Looking for some new and creative ice cream toppings to try? This list of 100 popular and fun toppings will take your dessert game to the next level!
Can I tell you a secret?
I don’t love ice cream.
Occasionally, I really fancy it, but then it’s usually something special like Ben and Jerry’s. I wouldn’t ever just want to get a 99 from the ice cream man, and I certainly wouldn’t have ice cream for dessert or on an apple pie.
If I do have ice cream in the freezer (we quite ridiculously end up with a drawer full because we all like different flavours, and they are super cheap from Heron Foods or Aldi), I tend to opt for a strawberry cornetto or a Solero. I like fruity ice cream or something like Ben and Jerry’s Phish food that’s packed with flavours and textures.
A bowl of chocolate ice cream? No thanks, it’s cold and boring!
So, for me, the toppings make it. Even if you like ice cream a lot, would you eat a regular bowl of ice cream? It’s a bit dull!
Adding toppings add interest, flavour, texture, colour and even nutrition, helping you to create something special.
The key to the perfect Sundae is mixing your flavours and textures. I like a bit of crunch, some chocolate and a fruity sauce or add-on. I’m not bothered about a sprinkle.
So, whether you are planning an ice cream bar for a special event or you are just looking to upgrade your home ice cream this summer, here are some of the best toppings to try!
Chocolate And Candy Toppings:
I’m English, so when I say candy, I, of course, mean sweets. But that doesn’t fit the heading as well.
I love a fruity dessert, but can’t deny that chocolate bits add something quite wonderful to an ice cream, whether it’s a simple scoop in a bowl or cone, or a full-on sundae!
Hot Fudge
Hot fudge sauce on cold ice cream is just a great combo! A proper treat for your senses.
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips are such an easy addition. If you are looking for a quick chocolate fix, throw some on to top or fold them carefully.
M&M’s
M&Ms and smarties are great additions to ice cream because they are colourful, fun and easy to eat. They aren’t too big to get into a mouthful of ice cream, and they work really well with chocolate and vanilla.
Crushed Oreos
Crushed Oreos (other biscuits, too, hello custard creams!) are great in chocolate ice cream. I like to just break them up with my fingers, so the bits aren’t too small.
Reese’s Pieces
I don’t quite get this. To be honest, I’m not into the American candy thing at all. But if you like them, go for it.
Kit Kat Pieces
I love Kit Kats. Break them up, throw them in and enjoy those crunchy bits of chocolaty wafer with every spoon. Yum!
Gummy Bears
Chocolate is great, but what about something chewy? Gummy bears or Haribos make an interesting addition with a great texture.
Skittles
Skittles have a brilliant sweet, fruity flavour, and while they are chewy, they aren’t as chewy as a gummy bear and might suit ice cream better.
Chopped Snickers
Prefer a nutty flavour? Chop up a few Snickers bars and add them to chocolate ice cream for a special treat.
Heath Bar Pieces/Toffee Chunks
Toffee pieces are a super yummy sweet addition to ice cream.
Fruit Toppings:
I love a fruity dessert. Give me an apple crumble over a chocolate fudge cake every day!
I prefer a sweet, fruity jam, sauce or compote to fresh fruit, but some fresh fruit can be nice as part of a sundae or ice cream-based dessert.
Fresh Strawberries
Fresh strawberries are lovely with chocolate. It’s a great combination that always feels a little luxurious. Chopped strawberries, chocolate ice cream, strawberry and chocolate sauce and some chocolate chips all together with something extra special.
Sliced Bananas
Sliced bananas are great if you are serving them immediately, so they don’t have time to brown.
For something a little fancier, how about caramelised banana slices?
Blueberries
My daughter loves blueberries, so this one’s definitely a hit. They add colour, antioxidants, and bursts of flavour. Yummy iwth any flavour ice cream.
Pineapple Chunks
For a tropical treat, chunks of fresh or tinned pineapple are yummy!
Mango Chunks
Mango is another refreshing topical addition, perfect for a summer treat.
Sliced Peaches
I love tinned peaches. I find the furry skin of a fresh peach puts me off.
Mandarin Oranges
I’m not a big fan of a mandarin orange, but you do you.
