Sundae’s Crown Jewels

Transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary delight with the ultimate guide to the best ice cream sundae toppings! Whether you’re hosting a festive party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, a DIY ice cream sundae bar is always a hit. This comprehensive list offers an array of delicious, easy-to-prepare, and impressive toppings that will elevate your ice cream game to new heights. From classic sauces to crunchy candies and fresh fruits, get ready to discover the perfect additions to create your dream sundae.

Ice cream holds a special place in our hearts as a beloved dessert. While a trip to an ice cream parlor offers its own charm, there’s an undeniable joy in crafting a personalized sundae bar in the comfort of your own home. It allows for endless creativity and ensures everyone gets exactly what they crave. We often enjoy experimenting with homemade ice cream recipes, like our delightful Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Recipe or the rich Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream. To complete the experience, consider fun serving options such as crisp waffle bowls or classic cones, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to every scoop.

Why We Love These Sundae Toppings

There’s an undeniable magic in creating your own ice cream sundae, and it all starts with an impressive array of toppings. Our curated list makes setting up a spectacular sundae bar incredibly simple yet memorable. All you need are your favorite ice cream flavors and an exciting selection of delicious toppings, and you’re ready to delight everyone!

While classic options like colorful rainbow sprinkles, rich chocolate syrup, and a scoop of velvety No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream are always welcome, we love to take it up a notch. By adding a variety of gourmet sauces, crunchy elements, and creative candy options, an ice cream sundae bar transforms into an interactive dessert station, ready to serve in minutes. It’s truly an experience that fosters fun and creativity for all ages.

Prepare your scoops of ice cream and get ready for a fantastic time! Whether you’re planning a surprise treat for your family or a grand dessert finale for a party, these ice cream sundae topping ideas are guaranteed to be a huge hit. Let’s dive into these 25 easy and absolutely delicious toppings that promise to make every sundae a masterpiece.

1. Hot Fudge Sauce

A quintessential ice cream topping, hot fudge is a must-have for any sundae bar. Skip the generic store-bought versions and elevate your dessert with homemade hot fudge. It requires only three simple ingredients and boasts a rich, decadent flavor that makes it an incredibly popular choice. Its warm, gooey texture perfectly complements cold ice cream, creating a delightful contrast with every spoonful.

2. Homemade Caramel Sauce

No ice cream sundae is complete without a drizzle of luscious caramel sauce. This rich, creamy, and buttery topping is incredibly decadent and adds a sophisticated sweetness to any scoop. Making it at home ensures a superior flavor and texture that store-bought varieties simply can’t match. It’s fantastic over vanilla, chocolate, or even coffee ice cream, and its golden hue adds visual appeal to your dessert spread.

3. Classic Sprinkles

Sprinkles are the ultimate fun-factor topping, especially beloved by kids! They are incredibly easy to provide and super inexpensive, making them a must-have for any ice cream bar. Rainbow sprinkles are a timeless and popular option, adding a burst of color and a subtle crunch to every spoonful. Beyond rainbow, consider chocolate sprinkles for a deeper flavor or themed sprinkles for holidays or special events.

4. Crushed Oreo Cookies

Crushed cookies make for one of the most irresistible ice cream toppings. Oreo cookies, with their iconic chocolate wafers and creamy filling, are a particular favorite. You can easily crush store-bought Oreos for convenience, or for an extra special touch, try making our delicious homemade Oreo cookies. The crunchy texture and classic chocolate-cream flavor are a perfect match for almost any ice cream flavor.

5. Homemade Strawberry Sauce

For a burst of fruity freshness, a vibrant strawberry sauce is an excellent choice. Drizzle this delightful sauce over scoops of vanilla ice cream, or use it to enhance a classic banana split. Homemade strawberry sauce is incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients, offering a bright, sweet, and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the richness of ice cream. It adds a beautiful color and a refreshing taste.

