The Sweet Summer Strawberry Sundae Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet summer memories flood back when I whip up this delectable strawberry sundae that transforms ordinary dessert into pure bliss.

Cool glass bowls wait expectantly on my kitchen counter.

Ripe, ruby-red strawberries gleam with natural sweetness, promising delightful spoonfuls of refreshing goodness.

Fresh cream stands ready to create dreamy layers of indulgence.

Homemade sauces and carefully selected toppings elevate this classic treat beyond simple expectations.

Local markets always inspire my best dessert creations with seasonal ingredients.

Reasons to Crave Strawberry Sundae

• Craft a Homemade Delight: Create a restaurant-worthy dessert right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching nuts, adding chocolate chips, or using different fruit sauces to match personal preferences.
• Quick Sweet Escape: Prepare this delectable dessert in minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sugar cravings or unexpected guests.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Engage kids in helping assemble sundaes, making it a fun interactive dessert that everyone will love and enjoy together.

Components of Strawberry Sundae

• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries that create the core flavor of the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that adds a tangy balance to the sweetness of the strawberries.

• Sugar: Provides essential sweetness and helps thicken the strawberry sauce.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth base that serves as the foundation of the dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy topping that adds richness to the sundae.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish that offers a pop of color and fresh aromatic accent.

• Crushed Nuts: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to complement the creamy dessert.

How to Assemble Strawberry Sundae

Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir the mixture gently over medium heat, watching as the strawberries soften and break down. Keep cooking and stirring occasionally until the sauce becomes thick and syrupy, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Once the sauce reaches a perfect consistency, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Don’t worry – the sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.

Step 2: Create Sundae Layers

Grab your favorite serving bowls or tall glasses and start building your delicious dessert. Scoop creamy vanilla ice cream generously into each container, creating a smooth base. Artfully arrange fresh strawberry slices over the ice cream, allowing them to peek through. Drizzle the cooled strawberry sauce in a beautiful swirl, covering the ice cream with vibrant red goodness. Top the sundae with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream, creating a dreamy peak. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed nuts over the top. Finish with a delicate garnish of fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a hint of refreshing flavor.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Sundae

• Select ripe, sweet strawberries for the most intense flavor and vibrant sauce.
• Adjust sugar levels based on strawberry sweetness, tasting as you cook the sauce.
• Strain the strawberry sauce for a smoother texture if you prefer less pulp.
• Experiment with alternative toppings like chocolate shavings or toasted coconut for added crunch.
• Swap dairy ice cream with vegan or low-sugar alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

Variations of Strawberry Sundae to Try

• Berry Blast Sundae: Swap strawberries with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, multi-colored fruit sauce.
• Tropical Sunrise Sundae: Replace strawberry sauce with mango or passion fruit sauce, adding toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers Sundae: Substitute vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream, drizzle chocolate sauce alongside strawberry sauce for intense flavor.
• Nutty Caramel Sundae: Layer caramel sauce between ice cream scoops, top with chopped almonds or pecans for rich, buttery texture.

Best Pairings for Strawberry Sundae

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Strawberry Sundae Pairings
• Complement Ice Cream: Pair with a crisp Moscato d'Asti wine, whose light sweetness and subtle bubbles perfectly match the sundae's fruity notes without overwhelming the delicate strawberry sauce.
• Enhance Texture Contrast: Serve alongside a buttery almond biscotti or crisp shortbread cookie, providing a delightful crunch that balances the creamy ice cream and smooth strawberry sauce.
• Amplify Refreshing Sensation: Add a chilled glass of sparkling rosé champagne, which brings elegant acidity and subtle berry undertones that beautifully echo the sundae's strawberry profile.

Storing Strawberry Sundae Properly

• Pour cooled strawberry sauce into an airtight glass container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer strawberry sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and prevent scorching.
• If sauce is too thick after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of water to restore original consistency before reheating or serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Sundae

• What ingredients do I need for strawberry sauce?

Sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice are the key ingredients. Cook them together in a saucepan until strawberries break down and the mixture thickens.

• How can I tell if my strawberry sauce is ready?

The sauce is ready when strawberries soften and the mixture becomes thicker. It will continue to thicken as it cools down, so don’t worry if it seems slightly runny while cooking.

• Can I use frozen strawberries for the sauce?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking. The cooking process will help release their natural sweetness and create a delicious sauce.

Strawberry Sundae Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories dance through this classic Strawberry Sundae, blending creamy vanilla ice cream with luscious homemade strawberry sauce. Cool refreshment awaits you in each delightful spoonful of this timeless dessert that promises pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant strawberry reduction by combining sliced berries, sugar, and a hint of lemon in a saucepan over medium heat. Gently stir as the fruit softens and breaks down, creating a luscious syrup within 10-15 minutes.
2. Allow the strawberry sauce to cool and naturally thicken, developing a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
3. Select chilled serving vessels and generously ladle vanilla ice cream into each bowl.
4. Cascade the cooled strawberry sauce over the creamy base, ensuring even distribution.
5. Artfully arrange fresh strawberry slices across the surface for visual appeal and textural contrast.
6. Crown the dessert with a billowing cloud of whipped cream, creating an elegant peak.
7. For added complexity, sprinkle a handful of finely crushed nuts to introduce a delightful crunch.
8. Elevate the presentation with a delicate garnish of fresh mint leaves, providing a subtle aromatic finish.

Notes

• Boost strawberry flavor by using ripe, in-season berries for maximum sweetness and depth.
• Adjust sugar levels based on strawberry ripeness; taste sauce while cooking to balance sweetness.
• For a lighter version, replace sugar with honey or maple syrup and use low-fat vanilla ice cream.
• Create a vegan alternative by using coconut or almond milk-based ice cream and dairy-free whipped topping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 103 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg