National Sundae Day
National Sundae Day observed on Every November 11 brings ice-cream lovers across the world together. So, grab your spoons and get ready to celebrate a dessert that is as fun as it is delicious-the Sundae.
This day is the perfect opportunity for you to pile on as many scoops as you want, drench them in as much syrup as you want and crown your creations with toppings of your choice.
Whether you are a chocolate connoisseur, a caramel crazy or someone who likes to experiment with every topping present, sundaes are the ultimate canvas to let your creative juices flow when it comes to your sweet tooth.
National Sundae Day, observed on November 11th, may not come with a well-documented origin story like some other holidays, but it’s all about savoring and celebrating the beloved ice cream sundae.
The History of Sundae
Ice-cream sundae has a history that is so rich and filled with compelling stories, local rivalries, and creative twists making it a dessert with an interesting past.
One such origin story centers around the sundae’s evolution from the ice cream soda, a popular treat in the late 19th century.
Another remarkable account from the Evanston Public Library in Illinois states the the sundae was born out of necessity.
During the 1890s, the sale of soda on Sundays was prohibited by law as it was deemed too indulgent for the Sabbath. Smart shop owners, in order to adhere to the laws, began serving ice-cream topped with syrup instead of the soda.
People started calling this “sodaless soda” as the Sunday soda and over the years, it modified into the modern sundae.
Sundaes rapidly gained popularity especially at soda fountains and by the early 1900s, it became a weekend treat. As a result, soda fountains started offering several varieties of the unique sundaes.
The 1909 Ice Cream Trade Journal listed a wide range of different forms such the Cocoa Caramel Sundae, Angel Cake Sundae and the Robin Hood Sundae, each adding an innovative twist to the classic dessert.
Now for the true birthplace of the sundae, countless cities claim to have been the origin of the true Sundae which sparked the popularly known debate the “Sundae War”.
The most popular rivalry is between Wisconsin, Two Rivers, New York and Ithaca. According to residents of Two Rivers, the sundae was first developed in 1881 when George Hallauer requested chocolate syrup on his ice-cream at Berners’ Soda Fountain.
The owner, Edward C. Berners, agreed and started selling the new treat for a nickel. However, some people contradict this claim.
They stated that Berners would have been too young to own the soda fountain at the time, and that the sundae may not have been introduced until 1899.
Meanwhile, Ithaca's tale goes back to 1892 when Chester Platt, who co-owned the Platt & Colt Pharmacy, served ice-cream topped with cherry syrup and candied cherries.
This dessert was called the “Cherry Sunday” in honor of the day it was first created and the earliest documented advertisement for a sundae made its appearance in the Ithaca Daily Journal on April 5, 1892.
This advertisement promoted Platt’s “Cherry Sunday.” and soon, other varieties like “Strawberry Sunday” and “Chocolate Sunday” emerged.
Other towns have also claimed to be the birthplace of the sundae. In Plainfield, Illinois, there's a story about a local pharmacist named Charles Sonntag, who created the dessert after customers asked for something new.
He named it the “Sonntag” after himself, but since “Sonntag” means “Sunday” in German, the name later changed to “sundae.”
How to Celebrate National Sundae Day
National Sundae Day is a great time to indulge in this classic dessert. Celebrate by hosting a sundae party with a variety of ice cream flavors, sauces like hot fudge and caramel, and fun toppings such as sprinkles, crushed cookies, and whipped cream.
For a homemade touch, make your own hot fudge sauce with cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and vanilla.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of liqueur for a grown-up twist, or experiment with international flavors like dulce de leche or matcha powder.
Enjoy your sundae creations and share them on social media with #NationalSundaeDay.
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