National Strawberry Sundae Day

National Strawberry Sundae Day is celebrated annually on July 7. The origins of this holiday are unknown, but it is an official celebration of this classic summer dessert. A strawberry sundae consists of vanilla ice cream topped with fresh strawberries and strawberry syrup, often garnished with whipped cream and a cherry. Some people like to add sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings to make their sundae even more delicious. Whether you make it at home or buy one from an ice cream shop, National Strawberry Sundae Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this refreshing treat.

History

Strawberries have long been a popular ingredient in summer desserts due to their sweet, juicy flavor. The oldest known record of strawberry ice cream comes from an advertisement in 1892, where the Ithaca Daily Journal referred to a strawberry-flavored ice cream dessert as a “Sunday.” A few years earlier, in Wisconsin, pharmacist Edward Berners from Two Rivers found a creative way to serve ice cream after the state banned the sale of carbonated drinks. He began offering ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, which led to the creation of sundaes.

A similar event took place in Ithaca, New York, in 1892 when the owner of Platt & Colt served vanilla ice cream with cherry sauce and a candied cherry. Some sources suggest that the word “sundae” came about because these special ice cream treats were initially served only on Sundays.

Interesting Facts

• Strawberry is the third most popular ice cream flavor, after vanilla and chocolate.
• The ideal temperature for serving a strawberry sundae is 8°F.
• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside of their skin.
• The world record for the largest strawberry sundae was set on June 8, 1980, with a massive sundae weighing 10,780 pounds. It included 180 pounds of topping, 90 pounds of nuts, and 16 gallons of whipped cream, reaching a height of 15 feet.
• Strawberries are a great sundae topping because they are low in fat and calories and high in vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, and potassium.

National Strawberry Sundae Day Jokes

Why were the little strawberries on the sundae upset?

Their parents were in a jam!

What do you get when you cross ice, cold milk, strawberry syrup, and a big strawberry?

The world’s best sundae!

An older gentleman went into an ice cream shop and asked, “What kinds of ice cream do you have?”

The cashier replied, “We have a strawberry sundae… *cough* *cough*.” The girl wheezed as she spoke, struggling to continue as she patted her chest. “Do you have laryngitis?” the gentleman asked with concern. “No,” she whispered, “just strawberry sundaes.”

The strawberry ice cream business was struggling because customers didn’t enjoy real strawberries on their sundaes.

The strawberries were too heavy, sinking the ice cream to the bottom of the cup. To save their business, they removed the strawberries—so their profits could stay afloat!

A man walked into an ice cream shop and asked for a vanilla sundae, a chocolate sundae, and a strawberry sundae.

“Sorry,” said the attendant, “we are completely out of strawberry sundaes.” The man thought for a moment and then said, “In that case, I’ll have a vanilla sundae, a chocolate sundae, and a strawberry sundae.” The attendant, getting annoyed, repeated, “I told you we don’t have any strawberry sundaes, sir.” The man paused, then asked again for all three flavors. Frustrated, the attendant said, “Look, sir, what does the V-A-N in vanilla spell?” The man replied, “Van.” “What does the L-A-T-E in chocolate spell?” “Late.” “And what does the F-*-*-K in strawberry spell?” Shocked, the man replied, “Wait a minute! There’s no f**k in strawberry!” The attendant nodded, “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Now get out of my store!”

National Strawberry Sundae Day Quotes

• “On a strawberry sundae of a day, all daisies and June sun and pastoral posing by world leaders on the Lancaster House lawn.” – John Vinocur
• “That meant that nothing happening there at HoJo’s was more important than that strawberry sundae. I was in a hell of a position. If I paid too much attention to the sundae, I would ignore the people who bought it. But if I didn’t stay on it, it would melt, which would be unfortunate and also make it seem as if I didn’t want it. I did.” – Gil Scott-Heron, The Last Holiday: A Memoir
• “She had two lips like strawberries, and the seeds gave her kisses texture. I preferred kissing her over two scoops of vanilla ice cream.” – Jarod Kintz, This Book Has No Title
• “My family lived off the land, and summer evening meals featured baked stuffed tomatoes, potato salad, corn on the cob, fresh shelled peas, and homemade ice cream with strawberries from our garden.” – David Mixner
• “Poetry and music are very good friends. Like mommies and daddies and strawberries and cream – they go together.” – Nikki Giovanni

How to Take Part

• Make your own strawberry sundae at home using fresh strawberries, syrup, and your favorite ice cream.
• Visit your favorite ice cream shop and order a strawberry sundae.
• Host a sundae-making party with friends and family, allowing everyone to customize their toppings.
• Post a picture of your strawberry sundae on social media with the hashtag #NationalStrawberrySundaeDay.
• Try a healthier version by using frozen yogurt or dairy-free ice cream alternatives.

When is National Strawberry Sundae Day in 2025?

National Strawberry Sundae Day is observed on July 7 each year.

Observations