Cherry Pie Filling
Canned cherry pie filling is a super simple way to create an ice cream pudding that looks and tastes fantastic! Add some chocolate sauce or crumbled biscuits for something extra special.
Raspberries
Raspberries are another fruit that works really well with chocolate! A summer pudding of raspberries, chocolate ice cream, and a white chocolate drizzle is perfect. For something extra, add some meringue kisses or crushed pieces.
Blackberries
We love a blackberry scavenger hunt in the summer, but always end up with way too many to eat! Throw them on to some chocolate or vanilla ice cream for an easy treat.
Nutty And Crunchy Toppings:
I love mixing texture, and think adding osme crunch to a creamy ice cream is always a good idea, whether you are adding sauces and other toppings or not.
Chopped Peanuts
You can’t go wrong with peanuts! They add the perfect crunch and work with pretty much any flavour.
Toasted Almonds
Toasting brings out their flavour, making them even more delicious. Try them on chocolate or caramel ice cream!
Walnuts
I love how they add a bit of crunch without being too hard. They’re brilliant on a rich, creamy scoop.
Pecans
Buttery, slightly sweet, and absolutely amazing with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Crushed Hazelnuts
If you’re a fan of Nutella, hazelnuts are a must! They taste fantastic with chocolate ice cream.
Pistachios
A little salty, a little sweet, and so moreish. They give your sundae a fancy touch! Pistachios are great with white chocolate and raspberries.
Granola
Sounds like a breakfast food, but it works so well on ice cream. Adds crunch and a hint of honey.
Graham Cracker Crumbs/Digestive Biscuits
Like a biscuit base for your ice cream! Especially good with cheesecake or vanilla flavours.
Cornflakes
A bit unexpected, but trust me, they add the best crunch without making things too sweet.
Coconut Flakes
Light, tropical, and so tasty. They make every scoop feel a bit more summery! Add them with pineapple, mango, or both for a tropical treat.
Syrups And Sauces:
For me, sauces and syrups are the best thing to add to ice cream, whether there are other toppings or not.
Caramel Sauce
Smooth, sweet, and slightly buttery – I could drizzle this on everything! Perfect with nuts or bananas.
Chocolate Sauce
A must-have for any ice cream lover. I love it best when it hardens slightly over cold scoops!
Strawberry Syrup
Sweet, fruity, and nostalgic. It reminds me of childhood sundaes with extra whipped cream.
Peanut Butter Sauce
Rich and creamy with just the right amount of saltiness. Perfect for a peanut butter and chocolate combo!
Maple Syrup
Not just for pancakes! It adds a lovely warmth and depth to ice cream, especially with pecans.
Honey Drizzle
Simple but so good. I love how it adds sweetness without being overpowering.
Marshmallow Sauce
Sticky, gooey, and absolutely delicious! It makes any sundae feel extra indulgent.
Butterscotch Sauce
Like caramel but with a deeper, richer flavour. Amazing with vanilla or banana ice cream.
Raspberry Coulis
Tart and fruity, it cuts through the sweetness perfectly. I love it on white chocolate ice cream.
White Chocolate Drizzle
Creamy, sweet, and slightly decadent. A little goes a long way, but it’s absolutely worth it!
Classic Sundae Essentials:
Even I, an ice cream refuser, love a sundae! Add lots of extras, either in layers or all mixed up, for the perfect treat.
These toppings are best all, or at least some, in the same Sundae. But take what you want and leave what you don’t.
Whipped Cream – No sundae is complete without a big, fluffy swirl of whipped cream on top! It makes everything feel extra indulgent.
Maraschino Cherries – The ultimate finishing touch! That bright red cherry on top just makes an ice cream sundae feel special.
Sprinkles (UK: Hundreds and Thousands) – They don’t add much flavour, but they bring all the fun! Perfect for a proper retro sundae.
Crushed Wafers – Light, crispy, and just the right amount of sweetness. Great for adding texture without overpowering the ice cream.
Ice Cream Cones (as a crunchy topping) – Sounds a bit odd, but trust me—crushed cones add the perfect crunch, especially on soft scoops!
Crumbled Brownies – Soft, fudgy, and ridiculously good. I love how they turn an ordinary bowl of ice cream into a full-on dessert.
