A Cherry Sundae is exactly what I need to celebrate Sundae Day (November 11th). It is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors and vibrant colors.
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Cherry sundae recipe
A cherry sundae is a staple in American dessert culture. It is one of the original and most recognizable forms of the ice cream sundae. This classic dessert consists of vanilla ice cream, cherry syrup or sauce, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry on top.
What distinguishes the Cherry Sundae is its use of cherry sauce. It provides a balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the richness of the ice cream.
The sundae pairs well with various desserts like chocolate cakes, brownies, and cheesecakes with cherry topping. It also goes great with pancakes, fruit salads, cookies (chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin), and nuts for added texture.
You can pair this frozen dessert with many drinks, such as cherry milkshake, hot chocolate, or coffee to balance the sweetness. Lighter options like sparkling water or lemonade refresh the palate.
Here’s how to make the cherry sundae:
Cherry Sundae
Nutrition
Ingredients
For the ice cream
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor
- ½ cup fresh cherries pitted and halved or jarred maraschino cherries
- 2 tbsp heavy whipped cream or use whipped topping
- 1 tbsp chopped almonds or walnuts optional, for texture
- 2 maraschino cherries for garnish
For the cherry sauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juice and start to soften. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the mixture.
- Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Scoop the vanilla ice cream into two bowls, dividing it evenly.
- Pour the warm or slightly cooled cherry sauce generously over each sundae.
- Top each sundae with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts for a nice crunch (optional).
- Place one maraschino cherry on top of each sundae for that classic touch.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
There are variations of the classic sundae cherry. Here are some suggestions:
- Quick Cherry Sundae uses flavored ice cream, fresh pitted cherries, chocolate syrup, and toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or sprinkles.
- Themed Variations
- Cherry Bakewell Sundae is inspired by the British Bakewell tart. The cherry-berry ice cream is layered with wine-poached cherries and amaretto sauce. Toppings include fresh whipped cream and crunchy brandy snap crumbles.
- Black Forest Sour Cherry Sundae is inspired by Black Forest cake. It uses vanilla ice cream swirled with sour cherry compote, dark chocolate chunks, and sometimes cherry liqueur.
- Double Chocolate Addition uses chocolate ice cream, fresh cherries, warm chocolate sauce, roasted nuts, and mixed chocolate candy pieces.
- Hot Cherry Jubilee Sundae features vanilla ice cream and various toppings, like wine-simmered cherries, toasted almonds, and chocolate-covered cherries.
- Black Cherry Sundae uses black cherries for a deeper, more complex flavor and a striking burgundy color.
- Red Wine Version includes vanilla ice cream and warm spiced cherries in red wine reduction.
- Healthier and Non-Traditional Bases
- Greek Yogurt Version uses Greek yogurt as the base, topped with sweetened cherries, pistachios, and optionally, cardamom cream for a lighter, protein-rich dessert with an exotic twist.
- Chopped Maraschino Cherry Sundae is topped with chopped maraschino cherries. This can be paired with cherry syrup, cherry-infused whipped cream, or even cherry ice cream as the base for a “cherry overload” sundae.