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Classic Strawberry Sundae Recipe: How to Make a Creamy Fruit Dessert

This strawberry sundae combines no-churn strawberry ice cream with a fresh strawberry sauce for a bright, classic dessert that’s quick to assemble and sure to impress.

Close up of strawberry sundae with strawberry ice cream, strawberry sauce, fresh strawberry, whipped cream, nuts, waffles and rainbow sprinkles, with a second sundae in the background, surrounded by fresh strawberries.

This recipe explains how to build a beautiful strawberry sundae step by step. For the best flavor I like to use homemade no-churn strawberry ice cream and a simple strawberry compote as sauce, but store-bought ice cream and sauce work well if you need a faster option. It’s a lovely choice for Valentine’s Day, date nights, or any time you want a fresh, fruity treat.

Strawberry sundae with another sundae in the background, surrounded by fresh strawberries and two vintage spoons.

If you enjoy sundaes, try other variations such as a classic ice cream sundae or a rich chocolate sundae for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients

Strawberry sundae ingredients, strawberry ice cream, whipped cream, wafers, strawberry sauce, nuts, sprinkles, fresh strawberries.

Strawberry ice cream: No-churn strawberry ice cream works perfectly here. You can also use churned strawberry ice cream, vanilla, or chocolate if you prefer contrasting flavors.

Strawberry compote (sauce): A spoonful of strawberry compote or sauce adds vibrant flavor and color. Store-bought sauce is fine if you’re short on time.

Fresh strawberries: Ripe strawberries add freshness, texture and a pop of color.

Chopped nuts: I used chopped peanuts, but any chopped nuts or omissions are fine depending on taste and allergies.

Whipped cream: Use freshly whipped cream if possible; canned whipped cream works but will deflate faster.

Wafers: Vanilla wafers or your favorite crisp cookies add a crunchy element. Cut into shapes for a decorative touch if you like.

Sprinkles: A few sprinkles add color and whimsy. Choose pinks or heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive touch.

How to make a strawberry sundae

Adding strawberry sauce to the sundae.
Adding fresh strawberries to the bottom of the sundae glass.

1. Hull and halve or quarter the fresh strawberries.

2. Spoon a little strawberry sauce into the base of each sundae glass, letting some drizzle up the sides for a pretty effect.

3. Add a few fresh strawberry pieces on top of the sauce.

Adding strawberry sauce to the sundae.
Adding strawberry ice cream to sundae.

4. Add a scoop of strawberry ice cream to each glass, then a little more strawberry sauce.

5. Add additional scoops so each sundae has a large, attractive top scoop.

Adding whipped cream to the sundae.
Adding fresh strawberries and whipped cream to the sundae

6. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and arrange extra fresh strawberry pieces around the scoop.

Adding wafers to the sundae.

7. Finish with wafers, chopped nuts and sprinkles. Serve immediately so the ice cream stays firm and the presentation is at its best.

How to store

The assembled sundae is best enjoyed immediately. If you need to prepare ahead, store the ice cream, sauce and fresh fruit separately in the freezer or refrigerator and assemble just before serving.

Have you made this recipe? Tell me how it went in the comments below and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!

Two strawberry sundaes with strawberry ice cream, strawberry sauce, fresh strawberry, whipped cream, nuts, waffles and rainbow sprinkles, surrounded by fresh strawberries and two vintage spoons.

Looking for more dessert recipes?

Try these related recipes to make your own sauces or ice creams at home:

  • No-churn strawberry ice cream
  • Strawberry compote (strawberry sauce)
  • Strawberry ice cream (churned)

Follow the original recipe author on social channels for more ideas and inspiration.

Strawberry sundae with another sundae in the background, surrounded by fresh strawberries and two vintage spoons.

📋 Recipe

Close up of strawberry sundae with strawberry ice cream, strawberry sauce, fresh strawberry, whipped cream, nuts, waffles and rainbow sprinkles, with a second sundae in the background.

Strawberry sundae

A simple strawberry sundae with no-churn ice cream and fresh strawberry sauce — easy to assemble and perfect for special occasions.

Prep Time: 10 mins • Cook Time: 0 mins • Total Time: 10 mins
Course: Dessert, Snack • Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 sundaes • Calories: 798 kcal

Equipment

  • Optional: two sundae glasses

Ingredients

  • 6 scoops strawberry ice cream
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) strawberry sauce
  • 6 whole fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup whipped cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped nuts
  • 2 teaspoons sprinkles
  • 2 wafers

Instructions

  1. Hull the strawberries and cut into halves or quarters.
  2. Spoon strawberry sauce into the bottom of each glass, drizzling some up the sides.
  3. Add a few fresh strawberry pieces to each glass.
  4. Place a scoop of strawberry ice cream in each glass.
  5. Drizzle a little more strawberry sauce over the ice cream.
  6. Add remaining scoops so each sundae has a large scoop on top.
  7. Spread sauce around the edges for a decorative finish.
  8. Top with the remaining fresh strawberry pieces.
  9. Sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles and chopped nuts.
  10. Add a big dollop of whipped cream.
  11. Place wafers into the sundaes and finish with any remaining sprinkles.
  12. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 798 kcal. Nutrition values are estimates and will vary by ingredients and brands used.

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Close up of strawberry sundae with strawberry ice cream, strawberry sauce, fresh strawberry, whipped cream, nuts, waffles and rainbow sprinkles, with a second sundae in the background, fresh strawberries around them and vintage spoons.

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