There’s something undeniably magical about an ice cream sundae — a dessert that’s as customizable as it is delicious.
Whether it’s a nostalgic treat from childhood or a sophisticated indulgence for adults, sundaes offer endless possibilities to combine flavors, textures, and toppings.
From classic hot fudge and caramel combinations to creative tropical and nutty variations, ice cream sundaes bring joy with every scoop.
In this collection of 26+ ice cream sundae dessert recipes, you’ll find inspiration for every craving and occasion.
Whether you prefer fruity freshness, rich chocolatey layers, or unique flavor twists like chai spice or maple bacon, these recipes deliver delightful treats that are perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or anytime you want a sweet pick-me-up.
Ready to build your next favorite sundae? Let’s dive in!
26+ Irresistible Ice Cream Sundae Dessert Recipes to Try Now
With over 26 ice cream sundae recipes to explore, you have plenty of delicious ideas to satisfy any sweet tooth.
From timeless classics to inventive flavor combos, these sundaes prove that creating a stunning, mouthwatering dessert at home is easier than you think.
So next time you’re craving a cool treat, grab your favorite ice cream and toppings and get ready to mix, match, and indulge.
classic hot fudge sundae
The classic hot fudge sundae is a timeless dessert favorite, featuring creamy vanilla ice cream topped with warm, rich hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top.
This sundae balances creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures, creating a comforting and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts (such as peanuts or walnuts)
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a bowl or sundae glass.
- Warm the hot fudge sauce slightly and drizzle generously over the ice cream.
- Add a generous swirl of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for crunch.
- Finish with a maraschino cherry.
This sundae is the ultimate indulgence for hot fudge lovers.
The combination of warm chocolate and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast, while the nuts add texture and depth.
tropical coconut sundae
The tropical coconut sundae is a refreshing and exotic treat that combines creamy coconut ice cream with fresh pineapple chunks, toasted coconut flakes, and a drizzle of passion fruit syrup.
This sundae offers a bright, fruity twist that’s perfect for warm weather or when you want to transport yourself to a tropical paradise.
Ingredients
- Coconut ice cream
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Passion fruit syrup or sauce
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop coconut ice cream into a bowl.
- Top with fresh pineapple chunks.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top.
- Drizzle passion fruit syrup for a tangy sweetness.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
This sundae balances creamy and fruity flavors with a tropical flair.
The passion fruit adds a bright acidity that complements the sweetness of coconut and pineapple beautifully.
peanut butter banana sundae
The peanut butter banana sundae is a rich and satisfying dessert that combines creamy vanilla ice cream with sliced bananas, warm peanut butter sauce, and crunchy chopped peanuts.
It’s a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavors with a luscious texture.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh banana slices
- Warm peanut butter sauce (peanut butter melted with a little coconut oil and maple syrup)
- Chopped peanuts
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a bowl.
- Arrange fresh banana slices on top.
- Drizzle warm peanut butter sauce generously over the bananas and ice cream.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts for crunch.
- Add whipped cream if desired.
This sundae delivers a perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors.
The warm peanut butter sauce contrasts nicely with the cold ice cream, making every bite decadent and comforting.
salted caramel brownie sundae
The salted caramel brownie sundae is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate brownies with creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce.
Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt, this sundae offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a delightful mix of textures.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fudgy chocolate brownie pieces
- Salted caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Place several brownie pieces in a bowl or sundae glass.
- Add scoops of vanilla ice cream over the brownies.
- Generously drizzle salted caramel sauce on top.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes.
This sundae is perfect for chocolate lovers who appreciate a sweet-salty twist. The soft brownies combined with cold ice cream and warm caramel create a luxurious dessert experience.
berry compote sundae
The berry compote sundae is a fresh and fruity dessert featuring a medley of warm berry compote layered over creamy vanilla ice cream, topped with crunchy granola and a dollop of whipped cream.
This sundae offers a harmonious blend of tart, sweet, and creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Mixed berry compote (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries cooked down with a bit of sugar)
- Granola
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Spoon berry compote into a bowl or glass.
- Add scoops of vanilla ice cream over the compote.
- Sprinkle granola on top for crunch.
- Finish with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
This sundae is a refreshing choice for those seeking a fruit-forward dessert.
The warm berries complement the cold ice cream beautifully, while the granola adds texture and a touch of nuttiness.
mocha almond sundae
The mocha almond sundae is a rich and energizing dessert combining coffee-flavored ice cream with chocolate sauce, crunchy toasted almonds, and whipped cream.
It’s a perfect treat for coffee lovers looking for a sweet pick-me-up with a delightful nutty crunch.
