The best ice cream needs the best toppings—and here, you’ll find our ultimate list of ice cream topping ideas—from fresh fruits, homemade syrups, and more!
Life without ice cream is miserable.
It’s just creamy and sweet enough to fill that cone-shaped void in your soul.
But sometimes, it can be very boring if it’s plain or you eat the same ice cream over and over.
Well, I got a solution for you–ICE CREAM TOPPINGS!
Nothing is more fun and exciting when you add your favorite garnish on top of your dessert.
From peanut butter-based treats and toasted marshmallows to chocolate syrup and fresh strawberries, these 45 toppings will fancy up your next ice cream social.
Peanut butter and ice cream are bound to be together!
You can choose any flavor, but vanilla works well with peanut butter’s nutty and earthy flavor.
It has a perfect blend of sweet and gooey peanut butter goodness.
To add crunch, toss chopped peanuts on top.
2. Marshmallows
Toasting marshmallows allows this confectionery to bring its complex flavor.
And when this flavor gets added to the creamy and sweet taste of ice cream, the result is a burst of interesting flavor.
I prefer the mini marshmallows as they’re easy to chew and eat.
But if you’re into those jumbo ones, they should be fine too.
If you’re wondering what to do with those leftover Brownie Bites, why not turn them into another tasty dessert?
Sprinkle them over your chocolate ice cream.
They’re a perfect companion and a good summertime treat!
Quick tip: If you’re running out of chocolate ice cream in the fridge, vanilla-flavored ice cream will do.
4. Caramel Corn
Adding Caramel Corn to your vanilla ice cream offers that sweet and crunchy indulgence to the dessert.
Coated with vanilla extract, butter, and corn syrup, these popcorns are sure to convince you to grab more scoops.
They’re delicious either as ice cream toppings or a snack for your family movie night.
Imagine having a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream with miniature chocolate chip toppings in hot weather.
Oh-em-gee!
Don’t limit yourself to mini chocolate chip cookies; this sweet little devil can do much more with ice cream.
Trust me, you’ll enjoy its semi-sweetness and chewy texture.
Your favorite ice cream turns magical when you sprinkle crushed Chocolate Pretzels on top.
They’re fun and easy to make too!
If you want to add crunchiness and extra flavor to your frozen dessert, then chocolate pretzel is a great choice.
Combining white sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract create an ice cream topping that can change your life.
Behold, the Chocolate Syrup!
It’s a thick, rich, and decadent mixture that’s perfect for topping your favorite ice cream.
Aside from chocolate pretzels, another topping alternative for your ice cream is Graham Crackers.
If you haven’t tried them with ice cream, the combination of the two is top-notch.
The slightly sweet flavor of the crackers blends well with the creamy flavor profile of the ice cream.
You can either make your own or purchase them at your nearby grocery store—your call!
9. Honey
Incorporating the flavor of Honey into the ice cream lends complex depth to the dessert.
Any ice cream can become more complex and flavorful with its presence.
Be careful!
You might add a lot of honey to your ice cream and overpower the frozen dessert.
Honey-Roasted Peanuts are a great snack or topping for ice cream.
They have this deep honey flavor that combines with the texture and flavor profile of other sweet desserts.
Packed with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, butter, honey, and sugar, these peanuts are cooked in the oven for about 30 minutes.
11. Whoppers
Chocolate malt ice cream and Whoppers are the perfect combination for the next ice cream social.
This combo features sweet and nutty notes from the chocolate malt frozen dessert and delicious and crunchy chocolate flavor from the malted milk balls.
These balls are also a good snack if you’re planning to gather the gang for a movie night.
12. Oreo
When it comes to ice cream topping ideas, Oreo will never be missing in action.
These cookies, which consist of two wafers with sweet cream filling, are great for finishing vanilla ice cream.
It’s light and not too sweet or overpowering.
Quick tip: It comes from different flavors, but I recommend picking the original one for your ice cream.
13. Whipped Cream
If you’re looking for the best ice cream topping, then your search is over.
Your ice cream will become richer, creamier, and tastier when topped with this homemade Whipped Cream.
It has a smoother consistency and a nicer mouthfeel than the store-bought one.
The ingredients are powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
14. Melted Chocolate
There are good ice cream toppings out there, and one of them is Melted Chocolate.
To make one, place high-quality chocolate and oil over a saucepan.
Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted, and you’re done!
Magically set over your favorite ice cream and expect a nice crunchy shell when it reaches the frozen dessert.
15. Strawberries
Strawberries aren’t among those popular ice cream toppings that dessert lovers pick, but they’re worth trying, especially if you want something new.
Experience a big burst of sweetness in your mouth every time you take a bite of the ice cream-strawberry combo.
They’re tart, syrupy, and bright red–what’s not to love?
And they look fabulous on top of any flavor of ice cream too.
