Want to rock your next neighborhood gathering? Throw a shindig with an old-fashioned ice cream theme and watch everyone from toddlers to 90-year-old grannies bust out grins from ear-to-ear.
Malted milk balls, blueberry sauce, gelatin cubes and more. Tonight, we're gonna have an ice cream party like it's 1959!
Old-fashioned ice cream toppings have a way of turning a simple scoop into something memorable. They're rooted in tradition, a little indulgent, and often tied to childhood nostalgia. Long before elaborate mix-ins and over-the-top sundaes, ice cream parlors relied on a handful of classic toppings that balanced flavor and texture in simple, satisfying ways. These were the staples of soda fountains and family kitchens alike, where a scoop of vanilla became a canvas for something special.
There are quite a few obvious options that are still in play today. Hot fudge is perhaps the most iconic of them all: thick, glossy, and rich with deep chocolate flavor. Traditional hot fudge was slow-cooked and slightly bittersweet, designed to harden just a bit when it met cold ice cream. Caramel sauce follows closely behind, offering a buttery sweetness with a hint of burnt sugar that pairs perfectly with vanilla or butter pecan. And then there's strawberry sauce, made from real fruit, cooked down just enough to create a spoonable, jam-like consistency.
In an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, texture played just as important a role as flavor. Chopped nuts like peanuts, walnuts, or pecans add crunch and a slightly savory contrast. Don't forget hand-whipped whipped cream to add some airiness! Of course, a cherry on top is the finishing touch that makes the whole thing feel complete. Finally, simple sprinkles add a bit of color and fun without overpowering the ice cream itself.
Here are Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Toppings You May Not Know About
- Honey. Caramel is all the rage now, but did you know that people used to top their ice cream with honey? Add it on top of a bowl of Vanilla Bean or see how the sweet flavor complements Dreyer's Caramel Delight flavor.
- Peppermint. Perfect for the holiday season, crushed peppermint pieces can be sprinkled onto a big bowl of chocolate or vanilla. This year, Santa may opt for some old-fashioned ice cream instead of a plateful of cookies.
- Blueberry sauce. When I was a kid, my grandma used to save me a bit of blueberry sauce from her pie recipes. We'd heat it over the stove and drizzle the gooey concoction on top of a dish of ice cream until it all turned into a syrupy, liquid, oh-so-delicious mess. Absolute perfection.
- Malted milk balls. Crush them up and sprinkle them on top for an old-fashioned ice cream classic! You can even blend them into a cup of ice cream for a malted milk shake that's out of this world.
- Chocolate mint. The most popular chocolate-mint-chocolate candies today were actually launched in 1950, and you can bet they rocked old-fashioned ice cream that decade. Crush some up to top your favorite flavor, and finish the whole thing off with some hot fudge sauce.
- Gelatin cubes. If you lived through the 1950's you undoubtedly remember a slew of gelatin desserts incorporating everything from ice cream to sponge cake. This old-fashioned ice cream throwback deconstructs the mold, leaving you with the perfect balance of sweet and jiggly in every bite.
Whether you're hosting a party or just having fun at home with the family, you can incorporate toppings and flavors for every taste bud.
What's your favorite old-fashioned ice cream topping?