12 Surprising Sundae Combinations Worth Trying

Sundaes have range. Toss them together in less than a minute—ice cream, something crunchy, a little sauce, done—or turn them into a full-blown production with homemade toppings, fresh fruit and a cake base that steals the show. Either way, the payoff is big. 

Though they feel nostalgic, sundaes are more versatile (and frankly, more elegant) than their reputation implies. Ever tried grilled peaches with rosé syrup over vanilla gelato, for example? They're also a stealth dinner party move. No one’s ever disappointed by a sundae bar, and you get to skip any fussy, bake-ahead dessert stress. 

Here are a few unexpected combos worth trying, whether you're scooping for one or serving a crowd.

1. Peanut Butter Ice Cream + Peanut Butter-Swirl Brownie Bites + Hot Fudge

All-in on peanut butter and chocolate? Us, too. Cube up peanut butter-swirl brownies, warm some hot fudge and let it all melt over a big scoop of peanut butter ice cream. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to take it up a notch.

2. Butter Pecan Ice Cream + Cornbread Cubes + Blackberry Compote

Think cornbread is just for chili? Think again. Toast leftover cornbread until crisp, then scatter it over butter pecan ice cream. Mash blackberries with some sugar and a pinch of salt, then spoon over the top. If you want to take it another step, add some candied pecans to play off the ice cream

3. Honey Ice Cream + Roasted Figs + Toasted Pine Nuts + Mint

For those who feel a sundae needs a grown-up twist, we offer this lightly sweet combination for when end-of-summer figs are in season. Toss them with some honey and roast until jammy, then spoon over honey ice cream and top with toasted pine nuts, mint leaves and a drizzle of any juices left in the baking pan. 

4. Strawberry Ice Cream + Dutch Donuts + Cardamom Whipped Cream

Fry up some Dutch donuts (oliebollen), tear them into chunks and pile them onto strawberry ice cream with a spoonful of cardamom-scented whipped cream. 

5. Vanilla Gelato + Grilled Peaches + Rosé Syrup

For your summer dinner parties, we recommend this easy yet elegant treat. Halve and grill oiled, sugared peaches until caramelized, then serve them warm over vanilla gelato with a rosé syrup. Get the full recipe deets here.

6. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream  + Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie + Whipped Cream + Flaky Sea Salt

If you’re into gilding the lily, this is the combo for you. Bake our classic skillet chocolate chip cookie in your 3.3 QT Hexclad Deep Sauté Pan. Let it cool and cut into cubes. Layer cookie dough ice cream and cubed cookies, then add a dollop of whipped cream and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

7. Ginger Ice Cream + Toasted Coconut + Crushed Gingersnaps + Lime Zest

Spicy and tropical in all the right ways: Pair with a dark 'n stormy. Top ginger ice cream with toasted coconut, crushed gingersnaps and a little lime zest to brighten things up. 

8. Frozen Yogurt + Olive Oil + Crushed Pistachios + Flaky Salt + Lemon Zest

Calling anyone who doesn’t want their sundae too sweet: Start with tart plain frozen yogurt, drizzle with good olive oil, sprinkle with crushed pistachios and flaky salt, then finish with lemon zest for a lift.

9. Coffee Ice Cream + Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks + Dulce de Leche

We’re channeling breakfast-for-dessert energy with this caffeinated creation. Fry up custardy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks, cut into cubes and pile on coffee ice cream with a spoonful of dulce de leche. 

10. Pistachio Ice Cream + Shortcake Biscuits + Fresh Strawberries + Whipped Cream

Everyone knows shortcake is so much better with a scoop of ice cream. Layer cubes of our Skillet Shortcake with pistachio ice cream (or strawberry ice cream if you want to double down), strawberries and a big spoonful of whipped cream.

11. Matcha Ice Cream + Mochi Pieces + Red Bean Swirl

We’re taking cues from our fave Japanese treats in this savory-sweet sundae. Simply top matcha ice cream with mochi pieces and a swirl of sweet red bean paste.

12. Coconut Ice Cream + Pineapple Chunks + Crushed Meringue + Whipped Cream

This is a sundae that feels like a vacation. Layer coconut ice cream with juicy pineapple, crumbled meringue and a cloud of whipped cream. Add a pour of rum if the mood strikes.

With these sundae funday ideas in your back pocket, you might be wondering why you’d make anything else for dessert ever again.