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!
Updated: 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? Alright, so I know weekends in general rock the house, but there seems to be something extra special about summer weekends.
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.
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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!
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 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!
Ingredients in this strawberry sundae recipe:
- Strawberry Ice Cream
- Pound Cake
- Macerated Strawberry Syrup
Ice cream sundae toppings?
I encourage you to use the above ingredients as a starting point and get creative with your sundae! Use the below list as inspiration to create your own ultimate sundae!
Ice cream: 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!
- Fresh Strawberry
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Mint
- Blueberry
- Raspberry
- Salted Caramel
- Peach
- Neapolitan
- Cookies and Cream
- Banana
- Ginger
- Lemon
Sauces and Syrups: This sundae recipe already includes a fresh macerated strawberry syrup. However, feel free layer on another flavored syrup and get saucy with your sundae!
- Chocolate
- White Chocolate
- Hot Fudge
- Caramel
Toppings: Toppings are a great way to add even more texture to your sundae! Plus, they are a fun way to really take your homemade sundae over the top!
- Whipped Cream
- Toasted and Sliced Almonds
- Salted Peanuts
- Sprinkles
- Toasted Coconut Flakes
- Maraschino Cherries
- Dried Banana Slices
- Chocolate Chips
- Crushed Oreo Cookies
- Granola
- Brownie Bites
- Fruity Pebbles
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 the sundae?
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!
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.
How to use strawberry syrup?
While we are using macerated strawberries to layer an ice cream sundae, you can also spoon them over ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, cheesecakes, biscuits, or plain shortcakes! Or, if you are anything like me, you can eat them straight from the bowl with a spoon.
How long will strawberry sauce keep?
You can make the strawberry sauce in advance. Store the macerated berries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 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.
The sauce can also be kept in a freezer-safe resealable bag and stored in the freezer for up to 1 year.
How to prepare strawberry ice cream sundae at home?
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!
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!
XOXO
Cheyanne
More summer treats you will love:
Caramel Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Ice Cream
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How to make Strawberry Shortcake Sundae recipe 👇
Strawberry Shortcake Sundae
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 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
- 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!
- 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.
- Amaretto: If you aren’t a fan of amaretto, you can substitute almond-flavored liqueur, grand marnier, brandy, bourbon, rum or vodka!
- 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!
- 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!
Nutrition
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Strawberry shortcake is definitely one of my summer favorites Chey! These sundaes look totally fabulous and fun. I’m thinking they need to be in the Memorial Day dessert line up! Pinned!
I’m so glad you reminded me about this sundae, Cheyanne! Those honey strawberries and everything about these has me drooling!!
These Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes are GORGEOUS!!! Wow! What a special treat for anytime work isn’t beckoning! I haven’t ever macerated my berries – so thanks so much for that tip, Cheyanne!
Hoping your week is off to a wonderful start!
So pretty and perfect Summer weekend dessert (or just about any day, for that matter 😉 Love the Amaretto in this!
These look beautiful!
I agree completely – summer weekends are THE BEST! woohoo, tomorrow is Friday!
These Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes are making my mouth water! I want to reach through my screen and grab it!! Knock out photos too, Chey. Just WOW!
I can’t even get over this — it’s the best looking sundae OR strawberry shortcake dessert that I’ve ever seen. You are the master of boozy creations! These are gorgeous and I love your tips about macerating berries…I’m so making some and freezing them!
The best kind of weekend is an extended weekend, Chey! But if seriously, 100% agreed. That’s probably because of longer days. And ice cream (Don’t get it wrong – I eat it all year round. But it’s different during summer). Not to mention those boozy milkshakes (Which I haven’t tried this season yet). And these delightful Amaretto Sundays? Yes, please. Pass me 3 or 4 glasses, please!
Yummm! Beautiful photos, I want to dive through my computer screen and grab one. Perfect summer weekend (and weekday!) treats for sure. Cheers to another great weekend ahead!
It’s not just you–summer weekends are the BEST! And I just picked up some amaretto for a recipe so guess what I’m going to be doing this weekend? If you didn’t guess making these sundaes then you got it wrong :). SO MUCH GOODNESS! If I were better with computers I’d insert a thousand heart eye emojis right now but instead I’ll just say HAPPY WEEKEND, girlie!
HOLY TOLEDO! Now this is a treat!! A treat for the eyes and tastebuds….like everything you share! Beautiful dessert, my friend! xo
These will definitely take my taste buds rights outta my face! Lol! Layers of lusciousness! You can count me in for one of these for sure. Such a fabulous, easy dessert for summer guests Chey! You know I can’t pass up a boozy treat! Happy weekend!
I wish I could dig right in! They look amazingly summery and delicious!