101+ ice cream toppings perfect for cones and sundaes. The ultimate list of topping ideas for your ice cream sundae bar!
We all love a good bowl of ice cream. But you know what makes this classic dessert even more awesome? Toppings! We’ve rounded up over 100 fantastic ice cream toppings to make the most delicious sundaes.
Whether you’re a fan of classic toppings like sprinkles and hot fudge or want to try something new, like popping pearls or crunchy cereal, we have plenty of ideas for everyone.
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This list of toppings is also perfect to reference when throwing an ice cream sundae party. Simply gather a variety of ice cream flavors and your favorite toppings to make a dessert bar everyone will love!
101+ Ice Cream Topping Ideas
Time to dig in! Here is the ultimate list of topping ideas for ice cream.
Syrups and Sauces
- Hot fudge sauce
- Caramel syrup
- Salted caramel sauce
- Chocolate sauce or syrup
- Strawberry sauce
- Pineapple sauce
- Butterscotch syrup
- Peanut butter sauce
- Magic Shell topping
- Honey drizzle
- Flavored honey whip
- Marshmallow creme
Syrups and sauces add delicious flavor and a gooey texture. They’re a must-have for ice cream sundaes, whether you prefer traditional choices like chocolate or caramel or something different like fruit sauces or honey whip.
Candies & Gummies
- M&Ms – plain, peanut, peanut butter
- Mini M&Ms
- Skittles
- Reese’s pieces
- Peanut butter cups, chopped
- Milky Way or Snickers bar chunks
- Kit Kat pieces
- Health bars, chopped
- Gummy bears
- Gummy worms
- Chocolate-covered coffee beans
- Chocolate-covered raisins or craisins
- Crushed Butterfinger
- Jelly beans
- Sour patch kids
Candies and gummies make awesome ice cream toppings—their vibrant colors and variety of flavors add an exciting visual and taste to your dessert. Mixing in these fun, colorful candies make every spoonful enjoyable.
Chocolate Chips
- Milk chocolate chips
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Dark chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
- Peanut butter chips
- Peppermint crunch chips
- Mint chocolate chips
- Espresso chocolate chips
Chocolate chips add a rich flavor and a delightful crunch to sundaes. Whether you choose classic milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips, you are in for a treat when adding these little morsels.
Canned or Fresh Fruit
Canned and fresh fruit make wonderful ice cream toppings because they bring natural sweetness and a juicy texture to every bite. Whether you opt for sliced strawberries, chunks of pineapple, or a dollop of mixed berry compote, these toppings provide a delicious and wholesome option to customize your dessert.
- Sliced strawberries
- Kiwi, diced
- Blueberries
- Fresh pineapple, chopped
- Banana slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Maraschino cherries
- Ripe mango slices
- Fruit compote
- Canned fruit cocktail
- Fruit pie filling – apple, cherry, blueberry, peach
Popping Pearls
- Strawberry popping pearls
- Kiwi popping pearls
- Lychee popping pearls
- Watermelon popping pearls
- Mango popping pearls
- Blueberry popping pearls
- Passion fruit popping pearls
- Green apple popping pearls
- Peach popping pearls
- Raspberry popping pearls
- Coconut popping pearls
Boba popping pearls are small, translucent spheres typically made from fruit juice or other flavored liquids. Encased in a thin, gel-like membrane, these pearls burst with flavor when bitten, adding an element of fun surprise to your sundae.
Chopped Nuts
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Cashews
- Brazil nuts
- Mixed nuts
- Candied almonds
Chopped or crushed nuts provide a satisfying crunch and a hearty flavor. Whether you prefer classic choices like chopped peanuts, almonds, or something more exotic like pistachios, they add a nice contrast to the smooth texture of the ice cream.
