How to Build The Perfect Ice Cream Sundae — and the Trendy Twist That May Melt Off Pounds
We tapped ice cream shop pros as well as influencers for their best tips.
It’s tough to resist an ice cream sundae, with its refreshing creamy ice cream, the mix of delicious flavors and piles of fun toppings — and now it turns out, you don’t have to! Women across the country are discovering that when you make your ice cream sundae with high-protein ice cream, it speeds weight loss! More on that, later. First, we talked to foodies, restaurateurs, and ice cream aficionados to find out the secrets to building the perfect ice cream sundae. Keep reading for their top tips.
Start with high-quality ice cream.
A delicious sundae begins with a great foundation — and that means choosing high quality ice cream, say Molly LaBrecque of the ice cream shop Sundae, which has five locations in Colorado. “It typically has a higher fat content, usually contains eggs yolks, and has fewer total ingredients on the label,” she says. “Purchasing ice cream at a local ice cream store is always something we recommend. If purchasing at a grocery store, look for ‘premium’ listed on the label.”
(Tip: You’ll find tubs labeled “premium” or “super premium” in brands like Turkey Hill, Ben & Jerry’s or Wegmans Organic.
Add tasty toppings.
Ice cream lovers know that sundaes are all about the fixings! For memorable mmm, opt for sour or salty ingredients to pair with your ice cream. “They cut through the sweet and provide a great balance of flavor,” explains LaBrecque. “Try raspberries, lemon curd, course sea salt, or pretzels.”
Another topping that takes a sundae from plain to perfect? Fresh fruit, like berries and sliced bananas, says chef Jessica Randhawa, who shares recipes at TheForkedSpoon.com. “It can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the ice cream and other toppings.” “Additionally, fresh fruit can add beautiful color and an extra layer of flavor to your sundae.”
Try a black and white version.
Chocolate and vanilla ice cream are classics for a reason, and you can make them taste even better with the right topping—just go with the opposite flavor! “Chocolate and vanilla are a match made in heaven,” says Michael Turback, author of The Ice Cream Sundae Book. “I suggest partnering chocolate ice cream side by side with vanilla ice cream for a Black and White Sundae, topping the chocolate ice cream with marshmallow sauce and the vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.”
Get more out of every bite.
While the possibilities for sundae creation are endless, the true secret to a delectable sundae comes down to how you eat it, says Turback. “Each spoonful should contain some of every ingredient.” Get a bit of the ice cream, toppings, sauce, and whipped cream in every bite for the best experience!
Try the tweak that turns ice cream into a health food.
It’s surprisingly easy to make your own ice cream—no ice cream maker needed! Even better, when you add protein to it, the ice cream helps power off pounds. That’s because protein spikes anti-hunger hormones and “delivers nutrients crucial to repairing damage and building a stronger body,” says Ken Berry, MD. One study suggests that these factors may crank up metabolism even as we sleep.
Depending on the recipe, you’ll get at least three and up to 18 times more protein than regular ice cream—an effect that “lets you enjoy your comfort food and lose weight too,” says Dr. Berry, whose ice cream-loving fans report losing up to 15 pounds in a single week.
That may explain why #proteinicecream is blowing up on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok as women whip up ice cream made with protein powder, cottage cheese, and premade protein shakes.
Just experiment to find recipes and flavors you like—and dig in! Here, discover two ways to make your own high-protein ice cream sundae.
3-Ingredient Easy Ice Cream
In a high-power blender or food processor, blitz a protein shake along with a dash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir in desired mix-ins, like fresh fruit. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and place in the freezer for 4 hours. Add to bowl and top with fruit, nuts, and sauce, or other ingredients as desired.
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
In a high-power blender or food processor, whip up 15 ounces of cottage cheese, adding flavor and sweetener (like maple syrup or honey) to taste. Fold in desired mix-ins. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and place in the freezer for 4 hours. Add to bowl and top with fruits, nuts and sauces or other ingredients as desired.