6. Luscious Blueberry Sauce

Introduce a delightful twist to your ice cream bar with an easy-to-make blueberry sauce. This flavorful topping adds a rich, sweet-tart dimension, perfectly complementing creamy ice cream. Its beautiful deep purple hue and fruity taste make it a fabulous addition for those who enjoy berry flavors. It’s particularly good with vanilla, lemon, or even a cheesecake-flavored ice cream.

7. DIY Magic Shell

Create an exciting texture experience with homemade Magic Shell. This incredible topping hardens into a crisp chocolatey coating upon contact with cold ice cream, offering a satisfying crack with every bite. The best part? You can learn how to make Magic Shell with just two simple ingredients. It’s significantly more affordable and tastes much better than its store-bought counterparts, making it a fun and interactive topping for all ages.

8. Chopped Candy Bars

Unleash your inner candy monster by offering a selection of crushed candy bars. This is a fantastic way to cater to diverse tastes and add a variety of textures and flavors. Simply choose several of your favorite candy bars, chop them into small pieces, and watch them disappear! Popular choices include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Butterfinger, Heath bars, Snickers, and Twix. Each offers a unique flavor profile, from rich chocolate and gooey caramel to crunchy nuts and crisp toffee, ensuring a topping for every preference.

9. Fluffy Whipped Cream

Every truly epic ice cream sundae demands a generous dollop of light and airy whipped cream. While store-bought aerosol cans are convenient, making your own homemade whipped cream is surprisingly easy and yields a vastly superior taste and texture. It’s incredibly simple to whip up with just a few ingredients and provides a fresh, creamy complement to all the other rich toppings. It’s the perfect cloud-like finish for any creation.

10. Crunchy Cereals

For an unexpected and delightful crunch, cereals make an incredibly fun ice cream topping, especially popular with children! The variety of shapes, flavors, and textures they offer can transform a simple scoop into an exciting dessert. Consider options like chocolate puffs for a rich, malty crunch, Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a sweet and spicy kick, Frosted Flakes for a sugary crispness, or Fruity Pebbles for a burst of vibrant color and flavor. You can even use crushed cornflakes to recreate a “fried ice cream” effect at home, adding a unique and satisfying texture to your sundae.

11. Assorted Nuts

For those who love a hearty crunch and a touch of savory balance, assorted nuts are an indispensable topping. There are countless great options to choose from, each offering its own unique flavor and texture profile. Consider offering wet walnuts (walnuts in syrup) for a classic sundae parlor feel, finely chopped peanuts for a salty crunch, buttery cashews, or crunchy pecans. Toasted nuts add an even deeper flavor dimension, perfectly complementing sweet ice cream and rich sauces. They’re excellent for adding sophistication and a satisfying bite.

12. Gummy Candies

Sweet, chewy, and bursting with fruity flavors, gummy candies are a really popular option, especially with the younger crowd! They add a playful texture and a vibrant pop of color to any sundae. Gummy Bears are a timeless favorite, while Skittles offer a chewy, fruity crunch. Sour Patch Kids provide a fun sweet-and-sour surprise, and M&M’s add a classic chocolate candy coating with a satisfying crunch. Offer a mix of these for a truly diverse and exciting candy topping selection.

13. Fudgy Brownie Bits

Elevate your ice cream sundae with rich, fudgy brownie bits. You can easily make a warm hot fudge brownie sundae by serving generous chunks of these decadent treats. For ultimate convenience, try our easy one-bowl brownies. Alternatively, simply crumble cooled brownies into smaller pieces for an irresistible, chewy, and intensely chocolatey topping. The soft, cake-like texture of brownies creates a delightful contrast against the cold, creamy ice cream.

14. Edible Cookie Dough

For a truly indulgent and textural experience, offer edible cookie dough as a topping. This sweet and chewy addition is a dream come true for cookie dough lovers. You can easily find ready-made, safe-to-eat cookie dough in containers at most grocery stores, making it a convenient and delicious add-in. The soft, yielding texture and familiar sweet flavor of cookie dough pieces provide a comforting contrast to cold ice cream.

