Bowl of ice cream garnished with chocolate syrup and crushed nuts.

Create the Perfect Ice Cream Sundae Bar for Any Occasion

When it comes to making a special occasion even sweeter, nothing beats a DIY ice cream sundae bar. Whether it’s a birthday, family reunion, or summer barbecue, this interactive treat is perfect for all ages and adds an extra dose of fun to any gathering. So, call family and friends, grab your favorite Breyers ice cream and frozen dairy desserts, and let the sundae-making begin!

3 Steps to Building the Ultimate Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Ready to scoop up some serious fun? Here’s your 3-step guide to building an unforgettable ice cream sundae bar.

A tub of Breyers Natural Vanilla being scooped.

1. Grab your favorite frozen treats

The heart of any sundae bar? The ice cream, of course. And when it comes to crowd-pleasing flavors, Breyers always delivers. Start with a few tried-and-true classics. Think Natural Vanilla, Chocolate, and Mint Chocolate Chip.

Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to get adventurous. Pistachio Almond, Dulce de Leche, or Rocky Road. And for those who love a little crunch or candy in every bite, our Cookies & Candy range blends your favorite snacks with velvety ice cream.

Don’t forget to include options for guests with dietary needs. Our Better for You range has you covered, with everything from low-carb alternatives to Non-Dairy options. Just be sure to label those clearly so everyone knows what’s what.

2. Pick your toppings

This is where the real fun begins. Toppings are what really takes your sundae from plain to legendary. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The classics: Sugar cones, Maraschino cherries, colorful sprinkles, and whipped cream are staples of any successful sundae bar.
Fresh and fruity: Add a refreshing touch to every scoop with fresh seasonal fruits and berries. For extra sweetness and crunch, you can also serve dried fruits like cranberries, golden raisins, or chopped dates.
Sauce it up: Sauce is the cherry on top of every sundae (besides, well, the actual cherry). Stick with classics like chocolate and golden caramel, or get a little chef-y and whip up your own hot fudge. Don’t forget strawberry and chocolate syrups — they’re guaranteed kid favorites.
The fun stuff: Play with textures by offering a variety of candies. Think gummy worms, chopped snack bars, cookie chunks, and cereal flakes. For a wow in every bite.
Go nuts: Boost the crunch factor with a variety of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, you name it. They’ll add texture and an elegant touch to every bowl.

Gather your tools and tableware

Ice cream and toppings may be the stars of your sundae bar, but the right bowls, spoons, and setup take it from fun to flawless. Here’s what you’ll need:

Assorted bowls: The right bowl makes all the difference for that ideal ice cream-to-topping ratio. Aim for bowls around 9 to 12 inches wide that are perfect for two scoops and plenty of toppings. You can use classic ceramic bowls or go with recyclable single-use options if you're hosting a larger crowd or want an easier cleanup.
Cones: Give your guests some crunchy options by offering a variety of cones: classic sugar cones, cake cones for a lighter bite, and waffle cones for those who want to go big. You can even dip some in chocolate and add sprinkles or crushed nuts for extra flair.
Spoons: Spoons are a must, so make sure to stock up on reusable or compostable ones. If you want to add a playful touch, look for ones in fun colors or patterns that match your party theme.
Scoops: Have one scoop per flavor to keep things tidy and avoid flavor mixing. Want to save time? Pre-scoop the ice cream into muffin tins or cupcake liners and freeze them on a tray up to 4 hours in advance.

4 Tips to Make Your Sundae Bar Memorable

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to add those extra touches that turn your sundae bar into a full-on experience. Here’s how to make it unforgettable:

Name-your-own-sundae labels: Encourage guests to get creative by naming their custom ice cream sundae creations. Set out sticky labels and markers at the dessert bar and let the imagination run wild. Expect some hilarious (and delicious) results.
Mini recipe cards: For some inspiration, offer recipe cards with sundae ideas for different moods — classic combos, bold pairings, and even adventurous mixes (think olive oil and sea salt with vanilla or spicy caramel with chocolate). This is where you can have some fun with unusual flavors and mix-ins.
Bring your own topping: Ask guests to bring their favorite (or weirdest!) ice cream topping to share. It’s a great way to spark conversations and discover new flavor combos no one saw coming.
Make it themed: Hosting for a special occasion? Match your ice cream flavors and toppings to the theme. Think red, white, and blue everything for the 4th of July, or an Easter spread with mini eggs, pastel sprinkles, and bunny-shaped cookies.

Discover even more party dessert ideas in our recipe collection.

Time for An Ice Cream Sundae Cele-bar-ation

Whether it’s a celebration or just because, an ice cream sundae bar is the perfect way to bring everyone together and add a creative touch to dessert. Grab your favorite Breyers flavors, pile on the toppings, and let the fun begin!

FAQs

How many toppings should I provide?

The more, the merrier! Aim for at least 5-6 toppings, with a mix of classic (think sprinkles, marshmallows, and chocolate chips) and creative options (like gummy worms, sour candy, and nuts) to keep everyone satisfied. You can always adjust based on your guest list.

What’s the best way to keep ice cream from melting?

Set up your sundae station in a cool spot and keep your ice cream in a cooler until guests are ready to serve themselves. If you’re serving outside, a portable freezer or ice packs under the ice cream tubs will help keep things cool.

How far in advance can I prep the bar?

You can prep most of the sundae bar ahead of time — just make sure to keep everything cool! Toppings can be set out ahead of time, and ice cream can be scooped into bowls or left in tubs and stored in the freezer ready to serve.

What are good dairy-free sundae options?

We’ve got you covered with a wide selection of Non-Dairy frozen desserts that taste just as rich and creamy as regular ice cream. Don’t forget to stock up on allergy-friendly toppings and sauces, so everyone can build their perfect sundae without missing a thing.

Can I make a sundae bar without a freezer?

If you don’t have access to a freezer, consider serving store-bought ice cream sandwiches or pre-scooped ice cream cups instead. You can still offer tons of fun toppings and sauces.