Every year on November 11th, we celebrate National Sundae Day, a holiday that pays homage to the much-loved dessert - the sundae. It’s a day that encourages us to treat ourselves to this delight, with combinations ranging from the timeless recipe of ice cream, syrup, and a cherry on top, to innovative and quirky flavor pairings.
National Sundae Day is a day to dive into the sweet bliss of a sundae and recall fond memories of our childhood while savoring every spoonful. A simple yet genuinely comforting pleasure that is worth celebrating.
History of National Sundae Day
The creation of the ice cream sundae is a topic of friendly contention amongst several American locales, each claiming the distinction of inventing this delightful confectionery. It appeared towards the end of the 19th century within the United States and swiftly garnered acclaim. Folklore often credits innovative proprietors of local sweet shops or drugstore soda fountains with the inventive combination of syrup-drenched ice cream—sometimes an improvisation to sidestep strict Sabbath commerce restrictions, particularly those prohibiting the sale of effervescent sodas.
Evanston, Illinois, alongside Two Rivers, Wisconsin and Ithaca, New York, are among the communities asserting their pivotal role in the sundae’s genesis. A prevalent narration involves the transformation of the traditional ice cream soda into a non-carbonated version that skirted around Blue Laws. This modified treat, initially known as the “Sunday soda,” ostensibly evolved in nomenclature to avoid religious connotations, leading to the term “sundae.”
By the dawn of the 20th century, the ice cream sundae had entrenched itself as a fixture within American dessert culture. Today, this indulgence is ubiquitous, celebrated with an array of toppings such as warm chocolate sauce, butterscotch, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and the quintessential maraschino cherry. It’s a testament to the sundae’s enduring appeal across generations and continents.
National Sundae Day Timeline
Birth of Sundae
Various towns and cities in the U.S. claim to be the birthplace of sundaes, including Two Rivers, Wisconsin and Ithaca, New York, with its history dating back to as early as 1881.
Sundae Named
The ice cream treat was first named 'Sunday' after the day it was typically sold. The name was later changed to 'Sundae' to allow sales on other days.
St. Louis World's Fair
Hot fudge sundaes were allegedly invented during the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, popularizing sundaes even more.
McDonald's Sundae
With the rise of fast-food chains, sundaes gained even more popularity when McDonald's introduced them to their menu.
National Sundae Day
National Sundae Day is recognized to celebrate the dish's rich history and its contribution to American cuisine.
Ideas to Celebrate National Sundae Day
Sundae Making Competition
Host a sundae making competition among your friends or family. Each participant will be given the same ingredients and will be tasked to make the most delicious, creatively made sundae. Don't forget to take photos of your yummy creations.
Themed Sundae Party
Throw a sundae party with a specific theme. It can be a tropical sundae party where you serve varieties of tropical fruit sundaes or a chocolate lovers' sundae party featuring different types of chocolate ice creams and toppings.
Local Ice Cream Parlor Visit
Go to your favorite local ice cream parlor and treat yourself to the biggest, tastiest sundae they offer. You can also invite some friends, relatives, or a special someone to come along.
Guilt-Free Sundae Day
Celebrate the day by creating your own version of a healthier sundae option. Use substitutes for ice cream like frozen yogurt or banana 'nice cream' and opt for fresh fruits and granola for toppings.
Cooking Class: Sundae Edition
Engage a local chef to conduct a cooking class centered around making the perfect sundae. This way, you'll not only be celebrating the day, but also learning a new skill.
5 Interesting Facts About Sundae
Origin of Sundae
Sundaes are believed to have originated in the late 19th century when some towns in the US banned selling ice-cream sodas on Sundays, leading to creation of the ice-cream sundae.
Naming Controversy
There is a controversy regarding who named it 'sundae'. Some believe it was named after 'Sunday', the day it was often eaten. However, others believe the spelling was changed to 'sundae' to remove any association with the holy day.
World’s Most Expensive Sundae
The world’s most expensive sundae is the Serendipity 3 restaurant's Frrrozen Haute Chocolate ice cream sundae, costing $25,000. It's made with blend of 28 cocoas, including 14 of the most expensive and exotic from around the globe.
Variations of Sundae
Sundaes have evolved into various types over the years. Common types include hot fudge sundaes, banana splits, black and white sundaes (vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, and marshmallow topping), and even Hawaiian sundaes (vanilla ice cream with pineapple topping).
Sundae Dishes
Sundaes are traditionally served in a tulip-shaped, footed glass dish called a sundae glass which are generally made of transparent material to show the layers of the sundae.
National Sundae Day FAQs
Next National Sundae Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 11th | Saturday |
| 2024 | November 11th | Monday |
| 2025 | November 11th | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 11th | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 11th | Thursday |
| What is the pattern? | Every November 11th | |
National Sundae Day Word Search
- Sundae
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Vanilla
- Cream
- Dessert