Create the ultimate ice cream sundae bar with tons of toppings and let everyone build their perfect dessert. Sweet, simple, and always a hit!
Shopping List
Ice Cream (pick 3-4 flavors):
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Cookies and cream
- Mint chocolate chip
- Cookie dough
- Rocky road
Sauces:
- Hot fudge
- Caramel sauce
- Strawberry sauce
- Chocolate syrup
- Peanut butter sauce
- Marshmallow cream
Candy Toppings:
- M&Ms
- Reese's Pieces
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed Oreos
- Gummy bears
- Crushed candy bars (Snickers, Butterfinger, etc.)
- Sprinkles (rainbow and chocolate)
Classic Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
- Chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts)
- Shredded coconut
- Mini marshmallows
Fresh Fruit:
- Sliced strawberries
- Sliced bananas
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
Extras:
- Waffle cones or bowls
- Cookie cups
- Brownie pieces
- Graham cracker crumbs
Setup Instructions
Before the Event:
- Prep toppings: Wash and slice all fresh fruit. Put candies in small bowls.
- Warm sauces: Heat chocolate and caramel sauces according to package directions.
- Arrange station: Set up a long table with ice cream at one end and toppings arranged down the line.
- Keep it cold: If possible, keep ice cream in a cooler with ice until ready to serve.
During the Event:
- Let everyone grab a bowl or cone and move down the line.
- Provide ice cream scoops for easy serving.
- Encourage creativity and experimentation!
- Have spoons, napkins, and wet wipes readily available.
Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce
Want to make your own hot fudge? Here's an easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine cream and butter over medium heat until butter melts.
- Add chocolate chips and stir until melted.
- Whisk in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Serve warm over ice cream!
Fun Sundae Ideas
- Banana Split: Slice banana lengthwise, add three scoops of different flavors, top with sauces and whipped cream
- Brownie Sundae: Build sundae on top of a warm brownie
- Cookie Sundae: Use warm cookies as the base
- Turtle Sundae: Vanilla ice cream with caramel, hot fudge, and pecans
- S'mores Sundae: Chocolate ice cream with marshmallow cream, hot fudge, and graham crackers
Activity Ideas
- Have a "sundae creation" contest with creative categories
- Try to recreate famous ice cream shop sundaes
- Blindfolded sundae building challenge (with a partner giving directions)
- Name your sundae creation and share why you chose those toppings
- Take photos of everyone's sundae masterpieces!