Ingredients
- Coffee ice cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Toasted almond slices
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Scoop coffee ice cream into a serving dish.
- Drizzle warm chocolate sauce generously over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle toasted almond slices on top.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream.
This sundae offers a perfect blend of bold coffee flavor, rich chocolate, and crunchy almonds.
The combination is both satisfying and indulgent, ideal for an afternoon treat or after-dinner dessert.
caramel apple sundae
The caramel apple sundae is a cozy, fall-inspired dessert that combines creamy vanilla ice cream with warm spiced apple compote and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce.
Topped with crunchy granola or chopped nuts, it’s a comforting treat perfect for cooler weather or anytime you want the flavors of apple pie in sundae form.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Warm spiced apple compote (apples cooked with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar)
- Caramel sauce
- Granola or chopped nuts
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Spoon warm spiced apple compote into a bowl or sundae glass.
- Add scoops of vanilla ice cream over the compote.
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously on top.
- Sprinkle granola or chopped nuts for crunch.
- Add whipped cream if desired.
This sundae perfectly captures the cozy flavors of autumn desserts, balancing warm fruit and caramel with cool, creamy ice cream and crunchy toppings.
tropical mango sundae
The tropical mango sundae is a bright and refreshing dessert that pairs creamy mango sorbet or ice cream with juicy fresh mango chunks and a drizzle of passion fruit syrup.
Finished with toasted coconut flakes, this sundae transports you to a sunny island getaway with every bite.
Ingredients
- Mango sorbet or mango-flavored ice cream
- Fresh mango chunks
- Passion fruit syrup or sauce
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop mango sorbet or ice cream into a bowl.
- Top with fresh mango chunks.
- Drizzle passion fruit syrup over the top.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for texture.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
This sundae offers a vibrant, fruity flavor explosion that’s both tropical and indulgent, perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave something bright and fresh.
chocolate peanut butter sundae
The chocolate peanut butter sundae is a rich and satisfying dessert combining creamy chocolate ice cream with swirls of peanut butter sauce, chopped peanuts, and whipped cream.
This classic flavor combo creates a decadent treat that’s sure to please any peanut butter and chocolate fan.
Ingredients
- Chocolate ice cream
- Peanut butter sauce (peanut butter warmed with a little coconut oil or syrup)
- Chopped peanuts
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Scoop chocolate ice cream into a serving dish.
- Drizzle peanut butter sauce generously over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for crunch.
- Add a swirl of whipped cream.
This sundae perfectly balances rich chocolate and salty-sweet peanut butter flavors, with crunchy peanuts adding texture and a satisfying finish.
black forest sundae
The black forest sundae is a decadent dessert inspired by the classic Black Forest cake. It features layers of chocolate ice cream, sweet cherry compote, and chunks of chocolate cake, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
This sundae perfectly blends fruity tartness with rich chocolate indulgence.
Ingredients
- Chocolate ice cream
- Cherry compote (fresh or canned cherries cooked down with sugar)
- Chocolate cake chunks
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Layer chocolate cake chunks in a sundae glass or bowl.
- Add scoops of chocolate ice cream over the cake.
- Spoon cherry compote on top.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
This sundae captures the essence of a Black Forest cake in a creamy, frozen treat, perfect for chocolate and cherry lovers alike.
peanut butter banana split sundae
The peanut butter banana split sundae is a fun twist on the classic banana split.
It combines scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream with sliced bananas, warm peanut butter sauce, and a variety of toppings like nuts, whipped cream, and cherries for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
- Vanilla and chocolate ice cream
- Fresh banana slices
- Warm peanut butter sauce
- Chopped nuts
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Arrange banana slices in a long dish or bowl.
- Place scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream between the banana slices.
- Drizzle warm peanut butter sauce over the ice cream and bananas.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and top with whipped cream.
- Finish with maraschino cherries.
This sundae offers a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors with a rich peanut butter twist, making it perfect for family gatherings or special treats.
tropical passion fruit sundae
The tropical passion fruit sundae is a vibrant and refreshing dessert featuring creamy passion fruit sorbet or ice cream topped with fresh tropical fruits like kiwi and mango, drizzled with honey or agave syrup, and finished with toasted coconut flakes.
It’s a perfect way to enjoy a taste of the tropics in sundae form.
Ingredients
- Passion fruit sorbet or ice cream
- Fresh kiwi slices
- Fresh mango chunks
- Honey or agave syrup
- Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Scoop passion fruit sorbet or ice cream into a bowl.
- Top with fresh kiwi slices and mango chunks.
- Drizzle honey or agave syrup over the fruit and ice cream.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top.
