Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, customizable, and absolutely delicious. You’ll love how the warm syrups contrast with the cold ice cream, while the whipped cream adds lightness and the cherry brings a touch of nostalgia. Best of all, you can easily change up the toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
- 1 tablespoon caramel syrup
- 1/4 cup whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries, drained, for garnish
Directions
- Place three scoops of vanilla ice cream into a sundae dish or bowl.
- Drizzle the chocolate syrup and caramel syrup over the ice cream.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately with a spoon.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 serving. Preparation time is just 5 minutes, with no cooking required.
Variations
- Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate, strawberry, or your favorite flavor.
- Add chopped nuts such as peanuts, almonds, or pecans for crunch.
- Use hot fudge or butterscotch sauce instead of syrups.
- Sprinkle with cookie crumbs, sprinkles, or crushed candy bars.
- Make it fruity with fresh berries or sliced bananas.
Storage/Reheating
Ice cream sundaes should be assembled and eaten right away for the best texture and flavor. If storing components separately, keep ice cream frozen, whipped cream refrigerated, and toppings sealed at room temperature or refrigerated as needed.
FAQs
Can I make sundaes ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble sundaes just before serving so the ice cream doesn’t melt.
What type of dish should I use for serving?
A tall sundae glass or wide bowl works best to hold the scoops and toppings.
Can I use homemade ice cream?
Absolutely! Homemade ice cream will make your sundae even more special.
How do I make the sundae look professional?
Layer scoops neatly, drizzle syrups in thin ribbons, and add the cherry last for a picture-perfect finish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free ice cream, coconut whipped cream, and vegan syrups.
What other toppings can I try?
Crushed cookies, candy pieces, fruit, or even a drizzle of peanut butter make great additions.
Is there a way to make it healthier?
You can use frozen yogurt, light whipped cream, and fresh fruit for a lighter version.
Can I serve this at a party?
Yes, set up a sundae bar with various toppings so guests can build their own creations.
How do I prevent the whipped cream from melting?
Keep whipped cream chilled until ready to use and serve sundaes immediately.
Conclusion
An Ice Cream Sundae is the ultimate customizable dessert that brings joy with every bite. With its creamy scoops, sweet sauces, fluffy whipped cream, and signature cherry, it’s a classic treat that never disappoints. Simple, fun, and endlessly versatile, this sundae is perfect for any occasion.
PrintIce Cream Sundae
An Ice Cream Sundae is a classic dessert featuring scoops of ice cream topped with syrups, whipped cream, and a cherry. Fun, customizable, and endlessly versatile, it’s perfect for parties, family nights, or satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 tbsp chocolate syrup
1 tbsp caramel syrup
1/4 cup whipped cream
Maraschino cherries, drained, for garnish
Instructions
- Place three scoops of vanilla ice cream into a sundae dish or bowl.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup and caramel syrup over the ice cream.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Assemble and serve immediately to prevent melting.
Customize with nuts, sprinkles, or fresh fruit.
Swap syrups for hot fudge, butterscotch, or peanut butter drizzle.
Use dairy-free ice cream and coconut whipped cream for a vegan version.
Set up a sundae bar for parties so guests can create their own.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sundae
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg