Make every celebration sweeter with a DIY ice cream sundae bar! From homemade bases to creative toppings and allergy-friendly options, here’s how to host a delicious, fun-filled Sundae Funday — perfect for Easter, birthdays, or any sunny afternoon.
There’s something deeply nostalgic and incredibly fun about building your own ice cream sundae. The best part? There are no rules — build it your way, with as much sauce and sparkle as your heart desires.
I remember the thrill of many garden parties, when we’d line up at a makeshift sundae bar, eyes wide and spoons ready. A dollop of vanilla, a rogue swirl of strawberry sauce, and an outrageous amount of sprinkles, it would be rude not to, right?
Fast forward a few decades, and sundae bars still bring that feeling of excitement and thrill.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, a summer barbecue, or just want an excuse to eat ice cream with friends on a sunny afternoon, a DIY ice cream sundae bar is always a crowd-pleaser.
Here’s how to build your own, with all the homemade flair, playful toppings, and inclusive options your guests will love.
The Ice Cream Base – Start with the Classics (or Not)
Your sundae starts with the all-important ice cream scoop, and the possibilities are endless. While shop-bought tubs are totally welcome (no judgment here!), there’s something special about making your own ice cream.
These three timeless flavours are crowd favourites and a solid starting point:
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, classic, and a blank canvas for toppings.
Decadent Chocolate Ice Cream: Rich, smooth, and beloved by serious sweet tooths.
Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream: Fruity, fresh, and spring-perfect.
Psst: Don’t own an ice cream maker? No problem. Check out our article for guidance and tips for creamy, dreamy homemade scoops with just a bowl and freezer and a bit of creativity.
👉🏽 How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker
Want to mix it up with not-so-classic ice cream bases?
Try one of these:
- Salted caramel (heaven with pretzels)
- Coffee gelato (for grown-up tastebuds)
- Vegan coconut-mango swirl (dairy-free, tropical, and sunny-day ready)
Toppings Galore – Sweet, Crunchy, Fruity, Fun
This is where the sundae bar really shines. Offer a mix of textures, flavours, and colours so everyone can create their own dessert masterpiece.
Here’s your go-to topping checklist:
Crunchy Bits
- Crushed biscuits (Oreos, digestives, wafers)
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, pistachios)
- Pretzel pieces or caramel popcorn
Sweet Sauces
- Hot fudge or chocolate sauce
- Salted caramel drizzle
- Berry compote or coulis
- Honey or maple syrup
Fresh + Fruity
- Sliced strawberries, bananas, kiwis, or pineapple
- Blueberries, raspberries, or pomegranate seeds
- Roasted peaches or figs (when in season)
Whimsical Add-Ons
- Sprinkles (rainbow or pastel)
- Gummy bears or jelly sweets
- Marshmallows or meringue pieces
- Edible flowers (pansies, violets)
Optional: add small signage or labels so guests know what’s what — especially helpful for dietary info!
Want to Take Your Sundae Bar to the Next Level?
If you’re serious about creating unforgettable DIY sundae parties, the Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is a must-have addition to your kitchen. More than just a novelty, this compact yet playful machine brings soft-serve magic right into your home — perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or weekend treats.
With a built-in dispenser that lets guests serve themselves soft serve ice cream, and three toppings containers for sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips, this machine transforms your sundae bar into a mini ice cream parlour. Kids love the pull-handle action, and adults can’t resist the nostalgia.
✨ Why we love the Cuisinart Soft Serve for sundae setups:
- Makes up to 1.4 litres of soft, creamy ice cream in just 20–30 minutes
Product Ad - Interactive and fun – ideal for group celebrations
- Offers a true soft-serve texture, elevating your sundae beyond standard scoops
- Adds that “wow” factor to your party spread!
👉🏽 Click here to read our full Cuisinart Soft Serve review and see why it’s our go-to for soft serve fun at home.
Whether you’re team vanilla, chocoholic, or dairy-free dreamer, this machine makes it easy to craft custom sundaes — and memories — with every pull of the handle.
Allergy-Friendly and Vegan Options
With so many brilliant ingredients available to us now, there’s no reason anyone should miss out on the fun. Whether you’re catering for dairy-free guests, nut allergies, gluten sensitivities, or simply offering more inclusive choices, a few thoughtful swaps can make your sundae bar a sweet success for everyone.
Here’s how to keep things allergy-aware and delicious:
- Dairy-Free / Vegan Ice Cream: Coconut milk, oat milk, or cashew-based ice creams
- Nut-Free Zone: Use seed butters (sunflower or pumpkin) instead of peanut butter
- Gluten-Free Goodies: Gluten-free cones, wafers, and biscuits
- Low-Sugar Options: Offer fresh fruit, dark chocolate shavings, or unsweetened whipped coconut cream
💡 Tip: Set up a clearly marked “allergy-friendly” zone on your sundae table to keep cross-contamination to a minimum and let guests feel confident in their choices.
It’s all about offering choice so that everyone can build their dream ice cream sundae bowl.
Styling Your Sundae Station
Make it feel special — even if it’s a simple setup on your kitchen counter or garden table.
Here are a few tips to set the stage:
- Use jars or bowls for toppings with scoops or tongs
- Add labels or chalkboard signs (cute and helpful)
- Use pretty napkins, spoons, and bowls — colour themes optional
- Add bunting, fairy lights, or wildflowers for atmosphere
===> Click on this link for a selection of Sundae Bar Accessories and Decor
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Sundae Styles to Try
Want to spark ideas for your guests or create themed builds?
Try these signature combos:
1. The Classic Crush: Vanilla, hot fudge, whipped cream, cherry on top
2. The Fruit Garden: Strawberry base, mixed berries, honey drizzle, mint leaf
3. The Chocolate Dream: Triple choc scoops, brownie bits, chocolate sauce, flakes
4. The Salty-Sweet: Salted caramel, crushed pretzels, roasted peanuts, caramel popcorn
5. The Vegan Glow-Up: Coconut-mango ice cream, kiwi, toasted coconut, agave drizzle
👉🏽 You can even create a mini competition: Best Looking Sundae, Most Creative Combo, or Tallest Scoop Stack.
Tips & Extras for a Smooth Sundae Funday
- Pre-scoop ice cream into muffin tins and freeze — easy portioning!
- Offer both cones and bowls for different vibes
- Freeze your serving spoons to avoid melty messes
- Keep a cooler or mini ice bucket nearby if outdoors
👉🏽 Want to make your own Ice cream Waffle Cones or Bowls? We’ve got some fantastic articles to guide you with helpful hints and tips, as well as an article that will help you decide which Ice Cream Waffle Cone Maker is right for you.
- Learn How To Make Homemade Ice Cream Waffle Cones
- Ice Cream Waffle Cones For Every Diet – From Gluten-Sensitive To Dairy Substitutes
- Which Ice Cream Waffle Cone Maker Is Right For You? – Frosted Fusions
The Final Scoop
Whether you’re celebrating something big or just enjoying a fun summer afternoon, an ice cream sundae bar is a delicious way to bring people together. It’s fun, low-fuss, and guaranteed to get guests talking.
Sundae Funday is more than dessert — it’s an experience. So grab the sprinkles, cue up your favourite playlist, and get scooping.
Now it’s your turn…
👉🏽 What’s your dream sundae combo? Do you go full-on chocolate chaos or keep it light and fruity? We’d love to hear — drop your favourite toppings or twists in the comments below! And don’t forget to save this post for your next party.
We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Sundae Funday – How To Create A DIY Ice Cream Bar – and that we have given you some inspiration for your own DIY Sundae Bars! If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below, and we will be happy to get back to you.
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Cool – this is a fun page so I have to make a fun comment…
First off — ice cream? YUM. There’s something universally joyful about building your own sundae, and this article taps into that delight perfectly. “Sundae Funday” – not just a catchy title, but an invitation to turn an ordinary afternoon into a mini celebration of creativity, flavor, and of course – fun.
What stands out is how the post brings together fun, ease, and a bit of homemade magic. The idea of creating a DIY ice cream bar at home hits that sweet spot (pun intended) between festive and stress-free. I love this idea whether you’re planning a birthday party, a family movie night, or just an excuse to eat whipped cream by the spoonful, this guide makes the process approachable and inspiring.
Encourages Natural Ingredients: There’s a subtle nudge toward using fresh, wholesome toppings — a bonus for those who like their treats with fewer preservatives and more love. Ok that was a serious comment….
Back to fun: It’s easy to adapt for kids, adults, or even a themed party (hello, taco sundae bar? Genius.)
Customizable & Creative: From sauces to sprinkles to unexpected mix-ins, the guide encourages playful experimentation — something we could all use a little more of.
Final Scoop: This post isn’t just about ice cream — it’s about connection. It encourages us to pause, savor, and enjoy the simple pleasure of building something sweet with people we love. At the end of the day, a sundae bar isn’t just dessert — it’s a memory waiting to happen.
Thanks Cherie – I enjoyed the post as you can probably tell.
Hi Mark,
What a fun comment!
You’ve captured the spirit we hoped to convey in the post – Sundaes are fun, yes, but as you so rightly said, they’re also a way to connect, create memories, and bring a little celebration into the everyday.
Ensuring we accommodate all diets is important in an age where there are many alternative requirements, so we’re glad that you appreciated that addition in our article.
And now we can’t stop thinking about a taco sundae bar… genius indeed!
So glad that you enjoyed our article, Mark, and thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful (and yes, deliciously fun!) feedback.
Wishing you all the best,
Cherie