French Ice Cream Sundae Desserts

French ice cream sundaes can include any combination of flavors, sherbet, syrups, nuts, and even alcohols. There really is no limit. However, there are some popular combinations that you are very likely to find on the menu if you visit an ice cream parlor (glacier) in France. These classic sundaes are pretty easy to replicate at home. Add a fancy French name and you’ll have a fancy dessert ready in no time.

If you decide to serve your dessert with a French twist, don’t forget to top it with one or two rolled “cigarettes” or fan-shaped cookies. Its slightly sweet and crunchy crunch is the perfect accompaniment to a rich, cold French sundae.

chocolate liège – Chocolate and vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and chocolate chips.

Coffee Liege – This is the same as a Liegeois chocolate, except that the coffee is substituted for the chocolate.

Caribbean Cup – Here the flavors are supposed to be Caribbean. Many times this means vanilla ice cream and rum raisins, topped with pineapple and whipped cream, but other rum and fruit combinations are possible.

Tutti Frutti Cup – A combination of different sherbets (eg pear, peach or pineapple) with different fresh fruits (eg strawberries, grapes, melon or pineapple), topped with whipped cream and fruit syrup.

colonel’s cup – Watch out – the colonel has a bite! Lemon sorbet topped with vodka.

White lady – Just plain vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The elegance is in the name.

Peach Melba – This was invented by renowned French culinary authority, Auguste Escoffier, in testament to his admiration for Nelly Melba, who was a popular 20th-century Australian opera singer. Vanilla ice cream, poached peaches and raspberry sauce. These days, she’s likely to find her Melba peach topped with whipped cream, too.

Pear Belle Helene – Another opera-inspired cold dessert – this one commemorates the 1864 performance of La Belle Helene, an operetta by Jacques Offenbach. Vanilla ice cream, poached pears and chocolate sauce.

profiteroles – This isn’t ice cream, but you’ll find it frequently offered on the menu at a French glacier. Cream puffs are typically filled with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.