• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Untold Recipes By Nosheen
  • All Recipes
  • Summer
  • My Story
  • Subscribe
  • Join My Free Community
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Summer
  • My Story
  • Subscribe
  • Join My Free Community
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Summer
  • My Story
  • Subscribe
  • Join My Free Community
×
Untold Recipes by Nosheen » Recipes » Desserts

Ice Cream Sundae

Modified: Mar 25, 2025 · Published: Aug 3, 2021 by Nosheen Babar · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Sharing is caring!

16 shares
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Ice Cream Sundae is a classic American dessert that takes just 10 minutes to assemble and is always a crowd-pleaser. This red, white, and blue version is delicious any time but deserves a special place at your July 4th table.

Two tall glasses filled with an ice cream sundae made with vanilla bean ice cream, raspberry and blueberry sauce and garnished with a chocolate strawberry are resting on a kitchen counter.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

An ice cream sundae is a layered dessert made with ice cream. In its original form, the classic sundae was a few scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry.

Modern-day versions are much more elaborate regarding the ingredients used and the dish's presentation. At a minimum, today's version of a sundae contains 4 components: ice cream, sauce or syrup, add-ins like fresh fruit, sprinkles or nuts, and a garnish.

For this recipe, I used homemade vanilla bean ice cream, raspberry sauce, blueberry compote, and chocolate-covered strawberries. The final result is a layered dessert with a fresh, fruity flavor.

Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredient notes
  • Substitutions & variations
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQS
  • Other recipes you may like
  • Ice Cream Sundae

Why you'll love this recipe

  • Perfect summer dessert - There's nothing better than a chilled ice cream-based dessert to fight the summer heat.
  • Delicious fruity flavor - While a traditional sundae with chocolate fudge is and always will be a favorite, the sauces made from seasonal summer berries in this recipe make a light and refreshing change.
  • Make-ahead recipe - Everything in this recipe can be made beforehand, just like my caramel crunch ice cream, which is a huge time saver when entertaining.
  • Great for a cookout—This dessert is great for hosting a cookout, especially on Memorial Day or July 4th.

Ingredient notes

The ingredients for an ice cream sundae recipe are resting in assorted containers on a greay and white kitchen counter.
  • Vanilla ice cream - I use my homemade vanilla bean ice cream linked above for this recipe.
  • Blueberry sauce - The blueberry sauce is a simple homemade recipe that takes only 10 minutes to cook.
  • Raspberry sauce - This is another quick and easy recipe linked above. It can be made a few days in advance.
  • Chocolate strawberries - These are very easy to prepare at home using fresh strawberries and baker's dipping chocolate.

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and recipe instructions.

Substitutions & variations

  • Try different flavors - To create variations of this sundae, try using different flavored ice cream, sauces, and garnishes. A favorite version of mine uses lemon curd, coconut, almonds, and vanilla ice cream.
  • Add some crunch - To enhance flavor and texture, add chopped nuts or crushed salted pretzels.
  • Use store-bought ingredients - If you don't have time to make your ice cream and sauces, use store-bought ones and assemble the sundae before serving it.
  • Make a sundae bar - A fun way to serve an ice cream sundae is to set up a serving station with assorted flavors of ice cream, sauces, mix-ins, and garnishes and let your guests build their sundae.

Step-by-step instructions

homemade vanilla bean ice cream is being scooped to assemble an ice cream sundae.

First step - Make your vanilla bean ice cream per the recipe linked above or buy your favorite one at the store.

A blueberry sauce is being cooked to be used in an ice cream sundae recipe.

Second step - Make this easy blueberry compote a day or 2 ahead and chill in the fridge till it's time to assemble the sundae.

A raspberry sauce is being cooked to use in an ice cream dessert.

Third step - The raspberry sauce is also very easy to prepare ahead of time and store till you need it.

A white plate filled with chocolate covered strawberries is resting on a black counter.

Fourth step - Prepare the chocolate strawberries the night before and chill in the fridge till you need them.

2 tall sundae glasses, filled with a red white and blue sundae, are resting on a striped napkin on a grey kitchen counter.

Fifth step - Assemble the sundaes just before serving them. I like to start with ¼ cup of raspberry sauce, followed by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, then ¼ cup of blueberry sauce, and another scoop of ice cream. Garnish with some fresh blueberries and a chocolate-covered strawberry and serve.

Expert Tips

  • Perfect proportions - The ideal ratio in a sundae is ¼ cup of sauce per scoop of ice cream. Stick to this for a perfectly balanced flavor.
  • Chill the glasses - This ensures that all of the ingredients stay cold while assembling the sundaes.

Recipe FAQS

How did the sundae get its name?

There are many stories about how and why this popular dessert got its name. One thing is certain: sundae is derived from the name of the day, "Sunday." One theory is that the sundae was made using leftover ice cream from Sunday and sold on Monday, while another theory states that the dish was created by a Mr. Sonntag, and the translation of his German name is Sunday. A brief history of the ice cream Sundae reveals yet another story.

How do I store any leftovers?

It's best to assemble and eat the sundae immediately; however, if you have any leftovers, place them in a freezer-friendly container with an airtight lid. This will alter the presentation, but the taste will remain the same.

