Tips for Festive DIY Ice Cream Sundaes to Try at Home

The festive season in India is a time of joy, celebration and indulging in delicious treats. While traditional sweets like laddoos, barfis and kheer often steal the spotlight, there is something exceptionally delicious about creating a festive DIY ice cream sundae. It’s a fun, interactive way to add a modern touch to your celebrations, whether you’re getting together for Ganpati, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas or any other festive occasion. See how you can create the perfect Indian-themed ice cream sundaes to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday festivities.

Choose a theme and flavor base
Start by choosing a theme that matches the festival you are celebrating. For example, during Diwali, you can focus on rich, indulgent flavors that reflect the essence of the festival, like saffron, pistachio, and almond. For Navratri, consider offering flavors like coconut, cardamom and mango, which are festive and refreshing.
When it comes to the ice cream itself, offer a variety of flavors to suit different tastes. Classic options like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry are always popular, but don’t hesitate to introduce some festive Indian flavors like malai kulfi, kesar pista or rose petal. To add a modern twist, you can also incorporate unique flavors like strawberry, banana and cream or coffee crunch. The secret is to have a mix of traditional and contemporary options that suits everyone.

Create a toppings bar
The toppings bar is where the real magic happens, allowing your guests to get creative and customize their sundaes. Start with essential toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. For a festive Indian touch, include toppings like chopped nuts (cashews, almonds and pistachios), dry fruits (raisins, figs and dates) and traditional Indian sweets like crumbled peda or motichoor laddoo.
Incorporate seasonal fruits and nuts
Including seasonal fruits and nuts not only adds a healthy twist but also enhances the flavors of your sundae. Fresh fruit like strawberries, mangoes, pomegranate seeds or pineapple chunks can bring a burst of color and freshness to your sundae. For Diwali, consider using roasted nuts like cashews and almonds, which pair perfectly with rich ice creams.

Fun Presentation Ideas
Presentation is key to making your DIY sundae station stand out. Serve the sundaes in festive bowls or traditional kulhads (clay cups) for an authentic Indian touch. You can also provide waffle cones dipped in chocolate and rolled in crushed pistachios or shredded coconut for a festive touch.
For a more interactive experience, set up a station where guests can assemble their layered sundaes, parfait-style, in small glass jars. This not only looks attractive but also allows everyone to show their creativity.
Keep it simple but special
While the possibilities for toppings and flavors are endless, it’s important to keep the process simple and enjoyable. Choose a few toppings and sauces that complement each other well. Not only will this make it easier for your guests to create their sundaes, but it will also ensure the flavors don’t overpower each other.
Set the mood with festive music, dim lighting and maybe even some sparklers for Diwali or Christmas lights. The goal is to create a warm and inviting environment where everyone can enjoy their custom sundae creations.
Conclusion
Festive DIY Ice Cream Sundaes They are a fun, delicious and memorable addition to Indian holiday celebrations. By mixing traditional flavors with modern twists, offering a variety of toppings, and focusing on presentation, you can create a dessert experience that will delight your guests. So, gather your loved ones, set up your sundae bar, and let the festive spirit flow – one scoop at a time!
Contributed by: Alisha Chona Shah, Founder and CEO, Ice Cream Works
Thumb and embedded images courtesy: istock