Fruit-Laced Ice Cream Topping Ideas for Summer
Picture this: It’s a hot summer day, you’ve got a creamy ice cream bowl of classic vanilla ice cream (or maybe strawberry ice cream if you’re feeling wild), and you’re ready for that first bite. But wait. What’s missing? Oh, just the thing that takes ice cream from good to unforgettable—an epic ice cream topping.
Hey Ice Cream Lovers—Ready to Level Up Your Sundae Game?
If you’re tired of the same old chocolate sprinkles or maraschino cherries and want to bring a little California sunshine into your ice cream social, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the most irresistible ice cream toppings made with CA GROWN ingredients. We’re talking sauces, curds, and compotes that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
So, whether you’re hosting an ice cream party, hitting up your favorite ice cream parlors, or just treating yourself on a Tuesday night (because why not?), let’s dive in.
🌟 The CA GROWN Ice Cream Topping Lineup
If you’re looking to top off your creamy ice cream with something beyond the usual suspects, these recipes have your back. Here’s what’s going to be drizzling, dolloping, and slathering its way onto your favorite ice cream this summer.
1️⃣ Red Wine Chocolate Sauce
Let’s kick things off with pure indulgence. Who doesn’t love chocolate sauce? Now, stir in a splash of California Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, and you’ve got a sauce that’s rich, smooth, and sophisticated enough to serve at any ice cream party—or to keep all to yourself. Bonus: This recipe makes enough for gifting, so your friends will think you’re a genius.
2️⃣ An Easy Mixed Berry Sauce Recipe with California Berries
Imagine juicy ripe strawberries, blueberries, and honey coming together in a sweet, slightly tart sauce. That’s what this berry sauce is all about. It’s fresh, it’s bright, and it turns a scoop of ice cream into something that feels like a trip to a sunny California berry farm.
👉 Grab the Mixed Berry Sauce recipe
3️⃣ Vegan Caramel with California Dates
Craving caramel but want a healthier spin? Enter: California dates. This caramel sauce brings the sweet, rich flavor you love, minus the guilt. And hey, if you haven’t tried a CA GROWN Date Shake, what are you even doing with your summer? That recipe is included at the link below also!
4️⃣ Strawberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, Blood Orange, Lime, and Apricot Curds
Okay, hear us out—fruit curd isn’t just for toast and tarts. Slather it on top of your ice cream bowl, and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. From Bakes by Brown Sugar’s intensely flavorful strawberry curd to the tart and creamy blackberry lemon and the citrusy zing of lime and blood orange curds, these are your new go-tos for a fresh fruit fix.
👉 Strawberry Curd
👉 Blackberry Lemon Curd
👉 Raspberry Curd
👉 Blood Orange Curd
👉 Lime Curd
👉 Apricot Curd
5️⃣ Blueberry Compote Two Ways
Talk about versatile. Blueberry compote brings sunshine-kissed flavor, whether you go sweet for ice cream or savory for your next barbecue. I say go ahead—make a batch, and let your ice cream experience hit new heights.
6️⃣ Hot Fudge Sauce with California Prunes
Hot fudge lovers, this one’s for you. This sauce is sultry, smooth, and a little sneaky—because it’s made with California prunes. Yep, prunes. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it; they add a natural sweetness that takes hot fudge to the next level.
7️⃣ The Perfect Mondae Chocolate Sauce
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most luscious and delicious of all. This “mondae” chocolate sauce is perfect for an easy but indulgent snack. It has six ingredients, some of which might be surprising. You are going to fall in love with this gooey goodness from No Crumbs Left.
🍨 Top It Like a Pro: How to Build Your Ultimate Ice Cream Bowl
Let’s be real. A bowl of ice cream without toppings? That’s like a party without music. Here’s how to build a sundae that’ll make you the MVP of any ice cream social:
- Start with your favorite ice cream flavor — Classic vanilla, strawberry ice cream, or sherbet and sorbet whatever floats your boat.
- Pick a sauce or two — Red wine chocolate sauce, hot fudge sauce, berry sauce, or date caramel sauce. Double up if you’re feeling bold.
- Add fresh fruits — Ripe strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for that burst of fresh flavor.
- Sprinkle on the fun — Chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, or a little crunch from minced pistachios or honey walnuts.
- Finish with flair — A drizzle of hot fudge sauce or strawberry syrup, maybe even a few cherries on top for that old-school vibe.
🏖️ Your Summer Ice Cream Party, Sorted
So here’s the deal. Summer is short, and ice cream parties are one of the sweetest ways to soak it up. Whether you’re at the beach, hosting in your backyard, or making sundaes on a Tuesday just because, these ice cream topping ideas will have everyone talking.
And don’t just stop at the toppings we’ve talked about. Get creative. Crush up some toasted pistachios. Add a swirl of caramel sauce. Layer your ice cream bowl with all the CA GROWN goodness you can get your hands on.
Final Scoop 🍦
There you have it—your guide to the best ice cream ideas for summer, all featuring incredible CA GROWN ingredients. So what’s your favorite thing to pile on top of your ice cream? Got a topping combo that makes your taste buds sing?
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