The McDonald's Sundae features creamy vanilla soft serve topped with rich hot fudge or sweet strawberry sauce, creating a delightful combination of smooth, cold ice cream and warm, flavorful toppings in a classic dessert.
Equipments
- Soft serve ice cream machine
- Sundae dispensing cups
- Ice cream scoop or spade (if needed for serving)
- Hot fudge warmer/dispenser
- Strawberry sauce dispenser
- Sundae spoons
- Napkins
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce
- 1 cup strawberry sauce
Using high-quality vanilla extract enhances the creamy flavor of the soft serve base made with whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring a rich texture. Granulated sugar must be fully dissolved to avoid graininess in your ice cream mixture. The hot fudge and strawberry sauces should be warmed to the right temperature for even pouring but not overheated to preserve sweetness and prevent burning. You need a reliable soft serve ice cream machine for achieving the smooth, cold consistency characteristic of a McDonald's sundae. This McDonald's copycat sundae recipe captures the classic dessert's perfect balance of creamy soft serve and warm, flavorful toppings for your enjoyment.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Pour whole milk and heavy cream into a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; whisk until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a soft serve ice cream machine.
- Operate the machine according to manufacturer instructions until soft serve is ready.
- Dispense soft serve ice cream into sundae cups.
- Top with hot fudge sauce or strawberry sauce using designated dispensers.
- Serve immediately with sundae spoons and napkins.
Substitution
The McDonald's Sundae from this copycat menu captures the iconic dessert with creamy homemade vanilla soft serve topped by your choice of rich hot fudge or sweet strawberry sauce. If you don't have a soft serve machine, you can use regular vanilla ice cream and slightly soften it before serving to mimic the texture. Hot fudge or strawberry sauce can be substituted with any store-bought or homemade toppings depending on availability and taste preference. Using disposable sundae cups and spoons simplifies cleanup and maintains the authentic presentation. Keep napkins handy as the warm sauces tend to drip and create a delicious mess.
Tips
Make sure your soft serve ice cream machine is properly cleaned and chilled before use to ensure the mixture freezes smoothly without ice crystals. Whisk the sugar thoroughly into the milk and cream mixture until completely dissolved, as undissolved sugar can affect texture and taste. When dispensing hot fudge and strawberry sauces, keep them at the recommended warm temperature to maintain a smooth, pourable consistency that enhances your sundae's flavor. Your sundae should be served immediately after assembly to preserve the contrast between cold ice cream and warm toppings for the best texture and taste experience.
Nutritions
The McDonald's Sundae provides a dessert rich in calories primarily from whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar, contributing to its creamy texture and sweet flavor. A typical serving contains around 250-350 calories, with significant amounts of saturated fat from the dairy and added sugars from the syrup toppings. Despite its indulgent nature, the sundae offers calcium and small amounts of protein from the milk content. You can enjoy this treat as an occasional dessert option while being mindful of its high sugar and fat content.
Storage
Store your prepared soft serve ice cream mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator if not used immediately, ensuring it stays cold and fresh for up to 24 hours before processing in the machine. Keep the hot fudge and strawberry sauces in sealed containers at room temperature or refrigerated according to the manufacturer's guidance to maintain flavor and prevent spoilage. Once the sundaes are assembled, consume them promptly or keep the soft serve chilled below 40degF in the machine to preserve texture and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment by swapping vanilla extract for almond or coconut extract to impart a unique twist to the soft serve base. Consider layering toppings like caramel or crushed nuts alongside hot fudge or strawberry sauce to add texture and enhance flavor complexity. Using frozen fruit puree instead of conventional strawberry sauce offers a fresher, less sweet alternative that pairs well with creamy ice cream. Adjust the ratio of milk to cream to control the richness and creaminess of your sundae, tailoring it to your preference.
Allergies
The McDonald's Sundae contains dairy ingredients such as whole milk and heavy cream, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. The hot fudge and strawberry sauce could also contain potential allergens depending on their specific formulations, so it's important to check the ingredient labels. You should avoid this dessert if you have known allergies to dairy or any components within the toppings to prevent adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The McDonald's Sundae menu is popular due to its rich, creamy vanilla soft serve topped with indulgent sauces like hot fudge or caramel, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that satisfies dessert cravings. The simplicity and nostalgic flavor profile make it a comforting treat that appeals to a wide audience. Creating a copycat version at home allows you to customize toppings and control ingredient quality, enhancing both taste and health benefits. Your homemade sundae can replicate the iconic experience while offering freshness and personalization that make it worth trying.