Happy Sundae Day! A Cherry Sundae is exactly what I need to celebrate this special day (November 11th).
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Cherry sundae recipe
Sundae is a popular ice cream dessert that typically consists of one or more scoops of ice cream topped with various sweet sauces or syrups, nuts, whipped cream, and often a cherry. It is served in a tall glass or dish and can include additional toppings such as pieces of fruit or sprinkles.
Sundaes can come in many variations, such as hot fudge sundaes, brownie sundaes, and fruit sundaes. I’ll start today with a cherry sundae – a sweet and tart dessert that combines smooth ice cream with vibrant cherry toppings.
Here’s how to make the cherry sundae:
Cherry Sundae
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.
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
How to pair
From toppings to sides, here’s how to serve and pair a cherry sundae perfectly.
1. Complementary Dishes
- Chocolate desserts:
- Chocolate cakes
- Brownies
- Cheesecakes with cherry topping or sauce
- Pancakes or waffles, topped with cherries and whipped cream
- Fruit salads with strawberries, bananas, and blueberries
- Cookies
- Chocolate chip
- Oatmeal raisin
- Nuts
2. Beverages
- Cherry Milkshake: Blended vanilla ice cream with cherry syrup creates the perfect sweet companion to your sundae.
- Hot Chocolate
- Hot Coffee: Rich espresso or fresh coffee offers a bitter contrast that balances the sundae’s sweetness.
- Light drinks like sparkling water or tangy lemonade refresh your palate between bites.
- Sweet Wine: Port or dessert wines enhance cherry flavors while complementing the creamy ice cream.
Variations
Bring fresh inspiration to your sundae cherry with these tempting flavor combinations
1. Quick Cherry Sundae
- Flavored ice cream
- Toppings: fresh pitted cherries, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, nuts, or sprinkles.
2. Cherry Bakewell Sundae is inspired by the British Bakewell tart
- Cherry-berry ice cream layered with wine-poached cherries and amaretto sauce.
- Toppings: fresh whipped cream and crunchy brandy snap crumbles
3. Double Chocolate Addition
- Chocolate ice cream
- Toppings: fresh cherries, warm chocolate sauce, roasted nuts, and mixed chocolate candy pieces.
4. Red Wine Version:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Warm spiced cherries in red wine reduction
5. Hot Cherry Jubilee Sundae
- Vanilla ice cream
- Toppings: wine-simmered cherries, toasted almonds, and chocolate-covered cherries
6. Black Cherry Sundae
Black cherry sundaes offer a sophisticated twist on the classic.
- Deeper flavor profile
- Rich burgundy color
- Complex sweetness
- Enhanced visual appeal