Cookie Dough Bites – Who doesn’t love cookie dough? These little bites make every spoonful even more delicious.
Chopped Shortbread – Buttery and crumbly, this is such an underrated topping. It pairs amazingly with caramel or fruit flavours!
Crushed Digestives – Like a biscuit base for your ice cream! They add a lovely malty flavour, especially good with chocolate or cheesecake ice cream.
Biscuit Crumbs – A great way to use up leftover biscuits! Custard creams, bourbons, or ginger nuts all make brilliant toppings.
Salty And Savoury Twists:
I didn’t used to like salty options with my sweet treats, but I’ve grown to really appreciate the combination of flavour and now choose sweet and salty popcorn when possible.
Sea Salt
A tiny sprinkle makes everything taste sweeter! It’s magic on caramel or dark chocolate ice cream.
Pretzel Pieces
I love how they add crunch and a salty kick. Perfect with peanut butter or chocolate flavours.
Crushed Salted Peanuts
A bit of crunch, a bit of salt, and a whole lot of deliciousness! Great on almost any ice cream.
Bacon Bits
Sounds weird, but trust me, bacon and ice cream is next-level good! Salty, smoky, and a little bit crispy.
Cheese Flakes
Not your usual choice, but cheese and sweet things work surprisingly well. Try it with honey or caramel sauce!
Salted Caramel Popcorn
One of my favourites! The mix of crunchy, sweet, and salty is just perfect.
Chilli Flakes
If you like a bit of heat, this is such a fun way to spice up your scoop. Works really well with chocolate.
Flavoured Popcorn
So many options! Toffee, cheese, or even smoky BBQ popcorn can make your ice cream feel totally different.
Salted Crackers
A bit like biscuit crumbs but with a savoury twist. Lovely with fruity or creamy ice cream.
Crushed Tortilla Chips
The crunchiest topping ever! Try them with chocolate sauce for a sweet-and-salty combo.
Cereal And Breakfast-Inspired Toppings:
What could be easier than opening your breakfast cupboard and throwing a handful of your cereal on your ice cream?
Frosted Flakes
I used to just eat Frosties out of a bowl while watching a film, like it was popcorn!
Sweet, crunchy, and perfect for adding a little extra bite. I love how they stay crisp even as the ice cream melts!
Rice Krispies
Light and crispy, they give your sundae a fun, crackly texture. A great option if you don’t want anything too heavy.
Shredded Wheat
It might sound a bit odd, but the subtle crunch and slight nuttiness actually work really well, especially with honey or fruit.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
One of my absolute favourite flavours! We don’t really have this in the UK, but cinnamon is always a welcome addition.
The cinnamon sugar adds the perfect warm, sweet touch to any scoop.
Granola Clusters
If you like a bit of crunch with your ice cream, granola is a brilliant choice. The honey-coated ones are extra tasty!
Crushed Weetabix
It’s not just for breakfast! It adds a delicate crunch without being too sweet, making it great with fruity ice creams.
Chopped Waffles
Ice cream and waffles are a match made in heaven! Add some syrup, and you’ve got the ultimate treat.
Mini Pancake Pieces
Tiny pancakes on ice cream? Yes, please! They soak up just the right amount of syrup and taste incredible.
Cereal Milk Powder
If you’ve ever loved the taste of the milk at the bottom of your cereal bowl, this is for you! It gives your ice cream a nostalgic twist.
Porridge Oats
Sounds simple, but toasted oats add a lovely chewy texture and work brilliantly with maple syrup or honey drizzle.
Boozy And Gourmet Additions:
For the grown-ups!
Rum-Soaked Raisins
These remind me of a grown-up version of rum and raisin ice cream. Soaked until plump, they add a lovely richness.
Bailey’s Drizzle
Creamy, boozy, and perfect over chocolate or coffee ice cream. I could honestly eat this with a spoon!
Kahlúa Sauce
Coffee and caramel flavours make this one extra indulgent. Try it on vanilla ice cream for a tiramisu-style treat.
Crushed Amaretti Biscuits
These little Italian biscuits bring a sweet, nutty crunch that works beautifully with fruity flavours.
Brandy-Infused Caramel
A little boozy warmth in every drizzle—this takes caramel sauce to a whole new level.
