101+ ice cream toppings perfect for cones and sundaes. The ultimate list of topping ideas for your ice cream sundae bar!

Ice Cream Toppings Header

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.

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.

Caramel Sauce on Vanilla 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. 

Chopped Chocolate Candies on Ice Cream

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 on Ice Cram

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.

Berries on Ice Cream

Canned or Fresh Fruit

  • 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

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. 

Boba Popping Pearls

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 on Ice Cream

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.

Brownies and Oreo Chunks on 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.

Variety of Cereals

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 on Ice Cream Sundae

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.

Mini Marshmallows on Chocolate Ice Cream

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 with Sprinkles and Cherry on Chocolate Ice Cream

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.

Rainbow Sprinkles on Ice Cream in Waffle Cone

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.

Fresh Cherries on Ice Cream in Bowl

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.

Variety of Ice Cream Flavors and Toppings Set Out for Ice Cream Sundae Bar

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:

  1. Set out delicious ice cream flavors, your favorite ice cream toppings from this list, bowls, spoons, and colorful napkins. You can find sundae bowls here in clear or fun colors.
  2. Arrange the toppings into groups of sauces and syrups, nuts, fresh fruits, candies, crumbled baked goods, sprinkles, whipped cream, and cherries.
  3. You can even add menu signs for different ice cream topping recipes. (Tasty options below!)

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)
Variety of Ice Cream Sundaes with Sauces and Toppings

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
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Ice Cream Toppings + Sundae Bar Tips

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101+ irresistible ice cream toppings to create the ultimate sundae bar—from classic to adventurous options.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

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

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

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

Canned or Fresh Fruit

  • 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

Chopped Nuts

  • Peanuts
  • Pecans
  • Walnuts
  • Pistachios
  • Almonds
  • Hazelnuts
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Cashews
  • Brazil nuts
  • Mixed nuts
  • Candied almonds

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

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

Cone Pieces

  • Sugar cones, chopped
  • Regular cone pieces
  • Waffle cones, chopped
  • Chocolate-dipped cone pieces
  • Sprinkle-coated cone bits
  • Waffle cone bites

Marshmallows

  • Mini marshmallows
  • Fruit-flavored marshmallows
  • Homemade marshmallows
  • Holiday shaped marshmallows
  • Chocolate-covered marshmallows
  • Chocolate, strawberry, or cinnamon stuffed marshmallows
  • Marshmallow creme
  • Marshmallow bits

Whipped Cream

  • Classic whipped cream
  • Homemade whipped cream
  • Cool whip
  • Chocolate whipped cream
  • Caramel-infused whipped cream

Sprinkles

  • Rainbow sprinkles
  • Chocolate sprinkles
  • Party-themed sprinkles
  • Holiday-themed sprinkles
  • Flaked coconut

Cherries on Top

  • Fresh cherries
  • Chocolate-covered cherries
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Cherry pie filling
  • Sour cherries

Instructions

  1. Set out a variety of ice cream flavors. Scoop for your guests or ask someone to help you scoop.
  2. Provide plastic bowls, spoons, and napkins for easy clean-up.
  3. Set out all the toppings in small bowls or ramekins, including a variety of toppings from the 101+ topping options above.
  4. Organize all the options into types of toppings—put all the sauces together, all nuts, candies, cereal, etc.
  5. Make sure everything is in order in which your guests will need them, for example: 1) bowls, spoons, napkins, 2) ice cream, 3) sauces, 4) toppings, 5) nuts, 6) whipped creams, and 7) cherries.
  6. Include menu cards for topping combinations guests can use to make their own sundaes. See combination recipes here!

Notes

  • Pick as many toppings as you’d like—this list is for inspiration.
  • Author: Kelsey Restemayer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
Ice Cream in Cones with Various Toppings

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!

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Ice Cream Toppings Perfect for a Sundae Bar!

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