The History of the Hot Fudge Sundae

As 2014 winds down, we are feeling a bit nostalgic. So it’s time for another look back at how one of our favorite ice cream treats came into existence. We speak of the hot fudge sundae. It’s a classic, surely ranking high on many “favorite dessert” lists.

The prevailing theory is that the first hot fudge sundae took shape in Los Angeles, California back in 1906. Clarence Clifton Brown, owner of C.C. Brown’s Ice Cream Shop, is thought to have created the hot and cold concoction. He experimented with several hot fudge recipes before hitting on the right formula. He started selling hot fudge sundaes at his Hollywood store soon after. No doubt people fell in love with the cold ice cream meeting with the hot fudge and then melting just a bit. Back in the early days of the hot fudge sundae, the dessert was served in fluted glassed, which allowed the ice cream and the hot fudge to run down the side.

The hot fudge sundae remains a staple on dessert menus. There’s even a National Hot Fudge Sundae day (It’s July 25th, in case you are already planning for next year).

So why is a sundae call a sundae? One theory is that it was done in part because of the Sunday Blue Laws that were common in the late 19th and early 20th century. Among the blue law restrictions was the ban on selling soda water on Sundays. That meant no ice cream sodas. So, people focused on the remaining ice cream and flavoring and took it from there.

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Christmas is just a few weeks away and it’s time to remind everyone that Praline’s is once again featuring Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. This seasonal flavor favorite features peppermint-flavored ice cream with peppermint candies. It’s perfect for any holiday get-together.