Strawberry sundaes are the perfect treat for any occasion, bringing together the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the creaminess of vanilla ice cream. This delightful dessert features a glossy strawberry sauce that enhances each bite, making it a family favorite. Whether it’s a summer gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply a sweet indulgence after dinner, these strawberry sundaes promise to impress with their fresh flavors and colorful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe strawberries ensures every sundae bursts with flavor and natural sweetness.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings like nuts, whipped cream, or sprinkles according to your preference.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These sundaes are great for parties, picnics, or cozy nights at home.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping to assemble these sundaes and can choose their favorite toppings.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing strawberry sundaes easier and more enjoyable. Gather these essential items before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sundae cups or glasses
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the strawberry sauce evenly without burning.
- Small bowl: Perfect for mixing cornstarch with water to create a slurry without lumps.
- Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
Ingredients
This is an easy recipe for strawberry sundaes, with a glossy and sweet strawberry sauce. The strawberry sundaes are then garnished with more fresh strawberries, nuts, whipped cream, and sprinkles!
For the Strawberry Sauce
- 1 pound (454 g) strawberries, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1/2 cup (112 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) + 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water, divided
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Sundaes
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 ounce (28 g) chopped nuts
- 1/4 pound (113 g) strawberries, sliced
- sprinkles
- whipped cream
How to Make Strawberry Sundaes
Step 1: Prepare Strawberries
Wash and dry the strawberries. Cut off the green tops and slice them into 1/2 inch pieces. Add the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of water to a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
Stir the mixture gently to dissolve the sugar. Bring it to a boil before lowering the heat to maintain a simmer. Simmer while stirring occasionally for about 3 – 4 minutes until the strawberries become tender but still hold their shape.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch with remaining 1 tablespoon of water until fully dissolved. Pour this slurry into the saucepan while stirring gently. Keep simmering for another 1 – 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Turn off the heat.
Step 4: Cool Down
Taste your sauce; feel free to add a small squeeze of lemon if desired. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sundaes
To build your sundae, start by adding a scoop of strawberry sauce to the bottom of each sundae cup or glass. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream followed by more strawberry sauce.
Step 6: Garnish
Finish by garnishing your sundae with chopped nuts, fresh sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Strawberry Sundaes
Strawberry sundaes are a delightful treat that can be served in various creative ways. Whether for a special occasion or a casual dessert, these sundaes can be customized to suit any taste!
Classic Sundae
- Start with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with warm strawberry sauce and finished with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Layered Delight
- Use clear glasses to layer the strawberry sauce, ice cream, and fresh strawberries for a visually appealing dessert.
Nutty Crunch
- Add chopped nuts on top of your sundae for an extra crunch that complements the smoothness of the ice cream.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top for an indulgent twist that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Fruit Medley
- Mix in other fruits like bananas or blueberries alongside your strawberries for a refreshing variety.
Party Platter
- Create a sundae bar at your next gathering where guests can assemble their own creations with different toppings.
How to Perfect Strawberry Sundaes
To make your strawberry sundaes even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose ripe strawberries: Use sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in your sauce.
- Chill your glasses: Pre-chill your serving glasses for a frosty experience when serving.
- Use quality ice cream: Opt for high-quality vanilla ice cream to enhance the overall taste.
- Experiment with toppings: Don’t be afraid to try different toppings like caramel sauce or cookie crumbles.
- Serve immediately: Assemble your sundaes just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent melting.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the strawberry sauce and adjust sugar levels based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sundaes
Pairing side dishes with your strawberry sundaes can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Shortbread Cookies: These crumbly cookies provide a buttery contrast to the sweet sundae.
- Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits keeps things refreshing and balances the richness of the sundae.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, chewy cookies make a perfect companion alongside your strawberry treat.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: This classic cake adds a fruity twist that complements strawberries well.
- Brownies: Rich and fudgy brownies add decadence and pair nicely with ice cream.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the sundaes, providing interesting flavors.
Enjoy crafting the perfect strawberry sundae experience!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making strawberry sundaes can be simple, but common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid for the best strawberry sundes.
Skipping the washing step: Always wash strawberries thoroughly before slicing. This ensures that any dirt or residues are removed, making your dessert clean and safe to enjoy.
Overcooking the strawberries: Be careful not to overcook the strawberries when making the sauce. Cook them just until tender to maintain their shape and flavor in your strawberry sundaes.
Neglecting to taste the sauce: Always taste your strawberry sauce before serving. Adjust with more lemon juice if needed for balance, ensuring a perfect sweetness for your sundaes.
Using stale toppings: Make sure your garnishes like nuts and whipped cream are fresh. Stale or old toppings can ruin the texture and flavor of your delicious strawberry sundaes.
Not letting the sauce cool: Allowing the sauce to cool is essential for thickening. Skipping this step might result in a runny sauce that won’t hold up well in your sundaes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover strawberry sundae components in airtight containers.
- Keep sliced strawberries refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Strawberry sauce can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Sundaes
- You can freeze the strawberry sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- For best results, separate ice cream scoops and store them in a separate container.
- Avoid freezing assembled sundaes as ice cream can become icy and lose its texture.
Reheating Strawberry Sundaes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the strawberry sauce in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed but not boiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make vegan strawberry sundaes?
You can easily make vegan strawberry sundaes by using plant-based ice cream and whipped cream alternatives. The strawberry sauce remains naturally vegan!
Can I use frozen strawberries for my sundae?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them first and adjust sugar as needed since frozen berries may be sweeter.
What is the best way to serve strawberry sundaes?
Serve strawberry sundaes immediately after assembling them. This keeps everything fresh and maintains the desired texture of the ice cream.
How long do homemade strawberry sundae sauces last?
Homemade strawberry sauces can last up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry sundaes are a delightful dessert that combines fresh flavors with creamy indulgence. They’re incredibly versatile; feel free to customize them with different toppings or flavors of ice cream. Whether you’re enjoying them on a hot summer day or as a sweet treat any time of year, these sundaes are sure to please everyone! Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Strawberry Sundaes
Indulge in the delightful world of strawberry sundaes, a timeless dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream. This easy-to-make treat features a luscious strawberry sauce that is both glossy and flavorful, elevating every bite. Perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to cozy family dinners—strawberry sundaes are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. With customizable toppings like nuts, whipped cream, and sprinkles, these sundaes not only taste amazing but also look stunning on your table. Experience the joy of creating this classic dessert that promises satisfaction with every scoop!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound ripe strawberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and slice strawberries; combine with sugar, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until strawberries soften (3-4 minutes).
- Create a cornstarch slurry with water; stir into the sauce and simmer until thickened (1-2 minutes).
- Cool the sauce for at least 10 minutes.
- Assemble by layering strawberry sauce and vanilla ice cream in a glass.
- Top with additional strawberry sauce, nuts, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Classic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sundae (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use ripe strawberries for maximum flavor. Chill serving glasses for an extra frosty experience. Experiment with toppings like chocolate syrup or cookie crumbles for added variety.