20 Ice Cream Sundae Ideas for Summer

Chocolate Brownie Waffle Sundaes

One of my best friends loves chocolate as much as I do, so I like to make this over-the-top brownie waffles treat when we’re together playing board games or cards in the winter. —Vicki DuBois, Milltown, Indiana

Brownie Affogato Sundaes

We can’t resist brownie sundaes. I combined an affogato (coffee-based beverage) idea with a brownie to get this decadent sundae that mixes it all in there: warm, cold, sweet and salty. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

All-American Banana Split

In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drugstore. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Rich Hot Fudge Sundaes

I’ve made this scrumptious topping since the early 1980s. It always turns out smooth and yummy. The dark chocolate flavor, with a hint of rum extract, is not overly sweet but will still satisfy a chocoholic’s cravings. —Carol Hanihan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Caramelized Pineapple Sundaes

Whenever we get a craving for a tropical escape, this super simple recipe whisks us away in no time. Vanilla’s nice but drizzling the sauce over salted caramel ice cream and taking a bite is just pure paradise. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Jam Sundae

A scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry jam, chocolate chips and chopped nuts. —Donna Paprocki, Des Plaines, Illinois

Grilled Peach Sundaes

These peaches with a hint of grill flavor are sweet and juicy. We serve them in a waffle bowl with ice cream. That’s jackpot at our house. —Nancy Dentler, Greensboro, North Carolina

Balsamic Vinegar Ice Cream and Fruit

Cinnamon-infused, pear, chocolate, even plain—whatever the flavor, balsamic vinegar on ice cream is amazing! —Allison Ochoa, Hays, Kansas

Vanilla Ice Cream with Maple Syrup and Bacon

Vanilla ice cream with maple syrup and crispy thick-cut bacon. —Carol Feldmann, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

Warm Pineapple Sundaes with Rum Sauce

Pineapple, rum and sugar have a longstanding and flavorful relationship that takes on new meaning when you add ginger and butter and turn up the heat. —Jamie Miller, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Bananas Foster Sundaes

I have wonderful memories of eating bananas Foster in New Orleans, and as a dietitian, wanted to find a healthier version. I combined the best of two recipes and added my own tweaks to create this southern treat. —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina

Easy Blueberry Sauce Sundaes

Looking for a blueberry sauce recipe for cheesecake? Look no further! This luscious blueberry topping is perfectly sweetened to put on anything from a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a slice of angel food or pound cake. —Doris Dezur, Eugene, Oregon

Grilled Banana Brownie Sundaes

My niece Amanda Jean and I have a lot of fun in the kitchen creating different dishes. One of us will start with a recipe idea and it just grows from there—and so does the mess. In this case, the happy result was our Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana

Affogato

Affogato, which is espresso and ice cream mixed together, is awesome. You can also try it with Cuban coffee.—Cathy Killinger Lopez, Charlotte, North Carolina

Mexican Ice Cream Sundaes

This dessert makes an impressive presentation. The flour tortillas take on a subtle flavor sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar, and they make a pleasing combination with cornflakes. Everybody loves ice cream for dessert. —Milbert Fichter Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Blondie Sundaes

Just when we thought rich and chewy blondies couldn’t get any better, our home economists dreamed up this luscious sundae version. Topped with creamy vanilla ice cream and a sweet butterscotch sauce, this dessert takes decadence to the next level. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Easy Rhubarb Sauce Sundaes

Celebrate spring with the sweet-tart taste of rhubarb in this simple sauce. I enjoy it on toast, English muffins and pancakes, but it’s equally decadent drizzled on pound cake or ice cream. —Jackie Hutshing, Sonoma, California

Berry-Cherry Peach Sauce Sundaes

Fresh peaches and berries shine in this pretty, refreshing sauce. It’s terrific on ice cream, but also adds a sweet and tangy touch to pancakes, waffles or French toast at brunch. —Sandra Gould, Verndale, Minnesota

Butter Pecan Syrup Sundaes

My family loves butter pecan anything, and this recipe is perfect over vanilla ice cream, cake or waffles. It’s a special treat my family enjoys. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Caramelized Pears Sundae

After picking an abundant crop of pears, I was looking for new ways to enjoy them. A friend suggested warming them with butter and brown sugar. This tasty recipe was the result! We like them with vanilla bean ice cream, but plain vanilla or cinnamon are also quite delicious! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Ice Cream Sundae FAQ

What are good toppings for ice cream sundaes?

Good toppings for ice cream sundaes are any of your favorite sweets. If you prefer a triple chocolate-style sundae, use hot fudge, brownie bits and crushed Oreos. To mix sweet and salty, use salted peanuts, pretzels, chocolate chips and caramel sauce. For a coffee-lovers approach, top your ice cream with coffee whipped cream and chocolate covered espresso beans.

Fruit toppings make stellar ice cream sundaes too. Opt for strawberry sauce, banana slices, maraschino cherries or chopped pineapple.

What toppings should I have at an ice cream sundae bar?

Obviously, the more the merrier when it comes to ice cream sundae toppings, but that can get expensive! When you’re making the ultimate ice cream sundae bar for a party, lean on the basics. Start with a classic hot fudge and caramel sauce. A fruity sauce is also nice for guests who don’t love chocolate. Then, set out four to six bowls of add-ons. These could include crushed candy bars, cookie crumbles, gummy worms, sprinkles, pretzels and cherries. And, of course, don’t forget the can of whipped cream.