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This Strawberry Shortcake Sundae is the perfect treat for summer! Buttery pound cake is layered with dreamy ice cream, a simple macerated strawberry sauce and fluffy whipped cream! These sundaes are ridiculously easy to make, even easier to devour and the perfect way to beat the summer heat!

Straight on shot of two homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundaes with spoons, coarse salt, and a small ramekin of sliced strawberries arranged next to the sundaes.

Update: This post was originally published in June 2018. I edited the photos and updated the post below to include more information about homemade ice cream sundaes! 

Hi, friends! Is it just me, or are weekends during the summer the best? Maybe it’s because Monday through Friday I’m longing to bask in the summer sun, sip fruity cocktails and live that outdoor lounge life without a worry in the world. So, I savor summer weekends more than any other.

And, now that I’m really thinking about it, it probably also has something to do with boozy milkshakes! And, epic ice cream sundaes like the one I’m sharing today! I mean, while you can (and should) enjoy ice cream during all the seasons, it’s just not the same as a deliciously sweet, soft and frozen treat on a hot and humid day.

Angled shot of sliced strawberries in a white shallow bowl with a wooden honey stick drizzling honey over the strawberries; with fresh strawberries, a wooden handled knife and neutral linen surrounding the bowl. (photo of the first part of step one of the recipe)

Table of Contents

About this Strawberry Shortcake Sundae

These beauties are an epic mashup of strawberry shortcakes and ice cream sundaes!

This strawberry sundae recipe is all about the layers of texture and flavor!

  • Buttery, dense, moist pound cake
  • Juicy, fresh strawberries soaked in a honey sweet, slightly tart, amaretto spiked sauce (non-alcoholic version included!)
  • Creamy, dreamy, refreshing strawberry ice cream
  • Airy, light, fluffy whipped cream
  • A sprig or two of fresh, cool mint

Essentially, these sassy sundaes will absolutely rock the taste buds right outta your face! They are downright epic and next level delicious! Cool, creamy and fresh, they are the perfect indulgent treat and a must-have addition to all your barbecues, picnics, pool parties and lazy, summer weekends!

Plus, if you are a fan of summer-fresh strawberries, these sundaes are the best way to take your love to new heights!

Angled shot of sliced strawberries in a white shallow bowl with hand sprinkling coarse salt over the strawberries; with fresh strawberries, a wooden handled knife and neutral linen surrounding the bowl. (photo of the second part of step one of the recipe)

What is a sundae?

A sundae is a sweet ice cream dessert. It usually consists of one or more scoops of ice cream layered with a fruit sauce or dessert syrup. The ice cream in a sundae can be any flavor, from plain vanilla or strawberry to rocky road or cookies and cream! Ice cream sundaes typically include one or more toppings, such as whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, crushed peanuts, gummy bears, maraschino cherries, fresh fruit and more!

How to pronounce it?

An ice cream sundae is pronounced like the day of the week, suhn-dey or suhn-dae.

What is the origin of the ice cream sundae?

The sundae was invented in the late 1800’s as an alternative to carbonated beverages, such as ice cream sodas.

While not proven, some historians claim the name “sundae” was created out of response to Blue Laws. The laws stated that ice cream sodas could not be sold on Sundays, because they were too “frilly” and not appropriate to consume on a holy day. The name “sundae” was an attempt to avoid offending devoutly religious people and to prevent an outcry against naming a food sacrilegiously after the Sabbath.

Who invented it?

Various people and locations have laid claim to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae.

Evanston, Illinois was one of the first towns to outlaw the “Sunday Soda Menace” and claims to have originated the name ice cream sundae. While, soda fountain owner, Ed Berners of Two Rivers, Wisconsin is reputed to have invented the very first ice cream sundae in 1881.

Since the ice cream sundae is an absolutely delicious concoction, it’s really no wonder why there is such a great debate and many have laid claim to its creation!

Angled, up close photo of homemade macerated strawberry syrup for sundaes in a white shallow bowl.

What goes in a strawberry ice cream sundae?

A typically sundae consists of ice cream, sauces or syrups and toppings. However, you can turn up the fun and use any flavor of ice cream and load up on the toppings.

Here’s what you’ll need to make a strawberry sundae recipe:

  • Strawberry Ice Cream
  • Pound Cake
  • Macerated Strawberries (You can learn all about the simple process of fruit maceration – Just heed my warning, you’ll want to macerate ALL the fresh fruit.)

Ice cream flavors

My best advice is to avoid any complicated ice cream flavors. Since this sundae recipe is all about the strawberries, I like to use fresh strawberry ice cream. However, you can absolutely get more creative than that! Just don’t select a variety of ice cream that competes or clashes with the strawberry flavor.

If you aren’t a fan of ice cream or simply want a healthier option, you can use yogurt instead.

Straight on shot of a sundae glass filled with cubed pound cake, a scoop of strawberry ice cream and amaretto strawberries with a spoon drizzling amaretto sauce over the top; with additional spoons, another sundae glass and fresh strawberries surrounding the glass. (Photo of step 3 of the recipe)

How to make strawberry ice cream sundae, easy?

Ice cream sundaes are so easy to make and the perfect way to beat the summer heat! Only a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of active preparation is required!

(Scroll down for the detailed measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)

  • Prepare strawberry sauce: In a medium sized bowl, combine the strawberries, amaretto (or extract), honey, lemon juice and a pinch of flakey sea salt. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Slice the pound cake into ½’’ thick slices and then cut into cubes or rounds using a cookie cutter or sharp kitchen knife.
  • Assemble the sundaes: Place a couple cubes (or one round) of pound cake into a sundae serving glass. Top with a large scoop of ice cream and some of the strawberries, drizzling some of the amaretto sauce on top as well. Top with more pound cake, ice cream, strawberries and sauce.
  • To serve: Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, mint and lemon zest if using. Enjoy!

