This Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundae is the perfect treat for summer!  Buttery pound cake layered with dreamy ice cream, simple amaretto macerated strawberries and fluffy whipped cream.  These sundaes are ridiculously easy to make and even easier to devour!

Hi, friends!

Is it just me or are weekends during the summer the best?*

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So, I know, I know, I knoooow weekends in general, during any and all season, rock the dang house, but there seems to be something extra special about them during the summer.

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, it probably has something to do with boozy milkshakes.  And also, adult shortcake 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 screamin’ for ice cream on a hot and humid day.

*Addendum, if you work in the service, retail or any other industry where you work crazy weekend hours, I salute you!  I also feel your pain, because I’ve been there and done that, so this boozy sundae goes out to you!

Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundae

Basically, these boozy beauties are an epic mashup of strawberry shortcakes with ice cream sundaes.

And, these shortcake sundaes are all about the layers of texture and flavor.

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

In a nutshell, these sassy sundaes will absolutely rock your taste buds right outta your face!

They are the perfect way to cool off, and they are a must-have addition to all your lazy, summer weekends!

What is the origin of the ice cream sundae?

While not proven, some historians claim the name “sundae” was created out of response to Blue Laws which stated that ice cream sodas could not be sold on Sundays because they were too “frilly”.

Some have explained the name “sundae” as an attempt to avoid offending devoutly religious people, who might take a not so favorable view of scoops of ice cream with syrup being named after the Sabbath.

Where does sundae come from?

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

Evanston, Illlinois 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 in cream sundae in 1881.

Since the ice cream sundae is an absolutely delicious creation, it’s really no wonder there is such a great debate!

What are macerated strawberries?

Macerating is the process of soaking a fruit, in this case strawberries, in a liquid.  The liquid serves to soften the fruit, add flavor and draw out the natural juices.

The technique is stupid simple, yet handy and absolutely delicious.

Since strawberries are water-dense, you can also macerate them by simply sprinkling them with sugar.  The sugar will draw liquid out of the berries and create a natural syrup.

In this recipe for Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes, strawberries are macerated in a mixture of honey, lemon juice and amaretto to add a delicious balance of sweet, tart and boozy flavor to the berries.

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

While we are using macerated strawberries to layer a shortcake 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 macerated strawberries keep?

You can definitely macerate the strawberries in advance and keep them stored, covered, in the refrigerator.  You will want to use the macerated strawberries within 3-4, as they can be prone to fermenting and mold if stored for too long.

Macerated berries can also be kept in a heavy-duty zip-closure bag in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Notes, Tips & Tricks for the best Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundae recipe:

1. You can use any flavor of ice cream your heart desires.  Not a strawberry ice cream lover?  Vanilla or Neapolitan ice cream are delicious options for this sundae as well!
2. If you aren’t a fan of amaretto, you can substitute grand marnier, brandy, bourbon, rum or vodka!
3. If you are looking to macerate the berries without alcohol, simply nix the amaretto, use granulated sugar in place of the honey and increase the lemon juice to 1 tablespoon.
4. 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!

This fresh, creamy-dreamy Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundae is the perfect treat to celebrate summer!  Easy to make and even easier to devour, this mash-up is guaranteed to please!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to sensational summer sundaes!

XOXO

Cheyanne

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How to make Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundae recipe 👇

5 from 8 votes

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Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundae

Prep Time

15 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

This Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundae is the perfect treat for summer!  Buttery pound cake layered with dreamy ice cream, simple amaretto macerated strawberries and fluffy whipped cream.  These sundaes are ridiculously easy to make and even easier to devour!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: amaretto, honey, ice cream, macerated berries, pound cake, shortcake, strawberry, sundae

Servings: 4

Calories: 330 kcal

Author: Cheyanne Holzworth

Ingredients

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

Honey Amaretto Strawberries:

• 1 pound fresh Strawberries hulled & sliced
• 3 TBS Amaretto Liqueur*
• 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

1. 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.
2. Slice the pound cake into ½’’ thick slices and then cut into cubes or rounds using a cookie cutter.
3. Assemble the sundaes: Place a couple cubes (or one round) of pound cake into a 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. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, mint and lemon zest if using. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

1.       You can use any flavor of ice cream your heart desires.  Not a strawberry ice cream lover?  Vanilla or Neapolitan ice cream are delicious options for this sundae as well!

2.       If you aren’t a fan of amaretto, you can substitute grand marnier, brandy, bourbon, rum or vodka! 

3.       If you are looking to macerate the berries without alcohol, simply nix the amaretto, use granulated sugar in place of the honey and increase the lemon juice to 1 tablespoon.

4.       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!

Nutrition Facts

Amaretto Strawberry Shortcake Sundae

Amount Per Serving

Calories 330 Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 10g 15%

Saturated Fat 6g 30%

Cholesterol 34mg 11%

Sodium 73mg 3%

Potassium 395mg 11%

Total Carbohydrates 53g 18%

Dietary Fiber 3g 12%

Sugars 17g

Protein 4g 8%

Vitamin A 7.8%

Vitamin C 93%

Calcium 16%

Iron 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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