15. Melted Marshmallows

Transform your sundae with a gooey, sweet topping by melting marshmallows. This creates a warm, sticky, and incredibly yummy sauce, similar in texture to marshmallow fluff but with a distinct toasted flavor if lightly browned. It’s a fantastic choice for those who love s’mores or a classic hot fudge sundae with an extra layer of sweetness and a satisfyingly stretchy texture.

16. Fresh Cut Fruit

Add a healthy and refreshing element to your ice cream sundae bar with an assortment of fresh cut fruit. The natural sweetness and vibrant colors of fruit provide a beautiful contrast to rich ice cream. Consider dicing several options like juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, tangy pineapple, and crisp apples so everyone can choose their favorites. Sliced bananas are another perennially popular option, especially for classic banana splits, offering a soft texture and a mellow sweetness.

17. Mini Chocolate Chips

You can never go wrong with chocolate, and mini chocolate chips are a versatile and beloved ice cream topping. The ideas are truly endless for these tiny morsels, as they come in many delightful varieties. Some popular choices include classic semi-sweet chocolate chips, rich milk chocolate chips, creamy white chocolate chips, and sweet peanut butter chips. Butterscotch chips also offer a distinct, nostalgic flavor. Their small size means they disperse evenly, adding a pleasant crunch and intense flavor in every bite.

18. Mini Marshmallows

Beyond melted marshmallows, offering plain mini marshmallows provides a light, airy, and chewy textural component. These tiny, soft pillows are a delightful and classic ice cream topping, adding a subtle sweetness without overpowering other flavors. You can stick with traditional vanilla marshmallows or get creative by finding flavored varieties, such as peppermint for a festive touch during the holidays or fruit-flavored ones for a fun twist.

19. Creamy Nutella

For a truly indulgent and sophisticated topping, introduce creamy Nutella to your sundae bar. The rich, hazelnut-chocolate spread is incredibly versatile and adds a gourmet touch. Swirl Nutella directly into your ice cream for a marbled effect, or gently warm it slightly to create a luxurious drizzle that blankets your scoops. Its intense flavor and smooth, velvety texture make for a deeply satisfying and decadent treat that adults and kids alike will adore.

20. Decadent Peanut Butter Topping

Peanut butter enthusiasts will rejoice at the inclusion of a creamy peanut butter topping. This rich, sweet, and slightly salty sauce transforms any ice cream into a truly decadent experience. Homemade peanut butter topping is incredibly easy to prepare and offers a depth of flavor that complements chocolate, vanilla, and even banana ice creams perfectly. Its smooth texture creates a delightful contrast with crunchy toppings, making it a standout addition to your sundae bar.

Peanut butter ice cream topping

Peanut butter ice cream topping is creamy and decadent while being so easy to make. Turn ice cream into something amazing with this delicious homemade topping.

Peanut butter ice cream topping

21. Animal Crackers

For a whimsical and nostalgic topping idea, serve bowls of crunchy animal crackers. These delightful cookies offer a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with ice cream. You can choose classic plain animal crackers for a simple taste, chocolate-flavored ones for a richer experience, or the delightful ones coated in icing for extra sweetness and color. They’re a playful addition that adds a unique texture and appeals to all ages.

22. Cinnamon Graham Crackers

Add a warm, spiced sweetness and a delightful crunch to your sundaes with crumbled cinnamon graham crackers. This easy topping idea provides a comforting flavor reminiscent of s’mores or apple pie. Simply crush the crackers into varying sizes – from fine crumbs to larger bits – to offer different textures. The cinnamon notes are particularly excellent with vanilla, apple, or caramel-flavored ice creams, creating a cozy and inviting dessert experience.

