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Authentic Sundae Recipe United States of America, North America

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We strongly advise you to read the cooking tips before jumping to the recipe though

Introduction & history

A sundae is a delectable cold dessert made with ice cream and various toppings, such as syrups, whipped cream, nuts, and fresh fruit. The dessert is prepared by simply topping store-bought or homemade ice cream with the desired toppings. A standard version of the dish includes vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, flavored syrup (such as chocolate, cherry, strawberry, and other), and a maraschino cherry. Hot fudge sundae, created by heating the flavored syrup before drizzling it over the ice cream, is a sundae variation usually made with chocolate, caramel, or butterscotch sauce. Brownie sundae is made by garnishing some brownies with vanilla ice cream, syrup, and occasionally some other sundae toppings. The sundae is served frozen, as a dessert. 

Cooking tips

  • ice cream

    If you decide to buy the ice cream, make sure to pick a good quality kind. The traditional sundaes usually include vanilla ice cream, but other flavors, such as chocolate or strawberry, also work well. Whichever flavor you choose, make sure to pair it nicely with the syrups and other toppings. For a completely homemade dessert, make the ice cream from scratch.
  • toppings

    Besides the traditional syrups, such as chocolate, strawberry, or cherry, there are numerous options to choose from when assembling a sundae. Try caramel or peanut butter sauce, or go for a berry compote. Other common toppings include whipped cream, nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, and fresh fruit. Get creative and use crushed cookies, brownies, dried fruit, or candy.
  • serving

    The traditional version of the dessert is served in a tulip-shaped, footed glass cup. You can also use ice cream bowls, mason jars, or any other kind of dish appropriate to hold the ice cream and the toppings.

Recipe variations

Cherry Sundae

PREP 10min

COOK 10min

RESTING 2h

READY IN 2h 20min

4.4

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The following recipe for a classic cherry sundae is adapted from the Boston Globe website (www.bostonglobe.com). If cherries are not in season, use store-bought maraschino cherries instead. 

 

Ingredients

4 Servings

Cherry Sundae

FOR THE CHERRIES

3 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tsp cornstarch

½ cup (120 ml) cold water

¾ lb (335g) sweet cherries, pitted

2 tsp kirsch

1 tsp lemon juice

FOR THE SUNDAES

1 pint (470 ml) vanilla ice cream

½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, softly whipped with 1 tbsp confectioners' sugar

2 tbsp roasted salted almonds, coarsely chopped

4 sweet cherries, with stems

Preparation

1

Cherry Sundae

Step 1/4

Whip sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan, then bring the blend to a boil over a medium-high flame, stirring regularly.

Step 2/4

Add the cherries and simmer for about 7 minutes, or until the cherries soften a bit, mixing periodically.

Step 3/4

After removing the saucepan from the stove, mix in the kirsch and lemon juice. Leave to cool.

Step 4/4

Scoop the ice cream into 4 serving glasses. Place the cherries on top, then garnish with some whipped cream and chopped almonds. To finish it off, place fresh cherries with stems on top of the cream.

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