sundaes

A sundae is a sweet dessert typically consisting of one or more scoops of ice cream topped with flavored sauce or toppings. It is often served in a tall glass dish or bowl and may be finished with whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry on top. While flavors vary, the classic chocolate or caramel sundae is widely recognized.

Common variations use hot fudge, chocolate sauce, or caramel; additional toppings include nuts, sprinkles, fruit, or crushed cookies. Vegan and dairy-free sundaes use plant-based ice creams and non-dairy syrups.

The origins of the sundae are disputed and tied to late 19th-century United States confectionery shops. Several towns claim to have created the confection, and the etymology of the name is debated; one popular but unverified story suggests the term derived from the practice of selling the dessert on Sundays after a local ban on selling ice cream on Sundays. Most accounts place the first references in the 1890s, with menus and newspaper mentions appearing across the United States in the following decades.

Cultural and regional diffusion gave rise to variations adapted to local tastes, and sundae menus have spread internationally, sometimes using regional syrups or toppings. In modern menus, dietary options such as vegan, gluten-free, or sugar-free additions reflect contemporary preferences, while classic versions remain common in diners and ice cream parlors.