DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar

This summer, instead of waiting for the telltale music of the ice cream truck, create a new tradition right in your own kitchen or backyard: a DIY sundae bar!

Chances are, the memory of the ice cream truck ambling along the street during summertime gives you all the happy feels. But this summer, instead of waiting around for the telltale music in the distance, create a smile-inducing tradition right in your own kitchen or backyard: a DIY sundae bar!

A Fun Summer Activity for Kids (and Adults!)

Big parties may not be in the forecast this summer, but a sundae bar is perfect even with just a few friends or close family. Since the set-up doesn’t require a ton of prep or planning, it’s ideal for last minute get-togethers or even a simple weeknight treat.

What You’ll Need

Setting up your DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar couldn’t be easier (and if your kids are craving an activity that’s fun and creative, they’ll love decorating the waffle cone bowls). Just grab a few of your favorite ice cream flavors, then gather all the toppings you can find. We provided a few tried and true topping ideas below, but remember, the rules are simple: there are no rules.

DIY Sundae Bar

serves 8

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Crystal Creamery butter
  • ⅔ cup milk chocolate chips
  • 8-12 waffle cone bowls
  • ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
  • 1 pint Crystal Creamery Heavy Cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 3 quarts Crystal Creamery Ice Cream
  • Variety of fruit or candy toppings (M&M’s, peanut butter cups, chopped peanuts, sprinkles, sliced bananas, fresh berries, mini gummy bears, mini cookies, maraschino cherries)
  • Variety of drizzles (hot fudge, caramel sauce, marshmallow fluff)

Directions

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate chips together in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until smooth. Dip rim of waffle bowls into chocolate, then dip into rainbow sprinkles. Set aside and allow to cool.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a large bowl or piping bag.

Arrange your Sundae Bar! Set out waffle bowls, whipped cream, ice cream and toppings. Let everyone build their own sundaes... and enjoy!

Give your Sundae Bar a Theme

Want to spice up your ice cream sundae bar? Try adding a theme:

  • S’mores Theme: Large and small marshmallows, chunks of chocolate, chocolate chips, graham cracker pieces, graham cracker “dust” and chocolate syrup. Make sure to put out our Limited Edition S’mores Ice Cream.
  • Red, White and Blue: Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, wafer cookies, strawberry syrup, maraschino cherries and whipped cream. Make sure to put out our Limited Edition Stars & Stripes Ice Cream.
  • Cookie, Cookie, Cookie: Large and small chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, circus animal cookies, wafer cookies, cookie “dust”, chocolate chips, chocolate and caramel syrup, and whipped cream. Make sure to put out our Cookies & Cream or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream.
  • Fresh & Flavorful: Variety of brightly colored fruits like strawberries, pineapple and mango. Rainbow sprinkles, gummy bears, maraschino cherries. Make sure to put out our Strawberry Ice Cream, Rainbow Sherbet or Orange Sherbet.

Get Creative With Your Own DIY Dessert Concepts

Use the idea of the sundae bar to create other fun adaptations — like a waffle ice cream sandwich bar. Or a toppings bar for No-Fry Fried Ice Cream. The possibilities are endless; put on your thinking caps and design some dreamy desserts...

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