Espresso Powder
A pinch of this adds a bold coffee kick! Ideal for coffee lovers or for balancing out really sweet toppings.
Dark Chocolate Shavings
Simple but effective. They melt slightly into the ice cream, making every bite feel a bit more luxurious.
Macerated Cherries
Sweet, juicy, and just a little boozy. They give a classic sundae a proper grown-up twist.
Crushed Truffles
If you’re feeling fancy, why not sprinkle over some truffles? A bit over-the-top but totally worth it!
Champagne Syrup
Light, sweet, and a little bit special. It’s perfect for a celebration sundae!
Fun And Unusual Ideas:
Ice cream is the perfect base for getting creative!
Cotton Candy Pieces
This one takes me straight back to the fair! It melts into the ice cream, making everything extra sweet and fluffy.
Edible Gold Leaf
Probably the fanciest topping ever! If you want to impress, this is the way to go.
Crushed Candy Canes
Perfect at Christmas, but I’d happily have them all year round. They add a refreshing, minty crunch.
Lotus Biscoff Crumbs
Biscoff makes everything better! That caramel-spiced crunch is unreal on vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Fudge Pieces
Little chunks of chewy, chocolatey heaven. I always sneak a few extra before they even make it to my bowl.
Jelly Tots
A childhood favourite! They add a fruity, chewy texture that’s so fun to eat.
Matcha Powder
Earthy, slightly bitter, and pairs surprisingly well with white chocolate or vanilla ice cream. A grown-up twist!
Lavender Sugar
Floral and fragrant, this one’s a bit different, but it makes ice cream feel super fancy.
Popping Candy
So much fun! It crackles and pops in your mouth, making every bite feel like a party.
Gummy Worms
The ultimate playful topping! Perfect for kids (or just for making your bowl look extra fun).
Ice Cream Topping Combinations
Classic Sundae
Vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry.
Chocolate Overload
Chocolate ice cream, crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, and chocolate sauce.
Tropical Paradise
Mango ice cream, pineapple chunks, coconut flakes, and honey drizzle.
Peanut Butter Lover
Peanut butter ice cream, Reese’s Pieces, chopped peanuts, and peanut butter sauce.
Fruity Delight
Strawberry ice cream, fresh blueberries, raspberries, and granola.
Salted Caramel Crunch
Caramel ice cream, pretzel pieces, salted caramel drizzle, and sea salt.
Birthday Party
Cake batter ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, cookie dough bites, and whipped cream.
Breakfast-Inspired
Maple syrup ice cream, crushed waffles, cinnamon sugar, and pecans.
Boozy Indulgence
Coffee ice cream, Bailey’s drizzle, dark chocolate shavings, and macerated cherries.
Christmas Special
Peppermint ice cream, crushed candy canes, white chocolate drizzle, and fudge pieces.
FAQ Section:
What are good toppings for ice cream?
There are endless options! Classic choices include chocolate sauce, caramel, fruit, and nuts, but you can also try cereals, savoury ingredients, or boozy toppings for something different.
What do you put on top of ice cream?
You can add sauces, syrups, sprinkles, biscuits, or even cheese and bacon for a unique twist.
What toppings go on a sundae bar?
A good sundae bar should include a variety of sauces, fresh fruit, crunchy toppings, and classics like whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
What are ice cream sprinkles called in the UK?
In the UK, sprinkles are often called “hundreds and thousands.”
Do ice cream toppings need to be refrigerated?
Some do, like fresh fruit and dairy-based sauces, but most dry toppings like nuts and sprinkles can be stored in a cupboard.
Where to buy ice cream toppings?
You can find them in supermarkets, online, or at specialist dessert shops.
What are some ice cream toppings?
Some popular options include chocolate sauce, caramel, peanut butter, fruit, nuts, and crushed biscuits.
How to make ice cream toppings at home?
You can melt chocolate for a simple sauce, toast nuts for extra flavour, or blend fruit into a homemade syrup.
Conclusion
When it comes to ice cream toppings, you should think about texture, as well as flavour, but also colour and appearance, especially if you are serving other people or looking for a special treat.
Experiment with different toppings and combinations, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
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