Baked Goods
- Brownie pieces
- Mint brownies
- Pound cake chunks
- Crumbled rice crispy bars
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate chip cookies, chopped
- Cookie dough pieces
- Cheesecake bites
- Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry wafers
- Crushed Oreos
- Pretzels
- Crushed biscotti
- Cinnamon sugar churro bites
- Cake crumbles
- Shortbread cookie pieces
- Scone crumbles
- Pie crust crumbles
- Rolled wafers
- Chocolate crunch
Perhaps the most indulgent ice cream topping: baked goods. Whether it’s chunks of brownie, pieces of cookie, or crumbled cake—baked treats really take ice cream to another level.
Cereal
- Fruit Loops
- Granola clusters
- Cookie Crisp
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch
- Frosted Flakes
- Fruity Pebbles
- Cocoa Puffs
- Honey Nut Cheerios
- Rice Krispies
- Cap’n Crunch
- Lucky Charms
- Choco Crispies
- Puppy chow
Cereals make excellent ice cream toppings, offering a playful crunch and a nostalgic twist. From classic cornflakes to adventurous fruit loops, they provide an enjoyable texture that perfectly complements the creaminess of the ice cream.
Cone Pieces
- Sugar cones, chopped
- Regular cone pieces
- Waffle cones, chopped
- Chocolate-dipped cone pieces
- Sprinkle-coated cone bits
- Waffle cone bites
Cone pieces offer a crispy and familiar element to ice cream sundaes. Whether you go for waffle cone bits or crushed sugar cone pieces, they add a delightful and satisfying crunch.
Marshmallows
- Mini marshmallows
- Fruit-flavored marshmallows
- Homemade marshmallows
- Holiday shaped marshmallows
- Chocolate-covered marshmallows
- Chocolate, strawberry, or cinnamon stuffed marshmallows
- Marshmallow creme
- Marshmallow bits
Marshmallows, now in a variety of fun options like fruit-flavored and chocolate stuffed, are a fantastic ice cream topping. They introduce a playful texture and a delightful burst of sugary goodness to each spoonful.
Whipped Cream
- Classic whipped cream
- Homemade whipped cream
- Cool whip
- Chocolate whipped cream
- Caramel-infused whipped cream
Whipped cream is like the trusty sidekick of ice cream. It’s a must-have classic topping that adds a creamy, airy sweetness. You can opt for traditional whipped cream or flavored variations like chocolate or caramel.
Sprinkles
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Party-themed sprinkles
- Holiday-themed sprinkles
- Flaked coconut
Sprinkles are a fantastic ice cream topping because they add a playful and colorful crunch to your dessert. Whether you choose classic rainbow sprinkles or more themed options, they bring a cheerful appeal that you can customize for any occasion.
Cherries on Top
- Fresh cherries
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate-covered cherries
- Cherry pie filling
- Sour cherries
What is an ice cream sundae without the cherry on top? Maraschino cherries and fresh cherries are traditional options. You can also get more adventurous with pie filling or chocolate-covered cherries.
How to Set Up an Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Setting up a spread of toppings and different flavors of cream for a sundae bar makes for the ultimate party dessert. Perfect for summer birthday parties and barbecues. Here are a few tips on how to easily set up a sundae bar:
Gather The Essentials
To start, make sure you have all the necessary items. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ice Cream: Offer a variety of flavors (e.g., vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, cookie dough). Consider having dairy-free or low-sugar options for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Toppings: Provide a range of options to cater to different tastes – we like a mix of classic and unique toppings. Here are some ideas:
- Bowls and Spoons: Make sure you have enough bowls and spoons for everyone. You can find sundae bowls here in clear or fun colors.
- Serving Utensils: Ice cream scoops, tongs for fruit, and spoons for toppings. Squeeze bottles are great for sauces for easy serving and less mess.
- Napkins: Ice cream can get messy, so have plenty of colorful napkins on hand.
- Optional Menu signs: for different ice cream toppings or topping combinations.
Set Up Your Sundae Station
Creating an inviting and functional setup is key:
- Choose a Location: Pick a spot that’s easily accessible for everyone, like a kitchen counter or a large table. Make sure it’s spacious enough for all your items.
- Keep Ice Cream Cold: Use a cooler with ice or an insulated container to prevent melting.
