Sundae

The sundae is a beloved ice cream dessert that typically features one or more scoops of ice cream topped with indulgent sauces or syrups, and often garnished with whipped cream, sprinkles, fruit, and nuts. While the exact origins of the term "sundae" are somewhat obscure, as noted by the Oxford English Dictionary, it remains a popular treat with an intriguing backstory.

There are several stories about how the sundae came to be, many of which link its creation to a ban on soda sales on Sundays in Illinois. This spurred the invention of the sundae, which quickly became a hit in the early 1900s, leading to the creation of many unique variations.

Several towns, including Two Rivers in Wisconsin, Ithaca in New York, and Buffalo in New York, all claim to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae. These claims have sparked a bit of a rivalry over which town can truly claim to have invented this delightful dessert.

Sundaes come in many delectable forms. There’s the classic ice cream sundae, the ever-popular banana split, the elegant American parfait, and the colorful Knickerbocker glory. You can also find fruit sundaes and those drizzled with heated sauces like hot fudge, double fudge, caramel, and even turtle sundaes. Each type boasts its own distinctive ingredients and presentation style.

In 2019, McDonald's in Portugal stirred controversy with their Halloween-themed "Sundae Bloody Sundae." The name drew criticism due to its unfortunate association with the tragic Bloody Sunday massacre. McDonald's swiftly apologized and pulled the promotion.

Despite occasional controversies, the sundae remains a cherished dessert with a rich history and a wide array of delicious variations. Whether you prefer it simple or loaded with toppings, there’s a sundae out there for everyone to enjoy.