Just because cold weather months are upon us doesn’t mean we have to forego one of our favorite desserts until the sun comes out again.
An entire section of our hearts is dedicated to ice cream sundaes, so we’re scooping the most delicious fall flavors into our bowls.
While most of the DIY sundaes below teach you how to make your very own ice cream, we may just take the easy way out and buy our favorite fall flavors from the supermarket. I mean, when Tillamook and Halo Top do it so well, why mess with a perfect recipe?
Scroll below for fall flavor overload. Don’t forget to tag us in your IG post when you post a pic of your own autumn sundaes!
Pumpkin Pie Sundae
Pumpkin spice is hands down the most popular flavor of the season (even if you think the taste is rather basic). Incorporate your fave flavor into your ice cream sundae with this DIY pumpkin pie ice cream recipe that is smothered in pumpkin caramel, maple vanilla whipped cream and candied pecans.
(via Cooking With Janica)
Apple Pie Sundae
Because pies are the quintessential dessert of fall, we couldn’t help but include another pie sundae on our list. This DIY caramel apple pie sundae recipe teaches you how to make your own caramel and cinnamon apples to top nice big scoops of vanilla ice cream. After all, apple pie and vanilla ice cream are a match made in dessert heaven.
(via Spoonful of Flavor)
Maple and Candied Walnut Sundae
While many may clamor to buy anything and everything with a pumpkin spice label, we’re suckers for maple. Maple donuts, maple cereal, maple syrup poured over spaghetti… okay so we’ve never tried that one, but Buddy the Elf seems to like it. Anyway, THIS DIY maple syrup ice cream recipe is sprinkled with homemade candied walnuts, making it a sweet and crunchy treat.
(via Jeroxie)
PB&J Sundae
Traditionally speaking, when we think of fall flavors, our minds typically wander over pumpkin, apple and cinnamon. But aside from the fruits and veggies that ripen during this season, fall also marks the start of school. And what could be more reminiscent of school than a classic brown bag PB&J sammie? This back-to-school style DIY sandwich sundae recipe is a major indulgence, as it includes marshmallow fluff, peanut butter chip morsels, peanuts, peanut butter, strawberry jam and of course a healthy serving of strawberry ice cream. We’ll take this treat over the conventional brown paper bag lunch any day.
(via Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams)
Sweet Potato Casserole Sundae
What would a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner be without a sweet and creamy sweet potato casserole? Not sold yet? Well, this DIY sweet potato sundae recipe includes homemade tater ice cream topped with marshmallow creme and sprinkled with cashews for a nice crunch. Rather than torching the top of your marshmallows, you can have your parents assist you in broiling them in the oven to toasted perfection before topping them on your ice cream.
(via Thrillist)
Also read about: A Definitive Ranking of Fall Activities, From Least to Most Basic
Chai Tea Affogato ‘Sundae’
If you aren’t familiar, affogato is an Italian dessert of hot espresso poured over a scoop of gelato. While this isn’t a traditional sundae or even a traditional affogato recipe, we decided to include it on our list, as it combines hot and cold together for the perfect fall dessert. This DIY chai tea affogato recipe changes things up by pouring hot brewed chai tea over honey-sweetened vanilla ice cream. Chai has a specific autumnal spice that doesn’t come paired with pumpkin.
(via Cookie and Kate)
Skillet Apple Pie Sundae
We just couldn’t leave well enough alone and simply had to add another apple pie inspired sundae. Unlike the above treat, this DIY skillet apple pie recipe is served hot and sprinkled with candied pecans, which will warm your stomach and soul.
(via Minimalist Baker)
Also read about: 10 Reasons Why Fall is Better Than Summer
Apple Cider Sundae
Instead of biting into warm baked apples in the above pie recipes, this sundae comes dripping in apple cider. There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of apple cider on a cold day, so this apple cider cinnamon sundae recipe is bound to satisfy your fall taste buds. The DIY apple cider cinnamon sundae concoction uses cinnamon ice cream drizzled in a homemade cider reduction. Basically, this means that you’re creating a caramel-like substance from the cider by boiling it until it thickens into a sauce.
(via A Couple Cooks)
Harvest Sweet Potato Sundae
This sweet potato sundae is even sweeter than the last. THIS DIY harvest sundae recipe incorporates all of our favorite flavors of fall. You’ve got the sweet potato ice cream, plus a maple brown sugar swirl, white chocolate sauce and your choice of chopped nut (though this recipe specifies pralines). Uhhhhm, yum.
(via Susty Party)
How to Build the Perfect Fall Sundae
Whether you follow a recipe above or build your own, a few tricks make any fall sundae better:
- Start with a seasonal base. Vanilla, cinnamon, maple, pumpkin and sweet potato ice creams all work.
- Add something warm. Caramel, cider reduction or skillet apples create a hot-and-cold contrast.
- Bring the crunch. Candied pecans, walnuts or crushed gingersnaps add texture.
- Finish with spice. Whipped cream with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg completes the look.
- Take a shortcut. Store-bought ice cream saves time without losing flavor.
Fall Sundae FAQs
What ice cream flavors are best for fall?
Pumpkin, apple pie, maple, cinnamon, sweet potato and chai are all seasonal favorites.
Do I need an ice cream maker for these sundaes?
Many of the recipes above make their own ice cream, which often calls for an ice cream maker. Check each recipe, or swap in store-bought ice cream.
Can I serve these for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely. The pie, sweet potato and apple sundaes make easy, fun alternatives to a traditional holiday dessert.
If you’re obsessed with PSLs, read Here’s What Happened When I Wore Pumpkin Spice Latte Deodorant for a Week!