This is a way to add a pop of color and sweetness to an otherwise plain scoop of frozen dessert.
Tip: If you want an extra cherry-flavored punch, add a tablespoon or two of the cherry juice.
17. Sprinkles
This is a classic topping that can never go wrong.
Not only do they provide taste and color, but they also add a fun crunch to your ice cream.
It doesn’t matter what age you are–Sprinkles always make ice cream more enjoyable.
If you find the time on the weekends, why not make your own sprinkles?
With homemade Sprinkles, you get to choose the colors and flavors that you want.
And they end up tasting much better than the ones you can buy at the store.
18. Fresh Fruit
Mixed Fruit and ice cream—a heavenly combination.
The sweetness of the dessert is balanced out by the tartness and acidity of the fruit.
And the contrast in texture is simply amazing.
My favorites are raspberries, blackberries, and sliced strawberries.
But you can pretty much add any type of fruit that you want.
So next time you’re at the farmers market, pick up some fresh fruit to top your ice cream.
19. Condensed Milk
Invented in France, brought to Europe, and now famous worldwide, this milk product has a thick and creamy texture.
It’s sweet, creamy, and takes your icy treat to a whole new level.
I like to pour it on top of my ice cream, but you can also drizzle it into the bowl first and then add a scoop on top.
20. Waffle Cone
A waffle Cone is a type of ice cream cone made from waffle batter.
It’s crispy, chewy, and has a comforting, familiar flavor.
It’s the perfect vessel for ice cream–and it works as a topping too.
If you’re feeling creative, try making your own waffle cone.
All you need is some waffle batter and a waffle iron.
21. Salted Caramel
You’ll love this topping if you’re a fan of sugary and salty flavor combinations.
Salted Caramel combines sugar, butter, and cream and then adds salt to taste.
It’s the perfect balance of sugary and savory, and it goes so well with ice cream.
This is a topping that is full of flavor and texture.
The coconut flakes are toasted until they’re golden brown and added to the top of your ice cream.
They provide a nice crunch, and the flavor is simply incredible.
This is much like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups but made even better because it’s on top of your ice cream.
It’s a chocolatey and salty combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
The best part is that you can make them with just a few ingredients.
It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, but it’s worth it.
24. Hazelnut Spread
If you want a nutty and creamy topping, reach for some Hazelnut Spread.
It’s made from roasted hazelnuts and has a smooth and velvety texture.
I like adding a dollop of hazelnut spread on top of my ice cream for that extra sweetness and flavor.
25. Banana Chips
If you haven’t tried banana chips with your ice cream yet, you’re in for a treat.
Banana Chips are made by slicing bananas thinly and then frying them in oil.
They’re crispy, chewy, and have a lovely banana flavor.
You can even make them on your air fryer for an easier option.
Make a big batch and store them in an airtight container.
They’ll last for weeks, and you can use them as a topping or snack on them whenever you want.
26. Olive Oil
Olive Oil might seem like an odd choice for an ice cream topping, but trust me, it works.
The key is to use high-quality olive oil.
I like using one infused with herbs for that perfect balance of flavors.
Just drizzle on top of your ice cream, and you won’t look back.
27. Candied Ginger
If you’re looking for a topping with a kick, then candied ginger is the way to go.
Candied Ginger is made by boiling ginger in sugar water until it’s coated in syrup.
It’s then dried and can be eaten as is or used as a topping.
The flavor is intense, and a little goes a long way.
If your palate is feeling adventurous, give it a try.
This is a topping that is perfect for spring and summer.
It’s made with fresh strawberries and rhubarb and has a lovely tart flavor.
I like to add a spoonful on top of my ice cream, but it also goes well as a filling for waffle cones or crepes.
29. Granola
Granola is a great way to add crunch to your otherwise creamy dessert.
It’s also a good option if you want something packed with nice texture.
I like to make my granola, but you can also buy it at the store.
If you’re a coffee lover, then you’ll love this topping.
Espresso beans are roasted coffee beans that have been soaked in syrup.
They’re then coated in chocolate, resulting in a delicious, caffeine-packed treat.
This is the perfect pick-me-up treat for those who need an energy boost.
This is a classic topping that never gets old.
Apple Pie Filling is made with apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Fragrant and full of flavor, this topping is perfect for those who love the taste of apple pie.
32. Spiced Pineapple
This is a welcomed tropical twist on a classic topping.
Pineapple is cooked with sugar and spices until it’s thick and syrupy.
This is usually drizzled on top of yogurt, but it’s also fantastic on ice cream.
This decadent and delicious topping is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of rum.
Buttered Rum sauce is made with butter, sugar, dark rum, and spices.
It’s thick, creamy, and has a lovely flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Just make sure to keep these out of reach of children since they contain alcohol.