23. Maraschino Cherries

No classic ice cream sundae is truly complete without the vibrant pop of a maraschino cherry on top! These bright red, sweet, and slightly tart cherries are an iconic finishing touch, adding a burst of color and a distinct flavor. They offer a juicy chewiness that contrasts nicely with creamy ice cream. While often seen as a garnish, they are undeniably an essential topping that signifies a perfectly assembled sundae, bringing a nostalgic charm to your dessert bar.

24. Cinnamon Sugar Blend

For an instant burst of warm, comforting flavor, a simple sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar is a surprisingly effective ice cream topping. This delightful blend adds a gentle spice and an extra layer of sweetness that works exceptionally well with plain or fruit-based ice creams. It’s perfect for those who enjoy churros, snickerdoodles, or apple pie, providing a familiar and appealing aroma and taste. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, saving you money while adding gourmet flair.

Cinnamon Sugar

Learn how to make cinnamon sugar at home and save a ton of money. Skip the store bought mixture and make this in minutes.

Cinnamon Sugar

25. Chocolate Covered Pretzels

For the perfect combination of sweet and salty, chocolate-covered pretzels are an outstanding ice cream topping. The crunchy, salty pretzel combined with the smooth, sweet chocolate creates an addictive contrast that enhances any sundae. You can easily purchase a bag of these delightful treats from the store for convenience, or try making them yourself with our simple homemade recipe for an extra special touch. Break them into smaller pieces for easier topping and enjoyment.

Setting Up the Perfect Ice Cream Bar

Creating an unforgettable ice cream sundae bar is all about presentation and variety. Here are some tips to make your DIY dessert station a smashing success:

• Choose Your Ice Cream Flavors Wisely: Offer a selection of 2-4 popular flavors to cater to different preferences. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are classic choices, but don’t shy away from unique options like mint chip or cookie dough.
• Presentation Matters: Arrange your toppings in small, attractive bowls or jars. Clear containers work best, allowing the vibrant colors of the toppings to shine through. Use small spoons or scoops for each topping to keep things hygienic and easy to serve.
• Label Everything: Especially if you have guests with allergies or specific dietary needs, clearly label each topping. This also helps guests quickly identify what’s available without having to ask.
• Keep it Cool (or Warm!): Place ice cream tubs in larger bowls filled with ice to prevent them from melting too quickly. For warm sauces like hot fudge or caramel, use small slow cookers or chafing dishes set to a low temperature to keep them perfectly gooey and inviting.
• Don’t Forget the Essentials: Beyond the toppings, ensure you have plenty of ice cream scoops, dessert bowls (waffle bowls are a fun alternative!), spoons, and napkins.
• Consider Themes: For parties, coordinate your toppings with a specific theme. A “chocolate lover’s” bar could feature all chocolate-based toppings, while a “fruit fantasy” bar could highlight fresh and saucy fruits.

With these tips and our incredible list of toppings, your ice cream bar will be the talk of the town!

Popular Ice Cream Flavors to Pair with Toppings

While toppings are the stars of the show, the foundation of any great sundae is, of course, the ice cream itself! A well-chosen ice cream flavor can perfectly complement and enhance the toppings you select. Here are some fantastic homemade ice cream recipes that serve as an ideal canvas for your sundae creations. From light and refreshing to rich and indulgent, these flavors offer incredible versatility and deliciousness, ensuring there’s a perfect scoop for every topping combination.

Explore all our easy homemade ice cream recipes to find your perfect base!

Creating your own ice cream sundae bar is more than just making dessert; it’s about crafting an experience filled with joy, creativity, and delicious indulgence. With this extensive list of the best ice cream sundae toppings, you have everything you need to build endless combinations, satisfying every craving and delighting every guest. Whether you prefer classic flavors or adventurous new pairings, the possibilities are limitless.

So, gather your favorite scoops, prepare these delightful toppings, and embark on a sweet journey. Give these ice cream toppings a try for a truly tasty treat that promises to bring smiles all around. We’d love to hear about your favorite combinations and creations! Please leave a comment once you try it. Happy sundae making!