National Make Your Own Sundae Day

Two children smiling, wearing ice cream themed hats, surrounded by a colorful array of ice cream toppings and flavors.. — National make your own sundae day illustration

Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth and unleash your creativity because it's National Make Your Own Sundae Day! This deliciously delightful holiday gives you the perfect excuse to create your own ice cream masterpiece. Whether you prefer classic flavors or crazy combinations, there's something for everyone on this sweet day.

When is Make Your Own Sundae Day?

It's national make your own sundae day on the 11th July.

The History of National Make Your Own Sundae Day

Like many other national days, the origin of National Make Your Own Sundae Day is shrouded in mystery and sprinkles. But one thing is for sure—people have been enjoying sundaes for decades. The tradition of topping ice cream with various sweet treats and syrups dates back to the late 19th century, when ice cream parlors started popping up across America.

The exact date when Make Your Own Sundae Day became an official national holiday remains unknown, but it's safe to say that ice cream lovers have been celebrating this day for ages.

History behind the term 'Make Your Own Sundae'

1881

The Invention of the Ice Cream Sundae

In 1881, the term 'sundae' was first used to describe a new ice cream dessert. It is believed to have originated in Evanston, Illinois, when a customer requested a dish of ice cream topped with cherry syrup on a Sunday. However, to avoid violating blue laws, which prohibited the sale of ice cream sodas on Sundays, the shop owner replaced the 'i' in 'Sunday' with a 'u' and thus the name 'sundae' was born.

1890

Introduction of Toppings

In the 1890s, various toppings were introduced to accompany the ice cream sundae. Fruits, nuts, whipped cream, and sauces such as chocolate and caramel became popular choices to enhance the flavor and presentation of the dessert. These toppings allowed people to customize their ice cream sundaes and added a delightful twist to the traditional ice cream dish.

1904

Making Ice Cream Sundaes at Home

As the popularity of the ice cream sundae grew, people started recreating the treat at home. By 1904, cookbooks and recipe guides included instructions for making ice cream sundaes from scratch. Families began experimenting with different flavors, combinations, and toppings, leading to the concept of 'making your own sundae' becoming a common practice in households across the United States.

1920s

Ice Cream Parlors and Soda Fountains

During the 1920s, ice cream parlors and soda fountains began to flourish, offering a wide variety of ice cream sundaes. These establishments provided a fun and social atmosphere for people to enjoy their favorite frozen treats. 'Make your own sundae' stations became a popular feature, allowing customers to choose their ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces to create their personalized sundae creations.

Present Day

Continued Popularity and Innovation

The concept of 'make your own sundae' has remained popular to this day. Ice cream shops, restaurants, and even home dessert bars offer the option for customers to customize their sundaes with a wide range of flavors, toppings, and sauces. The tradition of making your own sundae has also sparked innovative creations, such as unique and exotic ice cream flavors, specialty toppings, and elaborate sundae presentations that have taken this classic dessert to new heights of deliciousness.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's largest sundae was made in Anaheim, California, in 1985? It measured a whopping 12 feet tall and was piled high with gallons of ice cream, tons of toppings, and of course, a cherry on top!