How to make strawberry sundae sauce

You can turn fresh or frozen strawberries into a delicious sauce by macerating the berries – no cooking required!

Macerating is the process of soaking a fruit, in this case strawberries, in sugar and/or a flavoring liquid, such as citrus juice. The sugar draws out the natural juices, while the liquid serves to soften the fruit and add flavor. The technique is incredibly simple, yet handy and absolutely delicious.

If the fruit is water-dense, you can macerate it by simply sprinkling the fruit with sugar. The sugar will draw liquid out of the fruit and create a natural syrup. However, if a fruit is not water-dense, you need to also add a liquid to help create a flavorful sauce.

In this recipe, the strawberries are macerated in a mixture of honey for natural sweetness, along with lemon juice and amaretto (or almond extract). This no-cook sundae syrup is a delicious combination of sweet and tart flavors!

Pro-tip: When macerating your berries, be sure to let them stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

You will need to use the strawberry sauce within 3-4 days, as strawberries are prone to fermenting and mold if stored for too long. However, the sauce can also be kept in a freezer-safe resealable bag and stored in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Straight on, up-close shot of a homemade Strawberry Ice cream Sundae with another sundae blurred and slightly visible in the background and fresh strawberries surrounding the sundae glass.

Serving shortcake sundaes

Always serve ice cream sundaes cold.

You can take your sundae to the next level of yum with toppings, sauces, and/or syrups.

Sundaes pair well with: lazy pool days, warm weather, frosty popsicles, icy cold drinks, and more ice cold treats.

Sauces and syrups for sundaes

This sundae recipe already includes a fresh macerated strawberry syrup. However, feel free layer on another flavored syrup and get saucy with your sundae!

Ice cream sundae toppings

Ice cream toppings are a great way to add even more texture and create the ultimate sundae! Plus, they are a fun way to really take your homemade sundae over the top!

More cold sweet treats to beat the summer heat!

If you’re throwing a party and find yourself in need of a few more frost summer treats, try these:

Straight on, landscape shot of a Strawberry Shortcake Sundae with another sundae directly next to it and slightly blurred, and spoons, coarse salt, and a small ramekin of sliced strawberries surrounding the sundae glass.

This fresh, creamy-dreamy Strawberry Shortcake Sundae is the perfect treat to celebrate summer! These sundaes are easy to make and even easier to devour! Grab your ice cream scoop and get ready to dig in to this delicious mashup that is guaranteed to please!

Until next week, friends, cheers! To a sensational summer and strawberry sundaes on repeat!

Cheyanne

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More strawberry desserts!

Straight on, landscape shot of a Strawberry Shortcake Sundae with another sundae directly next to it and slightly blurred, and spoons, coarse salt, and a small ramekin of sliced strawberries surrounding the sundae glass.

Strawberry Shortcake Sundae

5 from 10 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 sundaes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
This Strawberry Shortcake Sundae is the perfect treat for summer!  Buttery pound cake layered with dreamy ice cream, simple macerated strawberries and fluffy whipped cream.  These sundaes are ridiculously easy to make and even easier to devour!
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Sundae serving glasses (optional)

Ingredients 

  • ½ Quart Strawberry Ice Cream
  • 1 Pound Cake – homemade or store-bought

Honey Macerated Strawberry Syrup:

  • 1 pound fresh Strawberries – hulled & sliced
  • 3 TBS Amaretto Liqueur (SEE NOTES)
  • 2 TBS Honey
  • 2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Flaky Sea Salt
  • Optional for Serving: Whipped Cream & Strawberry Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Optional topping: Strawberry Shortcake Crumbles
  • Optional Garnishes: Fresh Mint, Lemon Zest, Sliced Almonds, Shaved Chocolate

Instructions

  • Macerate the berries: In a medium sized bowl, combine the strawberries, amaretto, honey, lemon juice and a pinch of flakey sea salt. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Slice the pound cake into ½’’ thick slices and then cut into cubes or rounds using a cookie cutter or sharp kitchen knife.
  • Assemble the sundaes: Place a couple cubes (or one round) of pound cake into a sundae serving glass. Top with a large scoop of ice cream and some of the strawberries, drizzling some of the amaretto sauce on top as well. Top with more pound cake, ice cream, strawberries and sauce.
  • To serve: Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, mint and lemon zest if using. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Ice Cream: You can use any flavor of ice cream your heart desires!  See the post above for a complete list of ice cream varieties that would work well! 
  2. Warm your ice cream scoop under lukewarm running water prior to scooping your ice cream. A warm scoop will cut through ice cream more efficiently.
  3. Amaretto: If you aren’t a fan of amaretto, you can substitute almond-flavored liqueur, grand marnier, brandy, bourbon, rum or vodka!
  4. Non-Alcoholic: Looking to make the strawberry syrup non-alcoholic? Simply skip the amaretto. Use granulated sugar in place of the honey and use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract instead. You might want to increase the lemon juice by a teaspoon or more as well. I suggest tasting and adjusting the strawberries to your specific taste!
  5. Toppings: If you want to really take things over the top, try adding in shaved chocolate, flavored syrups, toasted sliced almonds and more!  The sky really is the limit! Check out the post above for a comprehensive list of topping options!
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 4 sundaes.  Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcal    Carbohydrates: 53g    Protein: 4g    Fat: 10g    Saturated Fat: 6g    Cholesterol: 34mg    Sodium: 73mg    Potassium: 395mg    Fiber: 3g    Sugar: 17g    Vitamin A: 390IU    Vitamin C: 76.7mg    Calcium: 160mg    Iron: 0.7mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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