Would You Like a Cherry?

With ice cream toppings, the choices are limitless. Do you sometimes find it difficult to decide what topping would go best on your double scoop death by chocolate ice cream? If so, you’re not alone. We too find that the topping stage of ice cream building can be overwhelming. Why?  You probably already know that answer: a bad topping choice can single-handedly ruin the entire dessert. Avoid topping disasters by pairing the right topping with the right flavor.

Everything Chocolate – Pouring hot fudge over your triple brownie fudge ice cream could be a little bit of an over kill. Unless you’re looking for something that is going to satisfy your chocolate cravings for the next six months, try to avoid chocolate toppings over chocolate ice cream. Stick with toppings that are going to add texture, not overpower. Great toppings to consider are rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream, and, yes, a cherry on top. Everyone knows cherry compliments chocolate.

Vanilla, America’s Favorite – Vanilla is the most popular flavor in the USA. Having said that, it’s most important that we discus toppings for this flavor. Since vanilla has such a smooth, light taste, most toppings can be added flawlessly. With vanilla, it’s not about what toppings to top with but, rather, what toppings work well with each other. If you’re looking for a sweet fix, try pairing vanilla ice cream with cookie bits, chocolate sprinkles, peanut butter pieces, and loads of hot fudge. Whatever you do, don’t mix and match toppings that are going to contradict each other. If you’re topping your vanilla ice cream with gummy bears, rainbow sprinkles, and raspberry sauce, avoid adding Oreo cookie pieces. If you’re loading up with chocolate toppings, then avoid the fruit – kiwi and pineapple don’t go so well with M&M’s and chocolate brownies.

The toppings on your ice cream should complement, not overpower, the flavor of your ice cream. When building your ice cream treat, make sure your toppings go well together as well as with your ice cream flavor. If you do this as well as avoid overloading on any one flavor, you’ll build a well-balanced ice cream treat. In some cases, less is more, so don’t be afraid to go skimpy on the toppings.