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4 Sundae Varieties
Ranked From the Best To the Worst

Last updated on May 22, 2026
01

Brownie Sundae

4.2 ·

As the name suggests, brownie sundae is a type of ice cream sundae with added brownies. Squares or pieces of rich, warm, and moist chocolate brownies are typically layered in a serving bowl with a few scoops of ice cream on top, and the whole thing is then finished with a drizzle of sweet sauces or syrups such as hot chocolate fudge, caramel sauce, or strawberry sauce. Any ice cream flavor can be used for this dessert, and some of the most common flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, caramel, coffee, and cheesecake. Whipped cream, nuts, diced fruit, sprinkles, and chocolate chips are just a few common additions to this sweet treat.

02

Hot Fudge Sundae

4 ·

A take on the classic ice cream sundae, hot fudge sundae consists of ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream. In this sundae version, a helping of warm, gooey chocolate sauce is poured over scoops of cold ice cream (traditionally vanilla ice cream) - a step that creates a nice temperature contrast and elevates the sensory pleasure offered by the creamy dessert. A dollop or more of light and fluffy whipped cream goes on top of the ice cream drenched in chocolate sauce, and the whole thing is then garnished with sprinkles, toasted nuts, or a red maraschino cherry if desired. This simple yet rich dessert has been around since 1906 when it is believed to have been invented by Los Angeles-based candy maker, Clarence Clifton Brown, who, at that time, owned a store called C. C. Brown’s Ice Cream Shop on Hollywood Boulevard. Hot fudge sundae has since been among the favorite desserts of many generations, and it’s even got its own National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, celebrated on July 25th each year.

03

Knickerbocker glory

3.8 ·

Knickerbocker glory is a classic British dessert that is simple to prepare, yet seriously impressive when served. It is made by layering ice cream, whipped cream, and fruit (usually berries) in a large, tall glass. The dessert is traditionally topped with various syrups, but some might ad nuts, and a single cherry on top. Knickerbocker glory should be consumed with a long spoon.

04

Banana Split

3.6 ·

Banana split is a classic dessert consisting of a lengthwise-cut banana topped with scoops of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate ice cream. Typical garnishes include nuts, fruits, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. The dessert is traditionally served in a long dish called a boat. It was invented in 1904 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania by David Strickler, who wanted to make something "different" for a college student who had one day entered the pharmacy where he worked as an apprentice. The pharmacies often featured a soda fountain where customers could indulge in a soda or a frozen treat for just a few cents. Banana split has remained popular ever since, and there is even the annual Great American Banana Split Festival held in Latrobe, where the original soda fountain is still kept.

About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “4 Sundae Varieties Ranked From the Best To the Worst” list until May 22, 2026, 768,607 ratings were recorded, of which 496,938 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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