- Arrange the Toppings: Lay out the toppings in bowls or jars, with serving spoons or tongs for each. Group similar toppings together for easy access (e.g., all the candies in one area, fruits in another).
- Create a Flow: Arrange everything in a logical order so guests can move from one end to the other without backtracking. Start with bowls, spoons and napkins, then ice cream, followed by toppings and sauces.
- Label Everything: Small signs can help guests identify each topping, especially useful for those with dietary restrictions.
Extras
- Decorate: Add some fun decorations around your sundae bar to make it festive. Think balloons, banners, or themed tablecloths.
- Encourage Creativity: Provide a few example sundaes to inspire your guests, or set up a small sign with some flavor combination ideas.
Enjoy the Fun!
- Let your guests have fun building their own sundaes, and enjoy the delicious combinations they create.
- Monitor and Refill: Keep an eye on the station and refill items as needed to ensure everyone gets to enjoy the full range of toppings.
With these simple steps and tips, your ice cream sundae bar is sure to be a sweet success!
Favorite Supplies for Making Sundaes
- Ice Cream Scoop
- Glass Dessert Bowls
- Plastic Sundae Bowls for Larger Gatherings
Occasions Perfect for a Sundae Bar
Although we think anytime is a good time for ice cream, here are a few occasions you can make extra special with an ice cream cone or sundae bar.
- Birthday parties
- Summer BBQs
- Family reunions
- Graduation celebrations
- Bridal or baby showers or sprinkles
- Office potlucks
- Picnics
- Movie nights at home
- Holiday gatherings (e.g., Fourth of July, Memorial Day)
Ice Cream Topping Combination Recipes
Whether you’re a fan of the traditional sundae toppings or eager to experiment with something new, here’s a list of mouthwatering combinations to try.
Classic Sundae Bliss
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate syrup
- Chopped nuts
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherry
Tropical Paradise
- Coconut ice cream
- Pineapple sauce
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Macadamia nuts
- Drizzle of caramel sauce
Berrylicious Delight
- Strawberry ice cream
- Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Granola clusters
- Whipped cream
Chocolate Lover’s Dream
- Chocolate ice cream
- Brownie chunks
- Chocolate chips
- Chocolate sauce
- Crushed Oreos
Fruity Fusion
- Mango sorbet
- Fresh kiwi slices
- Popping pearls
- Fruity cereal
Caramel Crunch Supreme
- Salted caramel ice cream
- Crushed pretzels
- Toffee bits
- Whipped cream
- Drizzle of salted caramel sauce
Coffee and Cream
- Coffee ice cream
- Crushed biscotti
- Chocolate-covered espresso beans
- Dollop of whipped cream
Bananas About Butterscotch
- Vanilla ice cream
- Butterscotch syrup
- Sliced bananas
- Marshmallow creme
- Chopped peanuts
- Whipped cream
Spiced Apple Pie Parfait
- Cinnamon ice cream
- Apple pie filling
- Granola
- Whipped cream
Cool Mint Delight
- Mint chocolate chip ice cream
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Chopped peanuts
- Drizzle of chocolate sauce
Printable Toppings List
Download this huge list of ice cream toppings to keep on hand for easy reference. Plus, we’ve included a guide on how to create the ultimate sundae bar for parties or special occasions.
Sign up for this Subscriber Exclusive Freebie. You’ll get this awesome toppings list and sundae bar guide as a thank you for joining our email list. Please note you’ll get an email asking you to confirm & once you confirm, you’ll receive a separate email with the freebie.
Final Thoughts on Ice Cream Toppings
And there you have it, over 100 ice cream topping ideas! From the classic chocolate drizzle to the adventurous boba popping pearls, you can mix and match to create the ultimate customized sundae. Don’t forget to save this list for the next time you host an ice cream party!
More Delicious Topping Ideas
- Banana Split Toppings
- Crunchy Salad Toppings
- Chili Toppings
- Bratwurst Toppings
- Nacho Toppings
- Pancake Toppings
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