Ice Cream Sundae Guide: Classic Sundaes & How to Build One

A sundae is the ultimate ice cream indulgence — scoops of ice cream layered with warm or cold sauce, a topping, and a finishing flourish. Building a great one is simple once you know the formula, and the classics are classics for a reason. Here's how to make the perfect sundae and the timeless combinations worth ordering.

The sundae formula

A balanced sundae has four parts:

1. Ice cream — one to three scoops, the base of it all.
2. Sauce — hot fudge, caramel, strawberry, or marshmallow, warm or cold.
3. A topping or two — nuts, sprinkles, cookie crumbles, fresh fruit, candy.
4. The finish — whipped cream and a cherry on top.

The trick is balance: don't drown the ice cream, and pair contrasting textures (creamy + crunchy) and temperatures (cold scoop + warm sauce).

Classic sundaes

• Hot fudge sundae — vanilla, warm hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts, cherry. The benchmark.
• Banana split — a split banana, three scoops (classically vanilla, chocolate, strawberry), three sauces, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries.
• Strawberry sundae — vanilla with strawberry sauce and fresh berries.
• Caramel/turtle sundae — caramel and hot fudge with pecans.
• Brownie sundae — a warm brownie under the scoops.
• Affogato — technically a sundae's Italian cousin: gelato "drowned" in espresso (see what is an affogato).

Build your own at home

Set out scoops, two or three sauces, a few toppings, and whipped cream, and let everyone build their own. Warm the fudge or caramel slightly for that hot-cold contrast. It's the easiest crowd-pleaser dessert — and scales beautifully into a party (see how to throw an ice cream social).

Frequently asked questions

What are the classic sundae toppings?

Hot fudge or caramel sauce, whipped cream, chopped nuts, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry on top. Fresh fruit, cookie crumbles, and candy pieces are popular additions.

What's the difference between a sundae and a banana split?

A banana split is a specific type of sundae built over a lengthwise-split banana, traditionally with three scoops, three sauces, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries. A sundae is the broader category.

Why is it called a sundae?

The name's exact origin is debated, but the popular story is that it was created when serving ice cream with syrup on Sundays; the spelling was changed to "sundae" over time.

Craving one made for you? Find an ice cream shop near you.