Summer might be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bowl of cold and creamy ice cream. And why settle for plain vanilla when you can turn it into a sundae extravaganza with dozens of toppings?
From fruity sauces to crunchy delights, there are plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
So, gather your favorite ice cream flavors, grab a spoon, and get ready to discover the 41 best toppings for an irresistible ice cream bar.
41 Toppings for Ice Cream Bar
1. Rainbow Sprinkles
This classic topping adds a dash of color and crunch to any ice cream scoop. Plus, it makes kids (and adults) happy. You can buy it from Amazon!
2. Caramel Sauce
Rich and buttery, caramel sauce is a perfect match for vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Drizzle it generously and add a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
3. Chocolate Chips
For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips over your ice cream. Bonus points for using dark chocolate! You can buy chocolate chips from Amazon!
4. Marshmallows
Toasted or not, marshmallows add a fluffy and sweet texture to your sundae. Try them with chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores-inspired treat.
5. Fresh Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or any berry you fancy, they all go well with ice cream. You can eat them as they are or macerate them with a bit of sugar to make a juicy sauce.
6. Peanut Butter
If you love peanut butter, you’ll love it even more paired with ice cream. Melt it, swirl it, or chop it into chunks for a deliciously nutty experience.
7. Whipped Cream
Easy to make and delightful to eat, whipped cream is a must-have topping for any ice cream bar. Go wild and add some sprinkles or chopped nuts on top.
8. Crushed Oreo Cookies
For a crunchy and chocolaty texture, crumble some Oreos over your ice cream. You can also layer them with fudge sauce and whipped cream for a decadent parfait.
9. Chopped Nuts
Walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, and cashews, all can elevate your sundae to a whole new level. Toast them first for a more intense flavor.
10. M&M’s
Who doesn’t love colorful candies? M&M’s are a classic ice cream topping that never gets old. They come in many flavors, so you can mix and match to your liking.
11. Hot Fudge Sauce
Warm, gooey, and chocolatey, hot fudge sauce is a must-try topping. It pairs well with vanilla or coffee ice cream, or any other flavor, really.
12. Brownie Bites
Cut some brownies into small pieces and sprinkle them over your ice cream. You’ll get a heavenly combo of fudgy, chewy, and creamy textures.
13. Coconut Flakes
If you’re a coconut fan, you’ll love the tropical flavor it adds to your ice cream. Toasted or untoasted, coconut flakes are a versatile topping that goes well with caramel or butterscotch sauce.
14. Gummy Bears
For a fun and whimsical topping, add some gummy bears to your ice cream. They’re chewy and colorful and also a hit with kids.
15. Honey
Sweet, floral, and natural, honey is a wonderful topping for a clean and simple ice cream. You can pair it with sliced fruits or nuts for a balanced flavor.
16. Pretzel Bits
Salty and crunchy, pretzels add an unexpected twist to your sundae. Crush them into small pieces or use them as a base for a sundae cup.
17. Toffee Bits
The crunchy and decadent toffee bits are a perfect topping for caramel or chocolate ice cream. Sprinkle them generously and savor the richness.
18. Cinnamon Sugar
Mix some cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle over your ice cream. It’s a simple yet effective way to add a warm and spicy flavor to your dessert.
19. Canned Cherries
If you’re a fan of cherry pie, you’ll love canned cherries on your ice cream. They’re tart and juicy and make a perfect match with whipped cream.
20. Cookie Dough
Who said cookie dough is only for baking? Add some bite-sized pieces to your ice cream for a chewy and flavorful experience.
21. Cereal
Yes, you read it right. Cereal can be a fantastic topping for ice cream, especially if you’re a fan of milk and cereal. Try some fruity loops, honey nut clusters, or cocoa puffs, and enjoy the crunch.
22. Gourmet Sea Salt
Sprinkle some gourmet sea salt like Himalayan pink salt or fleur de sel for a unique sweet and salty contrast on your ice cream.
23. Molasses
Drizzle rich and robust molasses over your ice cream for a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
24. Chocolate Shavings
Shave some high-quality chocolate (dark, milk, or white) over your ice cream for a touch of elegance and added texture.
25. Nutella
Warm Nutella and drizzle it over your ice cream for a creamy and hazelnut-chocolate twist.
26. Fruit Compote
Top your ice cream with homemade or store-bought fruit compote like cherry, peach, or raspberry for a fruity delight.
27. Mini Waffle Cones
Break small waffle cones into bite-sized pieces and use them as crunchy toppings.
28. Balsamic Glaze
A drizzle of balsamic glaze creates a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs well with fruity ice cream flavors.
29. Pumpkin Spice
Dust your ice cream with a pinch of pumpkin spice for a warm, autumnal flavor.
30. Edible Flowers
For a beautiful and unique presentation, garnish your ice cream with edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums.
31. Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Elevate your caramel sauce by adding a hint of bourbon for a sophisticated twist.
32. Almond Butter
Spoon some almond butter over your ice cream for a nutty and creamy enhancement.
33. Candied Ginger
Finely chop candied ginger to sprinkle on top of your ice cream, providing a zesty and sweet kick.
34. Turkish Delight (Lokum)
This soft, jelly-like sweet, often flavored with rosewater or citrus, can be sliced into small pieces and used as a unique topping.
35. Lemon Zest
Add a pinch of freshly grated lemon zest to your ice cream for a zesty and refreshing kick.
36. Mini Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
These little powerhouses of flavor provide a coffee-infused crunch.
37. Biscotti Pieces
Break some biscotti into chunks and sprinkle them over your ice cream for an Italian flair.
38. Fig Jam
A dollop of fig jam adds a rich and sweet depth of flavor to your ice cream.
39. Praline Sauce
Drizzle praline sauce for a sugary, nutty, and slightly caramelized topping.
40. Caramelized Pineapple
Sauté pineapple in butter and brown sugar until caramelized, then place it on your ice cream.
41. Raspberry Coulis
Drizzle a vibrant raspberry coulis over your ice cream for a fruity and tangy topping.
Final Thoughts,
The possibilities are endless when it comes to ice cream toppings. Whether you like it simple or extravagant, sweet or salty, fruity or chocolaty, there’s a topping out there that will suit your taste.
So, the next time you’re craving a cold and creamy treat, don’t hold back. Go all out with various toppings and mix-and-match flavors to create a memorable and delicious ice cream bar. After all, life is too short to skip dessert.
