Few desserts scream pure happiness like a classic ice cream sundae. This Caramel Ice Cream Sundae starts with scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream, then gets drizzled with warm, buttery caramel sauce, topped with whipped cream, crunchy nuts, and the all-important cherry on top. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and just plain fun. Perfect for hot summer days, birthday parties, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. 🍨✨
Love caramel desserts? Try my Caramel Bread Pudding or Caramel Popcorn too!
🍨 Ingredients:
For the caramel sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the sundaes:
- Vanilla ice cream (about 1–2 scoops per serving)
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, or pecans)
- Maraschino cherries
🧁 Instructions:
1. Make caramel sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Cook without stirring until deep amber. Remove from heat, whisk in butter, cream, vanilla, and salt. Let cool slightly.
2. Assemble sundae: Place scoops of vanilla ice cream in a bowl or sundae glass.
3. Top it: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce. Add whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry.
4. Serve immediately (and prepare for happy faces!).
📝 Notes:
- Make caramel sauce ahead and store in fridge up to 1 week.
- Warm sauce gently in microwave or stovetop before serving.
- Double the sauce recipe—it disappears fast!
Serving Tips:
- Use tall sundae glasses for a retro look.
- Create a DIY sundae bar with toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and crushed cookies.
- Layer caramel and ice cream in a mason jar for a party-friendly dessert.
Creative Variations:
- Salted Caramel Sundae: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel.
- Caramel Apple Sundae: Add warm cinnamon apples on top of the ice cream.
- Brownie Sundae: Start with a fudgy brownie base, then pile on ice cream and caramel.
- Boozy Sundae: Stir a splash of bourbon or rum into the caramel sauce.
Troubleshooting:
- Caramel too hard? Add a splash more cream while reheating.
- Sauce separated? Whisk vigorously until smooth again.
- Ice cream melting too fast? Chill bowls or glasses before serving.
🧊 Storage Info:
- Caramel Sauce: Refrigerate up to 1 week in airtight jar. Reheat before using.
- Assembled Sundaes: Best eaten immediately.
Caramel Ice Cream Sundaes
Ingredients
For the caramel sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the sundaes:
- Vanilla ice cream about 1–2 scoops per serving
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts peanuts, almonds, or pecans
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Make caramel sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Cook without stirring until deep amber. Remove from heat, whisk in butter, cream, vanilla, and salt. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble sundae: Place scoops of vanilla ice cream in a bowl or sundae glass.
- Top it: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce. Add whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry.
- Serve immediately (and prepare for happy faces!).
Notes
- Make caramel sauce ahead and store in fridge up to 1 week.
- Warm sauce gently in microwave or stovetop before serving.
- Double the sauce recipe—it disappears fast!
Caramel ice cream sundaes are proof that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most magical. Whip up a batch, share with friends or family, and watch them disappear with smiles. Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest when you build your dream sundae—I’d love to see it!