2 tall sundae glasses, filled with a red white and blue sundae, are resting on a striped napkin on a grey kitchen counter.

Other recipes you may like

  • A white platter with kulfi (pakistani ice cream) topped with pistachios and rose petals, with a glass jug filled with rose milk and rice noodles.
    Quick Kulfi Recipe (Pakistani Ice Cream)
  • mango kulfi garnished with roses and pistachios on a bed of ice in a silver tray.
    Easy Mango Kulfi (Pakistani Ice Cream)
  • Creme anglaise (vanilla custard sauce) is poured over blueberries and strawberries in a shallow bowl and garnished with mint leaves.
    Creme Anglaise (Vanilla Custard Sauce)
  • An off white countertop with a blue bowl full of pistachios and a tall glass filled with Falooda (Pakistani ice cream dessert)
    Falooda (Pakistani Ice Cream Dessert)

If you decide to try this recipe, Please don't forget to leave a rating and comment below! If you take a picture, tag me on Instagram! Thank You!

2 tall sundae glasses, filled with a red white and blue sundae, are resting on a striped napkin on a grey kitchen counter, with a bowl of blueberries in the background.

Ice Cream Sundae

Nosheen Babar
This Ice Cream Sundae is made with homemade vanilla bean ice cream, blueberry and raspberry sauce, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
5 from 1 vote
Pin Recipe Print Recipe Save Saved!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, British
Servings 4 people
Calories 740 kcal

Equipment

  • 4 tall sundae or milkshake glasses

Ingredients
  

  • 8 scoops no churn vanilla bean ice cream (see notes)
  • 1 cup raspberry sauce (see notes)
  • 1 cup blueberry sauce (see notes)
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • 4 chocolate covered strawberries

Instructions
 

  • Chill your serving glasses for an hour before you assemble the sundaes.
  • To start assembling, add ¼ cup of raspberry sauce.
  • Add 1 scoop of the vanilla ice cream as your next layer
  • Next, add ¼ cup of blueberry sauce.
  • Add the second scoop of the vanilla ice cream.
  • Top with a few fresh blueberries and 1 chocolate covered strawberry and serve.

Notes

Vanilla Ice Cream - I like to use homemade vanilla bean ice cream for this recipe but feel free to substitute your favorite brand.
Raspberry Sauce - Make your sauce from scratch in just 10 minutes with this easy recipe, or buy a pre-made version.
Blueberry Sauce - This is harder to source than raspberry sauce, but with this easy recipe on hand, you won't have to worry about ever having to look for this in stores.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 740kcalCarbohydrates: 150gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 151mgPotassium: 404mgFiber: 3gSugar: 95gVitamin A: 582IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 194mgIron: 1mg
Have you tried this recipe yet?Mention @Untoldrecipesbynosheen or tag #Untoldrecipesbynosheen!

More Pakistani & South Asian Desserts

  • Four-ingredient mango dessert.
    Mango Mousse (Only 4-Ingredients!)
  • Homemade no churn ice cream in a bowl.
    Caramel Crunch Ice Cream Recipe
  • A jug of freshly cooked orange custard sauce.
    Custard Sauce (Orange Creme Anglaise)
  • Apple Galette Recipe (With Cooked Filling)

Reader Interactions

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Nosheen headshot

Welcome to Untold Recipes by Nosheen!

Here, you'll find authentic Pakistani recipes inspired by my childhood—a curated space to explore nostalgic recipes for all aspiring home cooks. It's all here, from slow-cooked Mughal wonders to regional delicacies and street food favorites. I aim to make all the recipes approachable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced cooks alike.

More about me

Spring Recipes

  • Pakistani style zucchini curry with naan.
    Pakistani Zucchini (Courgette) Curry
  • Chicken malai tikka skewers accompanied with red onions and lemon wedges are resting in a platter lined with brown paper.
    Chicken Malai Tikka
  • An air fryer asparagus recipe is plated in a blue plate that is resting on a greay napkin with gold cutlery.
    Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
  • Thai chicken salad with mango is being served in a neutral colored bowl.
    Thai Chicken Salad With Mango
  • Raw mango chutney is plated in a bowl resting on a silver tray on top of a dark gray napkin.
    Raw Mango Chutney Recipe (No-Cook)
  • Sweet and spicy watermelon snack in abowl.
    Watermelon Chaat Recipe

Popular Recipes

  • Nihari topped with ginger, chopped green chilies and cilantro microgreens.
    Nihari (Pakistani Beef Shank Stew)
  • Mutton birayni is plated in a dark metal tray and served with raita and kachumber.
    Mutton Biryani Recipe
  • roast leg of goat {raan}
    Roast Leg Of Goat (Raan)
  • Cooked bihari kabab are plated and garnished with green chilies, sliced white onions and lemon slices.
    Bihari Kabab
  • Beef karahi gosht recipe.
    Beef Karahi Gosht Recipe
  • Brown parchment with cooked chicken tikka boti on skewers with green chutney, onions and micro greens.
    Easy Chicken Tikka Boti Recipe

Footer

as seen in:

allrecipes logo

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
Accessibility Policy

Back To Top

Copyright © 2025 Untold Recipes By Nosheen

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.