice Cream Sundae
Author: Sarah Brooks
Prep time: 5 mins • Total time: 5 mins • Serves: 1
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ice cream topping, syrup or sauce
- 2–3 scoops ice cream
- 1/4 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped nuts
- 1 teaspoon sprinkles
- 1–2 ice cream wafers
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Optional: pre-chill your sundae glass in the freezer.
- Arrange toppings and tools, then take the ice cream out last so it stays firm.
- Squeeze or drizzle sauce generously around the inside of the glass.
- Add one scoop of ice cream and more sauce, then add a second scoop.
- Pipe or spoon whipped cream on top in a swirl.
- Sprinkle nuts and sprinkles, add wafers, and finish with a cherry.
Notes
This recipe makes one sundae but scales easily. The classic combination is vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a cherry, but feel free to swap flavors and toppings to suit your taste.
Nutrition (estimate)
Calories: 590 kcal • Carbohydrates: 78 g • Protein: 8 g • Fat: 28 g • Sugar: 55 g
Looking for more sundae ideas?
- Banana Split with fresh banana and three scoops of ice cream
- Chocolate Sundae with chocolate ice cream and hot fudge
- Strawberry Sundae with strawberry ice cream and berry compote
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