Merry-go-round Sundae Recipe
Vanilla lce Cream surrounded with Animal Crackers and topped with a tiny umbrella that really works!
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Ingredients
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Sundae base
Cookie ring
Toppings & garnish
Optional extras
Method
Sundae base
- 1
Soften and scoop
Take the vanilla ice cream from the freezer 3–5 minutes before assembling so it's scoopable but not melted. If ice cream is very hard, stir in 2 tbsp whole milk to slightly soften. Place 3 generous scoops in a tight triangular cluster in the center of a shallow dessert bowl or small plate, forming the 'merry-go-round' center.
Cookie ring
- 2
Prepare cookie ring
Lay out 24 animal crackers on a flat work surface in a single layer. Using a small bowl, stir melted butter with the optional 1 tsp corn syrup until combined. Lightly brush one side of each animal cracker with the butter mixture — this helps them stick slightly to one another and stay upright next to the ice cream. (If you prefer no brushing, you can skip this step; crackers will still stand if gently pressed into chilled plate.)
- 3
Assemble ring
Working quickly, press the butter-brushed side of each cracker around the perimeter of the plate or bowl, standing them upright and slightly overlapping so they form a ring encircling the ice cream scoops. Use gentle pressure to seat the bases into any softened melted edge of the ice cream or onto a thin smear of softened ice cream on the plate—this helps stabilize them. If necessary, prop one or two crackers behind others until the butter sets (a minute in the fridge will firm the butter).
Toppings & garnish
- 4
Add sauce and cream
Drizzle 2 tbsp chocolate syrup over the top of the ice cream scoops and allow a little to run toward the cookie ring. Add 3 tbsp whipped cream on top of the center scoop or around it as preferred. Place the mini maraschino cherry on top of the whipped cream.
- 5
Place umbrella
Open the mini cocktail umbrella and insert its pick gently into the center of the whipped cream/top of the scoop at a slight angle so it sits securely. The umbrella 'really works' to shade the top and is decorative; ensure the paper is dry and intact before placing. If you prefer, anchor the umbrella by inserting its pick into a small piece of leftover ice cream or a chunk of softened chocolate candy so it stays upright.
- 6
Finish and optional extras
Sprinkle 1 tsp rainbow sprinkles and/or 1 tbsp crushed nuts over the whipped cream and chocolate if using. Wipe any stray drips from the plate rim for a tidy presentation.