WHAT’S FOR CELEBRATING?
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Array/5
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
20 min
SERVINGS
Create a fun and easy Ice Cream Sundae Bar right at home that’s perfect for birthdays, backyard parties, or just a sweet treat at home! With a few flavors of ice cream and a colorful spread of toppings, everyone can build their own unique sundae. Using a cupcake tin to display toppings keeps everything neat, organized, and way less messy, so you can actually enjoy the party too!
There’s just something about making your own ice cream sundae that makes people light up no matter how old they are. I’ve set up a lot of sundae bars over the years. It’s the kind of dessert that gets everyone involved and makes serving a crowd so much easier too. Plus, with a few easy tricks (like using a cupcake tin for toppings), it stays organized and way less messy than you might think!
It’s one of my favorite ways to celebrate birthdays, BBQs, family nights, and even just the fact that it’s Friday. It doesn’t have to be fancy or over-the-top to be a total hit, a few good flavors, a handful of toppings, and you’re ready for a party!
Ice Cream Sundae Bar Ideas
You don’t need a hundred options, but offering a fun variety makes it feel extra special. I usually set out two or three classic ice cream flavors so there’s something for everyone. Vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream are always a hit, but you could also add flavors like strawberry, mint chocolate chip, or marshmallow fluff if you want a few more choices.
When it comes to toppings, the more colorful and mix-and-matchable, the better! Here are my favorite ideas ideas to mix and match for the perfect sundae spread:
Candy toppings: m&ms, reese’s peanut butter cups, gummy bears, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), butterfinger pieces, crushed oreos, skittles, mini york peppermint patties, twix bars , sour patch kids
Crunchy toppings: chopped peanuts, crushed toffee bits, graham cracker crumbs, waffle cone pieces, pretzel pieces, crushed nilla wafers, toasted coconut flakes, crushed almonds, crushed walnuts, cereal pieces (like fruity pebbles or cap’n crunch)
Sauces: hot fudge, caramel sauce, strawberry syrup, chocolate syrup, peanut butter sauce, marshmallow fluff, butterscotch sauce, raspberry sauce
Extras: whipped cream, maraschino cherries, fresh strawberries, fresh bananas, sprinkles (rainbow or chocolate), shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, cinnamon sugar dusting
Step By Step Instructions: How To Set Up An Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Set up the ice cream: Place your pints or tubs of ice cream on the table along with ice cream scoops. If possible, keep the ice cream cold by setting the containers in a larger tub filled with ice.
Prepare the toppings: Use a cupcake tin or small bowls to organize all your toppings. Add a small spoon to each section or bowl to make it easy for guests to serve themselves without making a mess.
Display the sauces: Pour hot fudge, caramel sauce, marshmallow fluff, or other syrups into small glass jars. Arrange the jars in a decorative basket or tray to keep the setup neat and easy to find.
Get your essentials ready: Set out plenty of bowls, spoons, and napkins next to the ice cream and toppings station. Having everything close by helps the line move faster and keeps things organized.
Make serving even easier: Pre-scoop the ice cream into individual balls and freeze them on a tray ahead of time. Guests can grab a scoop and start building their sundae without waiting for the ice cream to soften.
Tips to Keep Your Sundae Bar Organized
Label your toppings. Use small labels, mini chalkboards, or printable tags to name each topping. This makes it easier for guests to find what they like without opening every container, and it adds a fun, festive touch!
Set out an extra trash can. Having a visible spot for trash nearby keeps your sundae bar area clean and makes it easy for guests to toss wrappers, used spoons, or napkins.
Keep the flow moving. Arrange the ice cream first, then toppings, then sauces at the end. Setting up the bar in a logical order sends everyone moving through the line.
Don’t overcomplicate it. It’s tempting to offer every topping under the sun, but sticking to a handful of classic favorites keeps choices simple and the table neat. Plus, it makes setting up (and cleaning up) a lot faster for you!
What To Do With Leftovers
Ice cream: If the ice cream is still cold and hasn’t melted much, you can safely put it back in the freezer. Cover opened tubs tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to help prevent freezer burn. If the ice cream has melted significantly and softened into liquid, it’s best to throw it away.
Candy toppings: Toppings that stayed dry and weren’t handled too much can be saved in airtight containers or bags for another day. If the candy has become sticky, clumped together, or looks wet from the ice cream, go ahead and toss it.
Crunchy toppings: Dry toppings like nuts, pretzel pieces, graham cracker crumbs, or cereal can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature. Any crunchy toppings that feel soft, soggy, or were exposed to moisture should be thrown away.
Sauces: If sauces were poured into clean jars and stayed protected, you can refrigerate them and reheat when needed. Hot fudge, caramel, and marshmallow fluff usually keep well for a few weeks. If a sauce looks separated, grainy, or has been sitting out too long, throw it away.
Fresh fruit: Fresh fruit toppings should be tossed if they sat out for more than two hours, especially if they’ve started to look soft or brown.
Whipped cream and extras: Canned whipped cream should go back into the fridge right after serving unless they sat out for hours. Sprinkles, shredded coconut, and other dry extras can be saved if they stayed clean and dry.
FAQ
How much ice cream should I buy for a sundae bar?
Plan for about ½ cup to 1 cup of ice cream per person, depending on how many toppings you’re offering and whether it’s the main dessert or part of a bigger spread.
How do you keep ice cream cold during a party?
Place ice cream tubs or bowls into a larger container filled with ice to help them stay cold longer. You can also pre-scoop the ice cream onto a tray and keep it in the freezer until serving time.
What’s the best way to serve toppings for an ice cream sundae bar?
Use a cupcake tin, small bowls, or divided trays to organize toppings neatly with small spoons for easy scooping.
Can I make an ice cream sundae bar ahead of time?
You can prep most of it ahead by chopping candies, organizing toppings, setting out jars for sauces, and pre-scooping ice cream. Assemble everything just before serving to keep it cold and fresh.
How long can an ice cream sundae bar sit out?
For food safety, try to keep everything out for no more than two hours, especially if you’re serving fresh fruits or homemade sauces.
How many toppings should I offer?
About 6 to 10 toppings are plenty! A mix of candy, crunch, sauces, and fruit keeps everyone happy without feeling overwhelming.
If you love entertaining and putting out ingredients so guest can make their own creations, then try making a homemade Mashed Potato Bar or Ice Cream Cereal Bar at your next gathering!
Print
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Fun and easy ice cream sundae bar for everyone to enjoy! Using a cupcake tin to display and serve all the toppings is a perfect way to take stress away from an ice cream sundae bar! Fun way to make ice cream special!
Ingredients
Ice Cream- any or several flavors
Toppings
Sprinkles
Chopped Nuts
Reese Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Marshmallows
Butterfingers, chopped
M&Ms
Chocolate Chips
Gummy Bears
Toffee
Graham Crackers
Maraschino Cherries
Instructions
- Set out your pints of ice cream flavors with scoops. Bowls, spoons and napkins too.
- Take a cupcake tin and pour a little of each topping in each tin. Add spoons to dish up your toppings.
- Don’t forget to have some toppings like hot fudge, caramel and marshmallow fluff!
- So easy to put together. Not only is it pretty and fun, but keeps everything organized, less mess and allows guests to see all the options.
Notes
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