National Sundae Day is a holiday celebrated on November 11th every year. This day is dedicated to an ice cream dish that has been enjoyed since the late 19th century. Whether this ice cream dish is a treat for good behavior or eaten as an after-dinner dessert, it is always a dish that is highly anticipated. It is also a dish that can be customized with an almost endless array of topping options.

The History Of The Ice Cream Sundae

While we might not know the origins of National Sundae Day, we do have an approximate idea of when this dish was first invented, although who invented it is up for debate. It is believed that this dessert was a derivation of an ice cream soda.

It is believed that because soda was not allowed to be sold on Sundays because it was considered to be too frilly, malt shops began to offer the ice cream sundae as an alternative. However, that is not the only origin story of this ice cream dessert.

Various accounts have said that this dish was invented everywhere from Plainfield, Illinois, or Cleveland, Ohio to New York City. Even Two Rivers, Wisconsin has claimed to be where the sundae originated. We do not know for sure who is correct, but we do know that this dish was invented sometime during the late 19th century—sometime between 1881 and 1892.

The Facts About Ice Cream & Ice Cream Sundaes

We have rounded up some of the most interesting ice cream and ice cream sundae facts so everyone planning on celebrating this holiday can be armed with the knowledge they need to have a great day of eating ice cream.

The Most Expensive Ice Cream Sundae Ever Sold Costs $1000

A sundae sold by the Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City is widely considered to be the most expensive ice cream sundae ever sold. This sundae, called the Serendipity Golden Opulence Sundae, costs approximately $1,000.

What is in this sundae that makes it cost so much? Well, it is made with five scoops of Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream that has been infused with real Madagascar vanilla and is covered in Chuao chocolate, Amedei Porcelana, and 24-carat edible gold leaf.

It is also covered with orange, candied Parisian fruits, American golden caviar, passion fruit, and marzipan cherries. It is served with an 18-carat gold spoon in a Baccarat Harcourt crystal goblet.

The Classic Ice Cream Sundae Only Consists Of Four Ingredients

Although there is an almost endless number of toppings that can be added to an ice cream sundae, a classically made sundae consists of only four ingredients. These ingredients are vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce or syrup, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry to top it all off.

How To Celebrate National Sundae Day

The best way to celebrate National Ice Cream Sundae Day is by enjoying your favorite sundae. This can be a classically made sundae, or it can be topped with other ingredients such as strawberry jam, M&Ms, or caramel. Once you have created your sundae masterpiece, you can take a picture of it and post it on social media using the hashtag #NationalSundaeDay.