National Ice Cream Sundae Day celebrates one of America’s most beloved desserts – the ice cream sundae, a delightful creation consisting of ice cream topped with various syrups, whipped cream, nuts, and often crowned with a maraschino cherry.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 8 and November 11 (celebrated twice a year)
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Dessert Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalSundaeDay
- When was it founded?: Late 19th century
- Who founded it?: Disputed between multiple cities
History of National Ice Cream Sundae Day
The ice cream sundae emerged in the late 1890s as a creative solution to “Blue Laws” that prohibited serving soda on Sundays. Clever merchants began serving ice cream with toppings instead of soda, leading to the creation of the “Sunday” treat, which later became known as “sundae.”
Timeline
- 1881: Edward C. Berners creates the first sundae in Wisconsin
- 1892: First documented sundae advertisement appears in Ithaca Daily Journal
- 1900s: Sundaes become popular at soda fountains
- 1920s: Sundae gets introduced to the UK as “Knickerbocker Glory”
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 8 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 8 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 8 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 8 | Saturday |
| 2029 | July 8 | Sunday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by enjoying sundaes at ice cream parlors, hosting sundae-making parties, or creating their own unique combinations at home.
Fun Facts About Sundaes
- The world’s heaviest sundae weighed 55,000 pounds
- The most expensive sundae costs $1,000
- Serendipity 3 in New York created the biggest ice cream sundae
- Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream serves the best-rated sundae in the US
Quiz
- When was the first sundae created?
- Which city claims to be the birthplace of the sundae?
- What was the original spelling of “sundae”?
-(Answers: 1881, Multiple cities including Two Rivers and Ithaca, “Sunday”)
FAQs
Q: Why is it spelled “sundae”?
A: To differentiate it from the day of the week and make it unique to the dessert.
Q: Is a banana split considered a sundae?
A: Yes, but not all sundaes are banana splits.
Importance of National Ice Cream Sundae Day
The day celebrates culinary creativity, brings people together, and honors a beloved dessert that has become an integral part of American food culture.
Related
- National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
- National Ice Cream Day
- National Strawberry Sundae Day
- National Dessert Day