This sundae combines tangy and sweet tropical flavors with creamy texture and crunchy coconut, creating a refreshing dessert that’s ideal for warm weather or when you want something light and fruity.
cookie dough sundae
The cookie dough sundae is a rich and indulgent dessert combining creamy vanilla ice cream with chunks of edible cookie dough, hot fudge sauce, and whipped cream.
This sundae is perfect for cookie dough lovers looking for a decadent treat with a mix of textures.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Edible cookie dough chunks (made without eggs)
- Hot fudge sauce
- Whipped cream
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a bowl or sundae glass.
- Sprinkle edible cookie dough chunks generously over the ice cream.
- Drizzle warm hot fudge sauce on top.
- Add a swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle mini chocolate chips if desired.
This sundae is a dreamy treat that balances creamy ice cream with chewy cookie dough and warm chocolate, making every bite a delight for dessert lovers.
spiced chai sundae
The spiced chai sundae offers a unique flavor experience by combining chai-spiced ice cream with a drizzle of honey, crushed ginger snaps, and whipped cream.
This dessert is warm and comforting, perfect for those who enjoy aromatic spices and a cozy treat.
Ingredients
- Chai-spiced ice cream (or vanilla ice cream with chai spice mix)
- Honey
- Crushed ginger snap cookies
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Scoop chai-spiced ice cream into a serving bowl.
- Drizzle honey over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle crushed ginger snaps on top for crunch.
- Finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
This sundae beautifully blends spicy, sweet, and creamy elements, making it an elegant dessert choice for chilly days or special gatherings.
espresso almond sundae
The espresso almond sundae combines bold espresso-flavored ice cream with toasted almond slices, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream.
This sundae is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who crave a sweet yet invigorating dessert with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- Espresso ice cream
- Toasted almond slices
- Chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Scoop espresso ice cream into a bowl or glass.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup generously over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle toasted almond slices on top.
- Add whipped cream to finish.
This sundae delivers a delightful mix of robust coffee flavor, rich chocolate, and crunchy nuts, creating an indulgent yet balanced dessert experience.
honey lavender sundae
The honey lavender sundae is a delicate and fragrant dessert that pairs floral lavender-infused ice cream with a drizzle of honey and crunchy honeycomb pieces.
This sundae offers a sophisticated flavor profile perfect for those who enjoy unique and elegant treats.
Ingredients
- Lavender ice cream (or vanilla ice cream with lavender extract)
- Honey
- Crushed honeycomb candy or toffee bits
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop lavender ice cream into a serving bowl.
- Drizzle honey generously over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle crushed honeycomb candy on top for a delightful crunch.
- Add whipped cream if desired.
This sundae balances floral notes with natural sweetness and crunchy texture, creating a memorable dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or relaxing afternoons.
toasted marshmallow sundae
The toasted marshmallow sundae captures the cozy flavors of a campfire treat by combining vanilla ice cream with toasted marshmallows, chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumbs.
This dessert is nostalgic and comforting, ideal for gatherings and chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate sauce
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Toast mini marshmallows lightly using a kitchen torch or under the broiler.
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a bowl or glass.
- Top with toasted marshmallows, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs.
- Finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
This sundae evokes the flavors of s’mores in a creamy and indulgent form, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
pistachio rose sundae
The pistachio rose sundae is an elegant dessert featuring pistachio ice cream infused with rose water, topped with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of rose syrup.
This sundae is fragrant, nutty, and visually stunning, ideal for celebrations or a fancy treat.
Ingredients
- Pistachio ice cream
- Rose water or rose syrup
- Crushed pistachios
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop pistachio ice cream into a serving dish.
- Drizzle rose syrup or a few drops of rose water over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for crunch and color.
- Add whipped cream if desired.
This sundae combines floral and nutty flavors with creamy texture, creating a sophisticated and delightful dessert experience.
mango sticky rice sundae
The mango sticky rice sundae is a delightful fusion dessert inspired by the classic Thai treat.
It features creamy coconut ice cream topped with sweet mango slices, sticky rice, and a drizzle of coconut sauce, offering a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- Coconut ice cream
- Sweet sticky rice (cooked and cooled)
- Fresh mango slices
- Coconut sauce or condensed coconut milk
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop coconut ice cream into a bowl or sundae glass.
- Add a spoonful of sweet sticky rice on top.
- Arrange fresh mango slices around the ice cream.
- Drizzle with coconut sauce.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds if desired.
