6 steps for building the ultimate ice cream sundae

Piled high in a tulip-shaped dessert glass or wedged between two halves of a banana, there are as many ways to build an ice cream sundae as there are toppings to consider. We take you layer by layer through the essential components that make a truly epic sundae.

Whether churned by hand or scooped from a tub, the foundation of any great sundae begins with a scoop or three of something cold and creamy. While you could branch out from classic vanilla or chocolate, keeping your sundae base basic leaves room for all your additions to shine. 

We recommend: 

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Hot or cold, sauces can add a sticky sweetness that contrasts the ice cream’s cool creaminess. Dollop on bright fruit preserves, compote, rich caramel or hot fudge, saucing each scoop of ice cream to ensure every bite is well dressed. 

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- Peanut butter or almond butter   

Fruit adds just the right bit of sweet or tart, colour and texture to a sundae. Sliced fresh, spooned from a can, or sautéed in butter with sugar until caramelized, fruit’s acidity helps cut through the mouth-coating richness of the ice cream it’s spooned over. 

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- Fresh raspberries or blackberries 

- Sliced plums, peaches or bananas 

A creamy, sticky, gooey sundae needs something crispy or crunchy so that the texture isn’t all one note. Just a sprinkle can transform each bite – and it’s especially delightful if the topping you choose varies in shape and crunch level. 

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- Crushed corn flake cereal 

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Fresh herbs on your sundae? You bet your scoop. Besides being aromatic, herbs add a hint of freshness that can lift a sundae from tasting too cloyingly sweet: imagine cooling mint, basil’s subtle anise flavour, or earthy sage. There’s nothing fancier than finishing your sundae with a sprig or delicate chiffonade (that’s a fine chop) of fresh herbs.  

We recommend: 

- Fresh basil, mint or sage 

Looking for something a little extra chewy? How about a kick of spice? These unconventional toppings will make your sundae truly unforgettable.  

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Armed with these suggestions, mix and match components to recreate an ice-cream-parlour favourite. Discover your own scrumptious combination, or try assembling one of our delicious sundae recipes.  

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, warm 

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Sliced peaches (or bananas), sautéed until caramelized in butter with brown sugar and . (For adults, you could also add a splash of bourbon, though that’s optional.) 

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Choice of: 

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Crushed corn flake cereal 

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Fresh basil, mint or sage 

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, crumbled

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Peanut butter or almond butter, melted in the microwave  

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  (whole, inserted upright into the sundae) 

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Sliced fresh strawberries, fresh raspberries and blackberries or sliced ripe plums 

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, jujubes or gummy bears  

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