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Ice cream sundaes have been a beloved dessert for generations, captivating the hearts of sweet tooths everywhere. Its origins date back to the late 1800s, when soda fountain shops in the United States served ice cream with flavored syrups and toppings. Over time, the sundae evolved into the decadent dessert we know and love today.
The key to a perfect sundae lies in the combination of creamy, smooth ice cream, rich sauces, and crunchy toppings. The best ice cream to use is a high-quality, premium ice cream that holds its shape and doesn't melt too quickly. Soft serve ice cream, while a popular choice, tends to be too runny and lacks the creaminess of premium full-fat ice cream or gelato.
There are many popular types of ice cream sundaes, each with its own unique twist. The classic hot fudge sundae is a timeless favorite, made with rich, chocolatey sauce and whipped cream. Another popular option is the strawberry sundae, made with fresh strawberries and a sweet syrup. For those who like their sundaes with a crunch, a turtle sundae with caramel, chocolate, and pecans is sure to satisfy.
S'mores Sundae
This delicious sundae is a nod to the classic campfire treat. Start with a layer of Graham cracker crumbs, followed by a generous scoop of chocolate ice cream. Top with hot fudge, mini marshmallows, and more graham cracker crumbs. For an extra touch of decadence, add a drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers. We recommend using Belgian chocolate ice cream for this bowl, but you can also experiment with high quality vanilla or stracciatella gelato. Torch the marshmallows for extra flavor.
Taste: chocolate, with a touch of smoke
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 610
Peanut Butter Cup Sundae
For peanut butter lovers, this sundae is sure to be a hit. Spread a generous helping of peanut butter ice cream in a dish and finish it off with a drizzle of warm, melted peanut butter, crushed peanut butter cups, hot fudge, and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts. Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a crunchy texture. This bowl also works wonderfully with hazelnut ice cream. Those of you who are looking for more crunch would do well to add a few fistfuls of Reese’s cereal and crushed chikki to top this hearty bowl.
Taste: nutty and fudgy
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 1250
Raspberry Cheesecake Sundae
A heavenly combination of tangy and sweet, this sundae starts with a layer of cheesecake-flavored ice cream. Top with fresh raspberries, a drizzle of raspberry sauce, and crumbled Graham cracker pieces for a touch of crunch. Those with a more adventurous palate can try adding bits of Basque cheesecake to the mix, along with a few drops of liquid smoke, to make for a unique dessert that would be the perfect accompaniment to a dram or two of your favorite Islay single malt.
Taste: fruity, creamy, with a touch of smoke
Total Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 520
Valentine's Day Sundae
Celebrate the holiday of love with this romantic sundae. Start with a layer of strawberry ice cream, followed by a drizzle of warm, melted chocolate. Top with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of heart-shaped sprinkles. For a final touch, add a drizzle of raspberry sauce and a cherry on top. Heart-shaped candies are a nice finishing touch, but if you can't find any, a pack of crushed strawberry Alpenliebe will work just as well.
Taste: fruity, with a touch of chocolate
Total Time: 8 Hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 360
Caramel Apple Sundae
A nod to the classic fall treat, this sundae starts with a layer of salted caramel ice cream. Top with warm caramel sauce, diced apples, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. For a final touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Garnish with a freshly made caramelized crab apple sprinkled with Maldon salt for added flair.
Taste: sweet and salty
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 410
Crafting the perfect ice cream sundae is a creative and delicious endeavor. With the right combination of flavors and textures, the possibilities are truly endless. From classic to quirky, the sundae provides a blank canvas for you to express your culinary imagination. So grab a scoop and start experimenting today, and remember, the only limit is your own creativity!