This sundae transforms a beloved traditional dessert into a refreshing frozen treat that celebrates tropical flavors and creamy indulgence.
cinnamon apple crumble sundae
The cinnamon apple crumble sundae combines warm spiced apple compote with vanilla ice cream and a crunchy crumble topping.
This comforting dessert offers a wonderful contrast of hot and cold textures and cozy autumn flavors.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Warm cinnamon-spiced apple compote
- Crumble topping (made from oats, flour, brown sugar, and dairy-free butter)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Spoon warm apple compote into a serving dish.
- Add scoops of vanilla ice cream over the compote.
- Sprinkle crumble topping generously on top.
- Add whipped cream if desired.
This sundae is like apple pie a la mode in sundae form, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a comforting, fruity dessert.
espresso caramel sundae
The espresso caramel sundae offers bold coffee flavors paired with creamy vanilla ice cream and a luscious caramel drizzle.
Topped with crushed espresso beans or coffee-flavored chocolate, it’s a sophisticated treat for coffee lovers.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- Caramel sauce
- Crushed espresso beans or coffee-flavored chocolate (optional)
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a bowl.
- Pour a shot of cooled espresso over the ice cream.
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously on top.
- Sprinkle crushed espresso beans or coffee chocolate if desired.
- Finish with whipped cream.
This sundae blends rich coffee and sweet caramel with creamy ice cream, creating a perfect dessert for energizing your taste buds.
banana foster sundae
The banana foster sundae is a decadent dessert inspired by the classic New Orleans treat.
It features caramelized bananas sautéed in butter and brown sugar, served over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of rum-infused caramel sauce.
This sundae offers warm, buttery sweetness balanced by cool, creamy ice cream.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Bananas
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Dark rum (optional)
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
- Add sliced bananas and cook until caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in a splash of dark rum, if using.
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a bowl.
- Spoon caramelized bananas over the ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with whipped cream.
This sundae combines warm, rich flavors with creamy ice cream, creating an indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions or cozy nights.
cherry almond sundae
The cherry almond sundae offers a delightful combination of tart cherries, creamy almond-flavored ice cream, and crunchy almond slices.
Topped with whipped cream and a cherry on top, this sundae is both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Almond ice cream
- Cherry compote or fresh cherries
- Sliced almonds
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherry (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop almond ice cream into a serving dish.
- Spoon cherry compote or fresh cherries over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for crunch.
- Add whipped cream and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
This sundae balances nutty and fruity flavors with creamy texture, making it a perfect treat for any season.
peanut butter chocolate chip sundae
The peanut butter chocolate chip sundae is a rich and satisfying dessert featuring creamy peanut butter ice cream studded with chocolate chips, drizzled with chocolate sauce, and topped with whipped cream and chopped peanuts.
It’s a delightful combination for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter ice cream
- Chocolate chips
- Chocolate sauce
- Chopped peanuts
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Scoop peanut butter ice cream into a bowl or glass.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the ice cream.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce generously on top.
- Add chopped peanuts for crunch.
- Finish with a swirl of whipped cream.
This sundae combines creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate, and crunchy nuts for a decadent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
toasted pecan praline sundae
The toasted pecan praline sundae is a rich and nutty dessert featuring creamy vanilla ice cream topped with warm praline sauce and crunchy toasted pecans.
This sundae offers a delightful combination of sweet, buttery flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Praline sauce (made from brown sugar, butter, and cream)
- Toasted pecans
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a serving bowl or glass.
- Warm praline sauce and drizzle generously over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans on top.
- Add whipped cream to finish.
This sundae is perfect for those who love the rich, caramelized flavors of pralines combined with creamy ice cream and crunchy nuts—a truly indulgent treat.
blueberry cheesecake sundae
The blueberry cheesecake sundae combines creamy cheesecake-flavored ice cream with sweet blueberry compote and graham cracker crumbs.
Topped with whipped cream, this sundae is a refreshing and tangy dessert that satisfies cheesecake cravings without the fuss of baking.
Ingredients
- Cheesecake-flavored ice cream
- Blueberry compote (fresh or frozen blueberries cooked with sugar)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Scoop cheesecake ice cream into a bowl or sundae glass.
- Spoon blueberry compote over the ice cream.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top for texture.
- Add whipped cream to finish.
This sundae captures the essence of blueberry cheesecake in a quick and easy frozen dessert, perfect for summer or any time you want a fruity, creamy treat.
Conclusion
Ice cream sundaes are a playground for creativity, allowing you to experiment with flavors, textures, and toppings to craft desserts that are truly your own. This collection of 26+ recipes offers endless inspiration to make each sundae a unique experience, whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself. Don’t be afraid to get inventive—sometimes the best sundaes come from trying something new.