Toasted Almond Ice Cream Sundae

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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updated Jul 22, 2022
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ice cream sundae
Credit: Photo: Julia Gartland; Food Styling: Greg Lofts

Inspired by an ice cream truck treat, top vanilla ice cream with candied almonds, almond butter caramel sauce, and crumbled cookies.

Serves4

Prep12 minutes

Cook5 minutes

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ice cream sundae
Credit: Photo: Julia Gartland; Food Styling: Greg Lofts

We were the family that always brought pool snacks from home, so while my friends lined up at the snack bar every afternoon at our town’s community pool, I was left brown-bagging it. The sole exception to the rule was the ice cream truck.

We would race to the parking lot as the Good Humor truck pulled to a stop, to make the most difficult of dessert decisions: bubble-gum-studded pops, prehistoric orange push-pops fit for Fred Flintstone, or, my go-to, the classic toasted almond Good Humor bar.

The same style of ice cream was offered in strawberry shortcake and chocolate varieties, but the sweet toasted almond ice cream was my favorite. This flavor is notoriously tricky to find in Atlanta where I currently live, so I took matters into my own hands and created an ice cream sundae inspired by that old-school treat.

Credit: Photo: Julia Gartland; Food Styling: Greg Lofts

What Ingredients Do You Need to Make a Toasted Almond Sundae?

This toasted almond ice cream sundae is made up of four parts.

  • Candied almonds. Easier than it sounds — sauté sliced almonds with sugar until the nuts brown and the sugar melts.
  • Ice cream. Vanilla ice cream is a creamy backdrop for the nuts, caramel, and cookies.
  • Cookie crumbles. The ice cream bar is coated in almond cake crumbles, but almond cookies (like biscotti or Chinese almond cookies) add flavor and crunch to the sundae.
  • Almond butter caramel. Use almond butter to infuse store-bought or homemade caramel sauce with almond flavor.
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How to Make Toasted Almond Sundaes in Advance

Nobody wants to wait for dessert, so as soon as the dinner plates are cleared it’s time for this nutty treat. Prepare each element in advance, so that it is easy (and quick!) to assemble the sundaes. Once the candied almonds have cooled completely, break them into large, irregular pieces. Transfer the nuts to an airtight container and store at room temperature.

Crush the cookies and store in an airtight container at room temperature. The almonds and cookies can be prepped up to one week in advance. Finally, combine the almond butter and caramel in a small dish and store at room temperature for up to four hours or refrigerate for longer storage. Microwave to loosen the caramel when ready to serve.

Serve at the dinner table, outside on the deck, or poolside, if that’s an option.

More Almond Desserts to Try

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Toasted Almond Ice Cream Sundae Recipe

Inspired by an ice cream truck treat, top vanilla ice cream with candied almonds, almond butter caramel sauce, and crumbled cookies.

Prep time 12 minutes

Cook time 5 minutes

Serves 4

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup

    sliced almonds

  • 3 tablespoons

    granulated sugar

  • 1/8 teaspoon

    kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling

  • 1/4 cup

    store-bought or homemade caramel sauce

  • 2 tablespoons

    creamy almond butter

  • 2 small

    almond biscotti, 2 amaretti cookies, or 1 Chinese almond cookie (about 1/2 ounce)

  • 8 scoops

    vanilla ice cream (about 1/2 gallon)

Instructions

  1. Line a plate or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place 1/2 cup sliced almonds, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium nonstick or regular skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and nuts are toasted, about 5 minutes.

  2. Transfer to the plate and spread into an even layer. Is ok if the almonds are touching, but they should not be in a pile. Sprinkle with more kosher salt. Set aside to cool completely, about 10 minutes, then break apart into bite-sized pieces. (This is a good time to let the ice cream sit out to soften slightly.)

  3. Place 1/4 cup caramel sauce and 2 tablespoons almond butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until warm, 15 to 20 seconds. Stir to combine.

  4. Place 2 small almond biscotti, 2 amaretti cookies, or 1 Chinese almond cookie in a small resealable zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin or mallet to crush into irregularly-sized pieces no larger than chocolate chips.

  5. Drizzle a heaping tablespoon of the almond-caramel sauce in each of 4 serving bowls. Place 2 scoops vanilla ice cream in each bowl. Sprinkle with the cookies and caramelized almonds. Drizzle with the remaining almond-caramel sauce.

Recipe Notes

Storage: The candied almonds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

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