National Ice Cream Sundae Day - National Ice Cream Sundae Day celebrates one of the world’s most popular ice cream dishes in true blue American style — sprinkles and all.

National Ice Cream Sundae Day 2024 – July 8, 2024

National Ice Cream Sundae Day, celebrated on July 8 every year, brings fun and sweet celebrations to ice cream sundae lovers across the country! Did you know that sundae is one of the most served ice cream desserts in America? Yes, the nation of America loves sundaes and the most popular flavors of the sundae in the country are chocolate caramel, butterscotch, and strawberry. These delicious, sweet, cold, creamy ice cream desserts with one or more scoops of ice creams with syrups and other toppings such as fruits, maraschino cherries, nuts, whipped cream, and sprinkles are loved by kids and adults alike!

History of National Ice Cream Sundae Day

Ice cream sundaes are one of the handfuls of foods that are loved by almost everyone. You might be handling a bowl of delicious right now as you read through this post, but have you ever wondered where this sweet nectar of the gods, a.k.a. sundae came from? How did it get its bizarre and unusual name? Who was the creator of this lovely dessert? We might be able to answer you.The original ice cream sundae dessert consisted of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry-flavored sauce, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry. They were originally served in small glass tulip-shaped vases. This glass then got the name, “sundae glass.” Over the years sundaes took many forms and shapes. They have become one of the most popular desserts in America.Interestingly, there are several versions of the story of who is the original creator of the sundae. The key players in the list include Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Ithaca, New York, Evanston, Illinois, and Plainfield, Illinois. But according to most people, it was the Two Rivers in Wisconsin that was the original birthplace of Sundae. It was invented by Edward C. Benners, the owner of Berners’ Soda Fountain in 1881. Much like the origin, there are varied stories about how Sundae got its name. One story claims that the name comes from the translation of “Sonntag” which means Sunday in German. Another story says that when Evanston, Illinois passed the Blue Law, restricting soda on Sundays, the town invented the term Sunday Soda, which later turned into ‘sundae’.But whatever the origin is or whatever the name is, one thing that is absolute is how much we love Sundaes. So, grab your ice cream appetite and enjoy the day!

National Ice Cream Sundae Day timeline

1881
The Invention of Sundae

Edward C. Berners from Wisconsin invents the iconic sundae.

1890
The Blue Law

Illinois passes the Blue Law that restricts activities on Sundays.

1920
Sundaes Go to the U.K.

Sundae gets introduced into the U.K., renamed “Knickerbocker Glory”.

1980s
The Most Loved Dessert

Sundae becomes one of the most loved ice cream desserts in the U.S.

National Ice Cream Sundae Day FAQs

What is the difference between sundae and ice cream?

In simple terms, ice cream is the ingredient that you use in sundaes and other desserts and a sundae is the finished dessert made with ice cream.

How do you make a regular sundae?

All you need to do is take scoops of ice cream in a bowl and pour caramel or chocolate fudge and then top it with whipped cream, almonds, and cherry.

Is banana split a sundae?

The banana split dessert is a classic sundae loaded with vanilla, chocolate, strawberry ice cream, syrup, nuts, whipped cream, and cherries. It is a perfect summer sundae.

National Ice Cream Sundae Day Activities

  1. Eat a sundae

    The best way in which you can celebrate National Ice Cream Sundae Day is by eating a sundae. Enjoy it while you relish the memories of your childhood when you first tasted this delicious dessert.

  2. Throw an ice cream sundae party

    Are you feeling too guilty to eat this delicious dessert alone? Throw an ice cream sundae party! Invite your friends, family, and colleagues and have a blast.

  3. Pass on the joy

    You might be having the luxury to have sundaes whenever and wherever you want. There might be underprivileged kids in your community who might have not even tasted it, so buy them sundaes and share the joy.

5 Yummy Facts About Sundaes

  1. The biggest ice cream sundae

    The Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City created the biggest ice cream sundae.

  2. The best sundae ever

    Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream in New York is voted as serving the best sundae in the U.S.

  3. The world’s heaviest sundae

    The world’s heaviest ice cream sundae weighed a hefty 55,000 pounds.

  4. The most expensive sundae

    The most expensive ice cream sundae costs $1,000.

  5. Some aide in weightloss

    There are actually ice creams that are designed for weight loss if one eats sparingly.

Why We Love National Ice Cream Sundae Day

  1. It reminds us of what is important

    We live in a world that seems to focus too much on the big picture. Days like Ice Cream Sundae Day bring back the joy of the small shared moment together, which are the important times when one looks back.

  2. It spreads joy

    Let’s all be honest, just even hearing the word ‘sundae’ brings joy and happiness. Each of us has a trip down memory lane when we hear that word. So, is there really a reason to not love this day?

  3. It brings everyone together

    National Ice Cream Sundae Day is one of those holidays that brings everyone together. You can happily enjoy a sundae with your friends, family, or even a stranger.

National Ice Cream Sundae Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 July 8 Saturday
2024 July 8 Monday
2025 July 8 Tuesday
2026 July 8 Wednesday
2027 July 8 Thursday