34. Balsamic Glaze
If you’re looking for a special and flavorful topping, then look no further than Balsamic Glaze.
It’s made with balsamic vinegar, sugar, and spices and has a thick consistency.
I like to drizzle a bit of this into my ice cream, but you can also use it as a dipping sauce.
35. Bourbon Caramel
Adding to the list of alcoholic toppings, we have Bourbon Caramel.
This is a full-flavored topping that is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of bourbon.
Bourbon caramel is made with butter, sugar, dark corn syrup, and bourbon.
It’s thick, sticky, and has a lovely flavor that is perfect for topping ice cream.
36. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that is perfect for topping ice cream.
It’s made with ladyfingers, coffee, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder.
The result is a light and fluffy topping that you can enjoy by itself or enhance the creamy flavor of your frozen dessert.
37. Orange Marmalade
Orange Marmalade is a classic topping that is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of citrus.
It’s made with oranges, sugar, and pectin and has a lovely thick consistency.
The homemade version is the best, but you can also buy it at the store.
38. Sesame Brittle
This is a unique and delicious topping that is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of sesame.
Sesame Brittle is made with sugar, water, and sesame seeds.
It’s then caramelized and cooled until it forms a hard candy.
The result is a sweet and crunchy topping that goes well with just about any flavor of ice
cream.
39. Rose Petals
Rose Petals are a beautiful and fragrant way to decorate your ice cream.
They can be used fresh or dried, adding a lovely flavor to your dessert.
Candied rose petals are also a great option, and they’re straightforward to make at home.
40. Maple Bacon
Hear me out on this one.
It sounds strange, but trust me when I say that bacon and ice cream are a match made in heaven.
The savory and smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ice cream.
Plus, the added crunch is a fantastic textural contrast to the smooth and creamy ice cream.
Mexican Chocolate Sauce is a rich and flavorful topping that is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of spices.
It’s made with cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and chili pepper.
The result is a thick and delicious topping that has a lovely flavor.
42. Honeycomb Candy
A crunchy surprise, Honeycomb Candy is a great way to add an extra crispy bite to your ice cream.
It’s made with sugar, honey, and baking soda.
The mixture is heated until it forms a foamy mass and cooled until it hardens.
The result is a light and airy topping that melts in your mouth.
Chocolate Truffles are a classic topping that is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of chocolate.
They’re made with cocoa powder, cream, butter, and sugar.
The mixture is formed into balls and then rolled in cocoa powder or confectioners’ sugar.
The result is a rich and decadent topping that is perfect for special occasions.
Vanilla Bean Paste is a great way to add taste and a hint of sophistication to your dessert.
It’s made with vanilla beans, extract, and some agave nectar.
The mixture is simmered until the vanilla beans are soft, and then it’s strained.
The result is a thick and flavorful paste that has a lovely flavor.
45. Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie is a delicious and easy way to top your ice cream.
It’s made with key lime juice, condensed milk, and graham cracker crumbs.
The mixture is spread on top of your ice cream and then frozen until solid.
The result is a tart and sweet topping that is perfect for summertime.
The bottom line
There are fun ways to fancy up your next ice cream party—they’re just waiting for you to be unlocked.
As an ice cream lover, I want you to take this tip as a future guide: choose a topping that aligns with your wants.
Whether you want to incorporate crunchiness or add extra sweetness and creaminess to your ice cream (or combine them all), this compilation has everything you need.
Ice Cream Topping Ideas
The best ice cream needs the best toppings—and here, you'll find our ultimate list of ice cream topping ideas—from fresh fruits, homemade syrups, and more!
Ingredients
- Peanut Butter Fudge
- Marshmallows
- Brownie Bites
- Caramel Corn
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Chocolate Pretzels
- Chocolate Syrup
- Graham Crackers
- Honey
- Honey-Roasted Peanuts
- Whoppers
- Oreo
- Whipped Cream
- Melted Chocolate
- Strawberries
- Maraschino Cherries
- Sprinkles
- Fresh Fruit
- Condensed Milk
- Waffle Cone
- Salted Caramel
- Toasted Coconut Flakes
- Peanut Butter Cups
- Hazelnut Spread
- Banana Chips
- Olive Oil
- Candied Ginger
- Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam
- Granola
- Chocolate Espresso Beans
- Apple Pie Filling
- Spiced Pineapple
- Buttered Rum Sauce
- Balsamic Glaze
- Bourbon Caramel
- Tiramisu
- Orange Marmalade
- Sesame Brittle
- Rose Petals
- Maple Bacon
- Mexican Chocolate Sauce
- Honeycomb Candy
- Chocolate Truffles
- Vanilla Bean Paste
- Key Lime Pie
Instructions
- Skim through our Ice Cream Topping Ideas list.
- Select the topping you’re looking for.
- Prep the ingredients and assemble them.
- Spill your thoughts on our Facebook page!