National Sundae Day
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Overview
National Sundae Day, observed annually on November 11th, is a delightful occasion dedicated to celebrating the iconic ice cream sundae. This classic dessert typically features scoops of ice cream adorned with various toppings such as sauces, whipped cream, nuts, and a maraschino cherry, offering a customizable and indulgent treat for all to enjoy. The day encourages people to savor their favorite sundaes or experiment with new flavor combinations.
Origin and story
The origin of the ice cream sundae is widely debated, with towns like Ithaca, New York, and Two Rivers, Wisconsin, both claiming its invention in the late 19th century.
The name 'sundae' is thought to have emerged as a workaround for 'Sunday laws' or 'blue laws' that prohibited the sale of ice cream sodas on Sundays, leading to the creation of an ice cream and syrup combination without the soda.
Quick facts
- DateNovember 11
- TypeFood / Dessert
- Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
The sundae exists because pharmacies needed a legal workaround — a religious law, not a recipe idea, is what actually created the dessert.
Meet Two Rivers, Wisconsin's claim
In 1881, soda fountain owner Edward C. Berner topped a dish of ice cream with chocolate sauce at customer George Hallauer's request; because local "blue laws" banned selling soda on Sundays, the ice-cream-and-syrup combo became the workaround, and Two Rivers now has a historical marker recognizing it as the sundae's birthplace.
Know Ithaca, New York's rival claim
The earliest written record of the dessert comes from an April 5, 1892 Ithaca Daily Journal ad for a "Cherry Sunday," created after a minister visiting Platt & Colt's pharmacy got cherry syrup and a candied cherry added to his ice cream on a whim.
Read the fuller history
Helpful resources:
Did you know?
Platt filed a trademark for "Sunday" in 1894 but changed the spelling to "sundae" — widely believed to be a deliberate move to avoid offending religious leaders who might object to a dessert literally named after the Sabbath.
Fun facts
- The origin of the ice cream sundae is widely debated, with towns like Ithaca, New York, and Two Rivers, Wisconsin, both claiming its invention in the late 19th century.
- The name 'sundae' is thought to have emerged as a workaround for 'Sunday laws' or 'blue laws' that prohibited the sale of ice cream sodas on Sundays, leading to the creation of an ice cream and syrup combination without the soda.
- The largest ice cream sundae ever made weighed over 54,914 pounds (24,910 kg) and was created in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in 1988.
Sources and attribution
How Blue Laws Led to the Creation of the Ice Cream Sundae (Tasting Table)
External links may lead to third-party websites.
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FAQ
- When is National Sundae Day?
- It is observed on November 11 each year.
- What is National Sundae Day?
- National Sundae Day, observed annually on November 11th, is a delightful occasion dedicated to celebrating the iconic ice cream sundae. This classic dessert typically features scoops of ice cream adorned with various toppings such as sauces, whipped cream, nuts, and a maraschino cherry, offering a customizable and indulgent treat for all to enjoy. The day encourages people to savor their favorite sundaes or experiment with new flavor combinations.
- How do people celebrate National Sundae Day?
- Build a sundae and consider the dessert's origin dispute — Two Rivers, Wisconsin credits a 1881 blue-law workaround, while Ithaca, New York points to a 1892 newspaper ad for a 'Cherry Sunday.'
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