Set up an unforgettable dessert bar with a wide selection of ice cream toppings. With the right sauces, crunches and fresh additions, your sundaes will reach a whole new level of delicious.
Ice cream, gelato, sorbet or frozen yogurt — any frozen treat is a great canvas for toppings. The right extras transform a simple scoop into a memorable dessert.
Toppings range from silky sauces and chopped candies to fresh fruit and baked crumbs. Below are ideas and tips to help you create an irresistible ice cream sundae bar or simply upgrade an at-home bowl.
Best Ice Creams for Toppings
If you plan to load up on toppings, start with a smooth, uncomplicated base. Plain or lightly flavored ice creams let toppings shine and keep textures balanced. Classic choices include:
- Vanilla — a neutral base that pairs with almost any topping.
- Chocolate — rich and familiar, a great partner for caramel, nuts or fruit.
- Salted caramel — adds a sweet-salty note that complements crunchy or fruity toppings.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
An ice cream sundae bar is a fun, interactive dessert option for parties. Gather a few ice cream flavors and a variety of toppings, set them out buffet-style, and let guests build their own creations. It’s ideal for birthdays, cookouts, housewarmings or any casual gathering.
Essentials for a successful sundae bar:
- Ice cream: Offer two to three flavors. Include a classic (vanilla or chocolate) and one or two more adventurous options like strawberry or peanut butter.
- Serving ware: Provide cones (waffle or sugar), bowls, spoons and plenty of napkins.
- Syrups and sauces: Have at least one chocolate or caramel option plus a fruit syrup like strawberry.
- Toppings: Offer a mix of cookies, candies, nuts and sprinkles so guests can customize textures and flavors.
- Fruit: Bananas are essential for banana splits; other fresh or stewed fruit add brightness.
Ice Cream Toppings
Ice cream is delightful on its own, but toppings let you customize every bite. From crunchy granola to gooey caramel, here are decadent ideas to try the next time you scoop a bowl.
Homemade Whipped Cream
Freshly whipped cream lightens each spoonful and pairs beautifully with fruit or chocolate-based sundaes.
Oat Topping
A buttery oat crumble adds a warm, toasty crunch that works especially well with fruit- or caramel-forward ice creams.
Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce
A rich spiced caramel brings depth and a sophisticated flavor to simple scoops.
Streusel Topping
Brown-sugar streusel adds a buttery, crumbly texture that’s delicious over warm fruit and cold ice cream alike.
Granola
Sweet-and-salty granola provides a hearty crunch and bright flavors from oats, nuts and dried fruit.
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Soft, gooey cookies can be crumbled on top or used as a base to create a cookie-and-cream inspired sundae.
Cinnamon Cookies
Warm cinnamon flavors and crunchy sugar topping make these a cozy addition to vanilla or caramel ice cream.
Strawberry Syrup
A simple fruit syrup brightens creamy textures and adds a fresh, jammy finish to sundaes.
Homemade Chocolate Syrup
A rich chocolate sauce, homemade or store-bought, is a classic that pairs with nearly every flavor.
Sourdough Brownies
Dense, fudgy brownies add an indulgent chocolate element when chopped and scattered over scoops.
More Ice Cream Toppings
There are countless toppings to experiment with. Below are ideas sorted by category to help you plan your next sundae.
Sauces
Syrups and sauces add shine and flavor. Try these options:
- Hot fudge sauce
- Chocolate syrup
- Caramel sauce
- Strawberry sauce
- Melted peanut butter
- Melted Nutella
- Jam or preserves
- Simple syrup
- Magic Shell
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Fruit
Fresh or cooked fruit brings brightness and acidity to balance rich ice cream. Ideas include:
- Bananas (great for splits)
- Fresh cherries
- Maraschino cherries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Stewed apples
Candy
Small candies and confections add fun textures and bursts of flavor:
- Snickers bars
- Reese’s cups
- M&M’s
- Twix bars
- Chocolate chips
- Peanut butter chips
- Gummy bears or worms
- Marshmallows
- Boba
- Toffee
- Graham crackers
Baked Goods
Crumble or layer baked treats for added heft and comfort:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Brownies
- Oreos, whole or crushed
- Pretzels
- Cake or cupcakes
- Waffle cone pieces
- Waffles
- Pecan pie bars
Other toppings
Finish sundaes with these complementary touches:
- Chopped peanuts
- Whipped cream
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Nonpareils
- A splash of liqueur (optional, for adult sundaes)
- Granola
- Cereal
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Pistachios
What would you add to this list? Share your favorite toppings and combos to inspire others.