Ice Cream Bar Topping Ideas
I’m a huge, huge fan of ice cream! It doesn’t matter what form it comes in, either. I love all cool ice cream treats! Every Monday night, we gather our kids and often a few family friends and have a family night where we learn and play together and of course always end with a treat! This past Monday night, we took advantage of an awesome promotional offer and loaded up on ice cream bars and made our own mini ice cream bar to add toppings and fun to the bars!
This post is sponsored by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own.
To host a successful ice cream party you have to start with two main things – quality ice cream (of course!) and lots and lots of fun toppings!
Ice Cream Bar Topping Ideas:
- Homemade magic shell for dipping
- Finely chopped walnuts
- Coconut
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Sprinkles
- Crushed Oreos
- Mini Marshmallows
Making your own homemade magic shell is really easy, you just melt one cup of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix well between cooking intervals (start with 15-30 seconds) until completely melted. You can also just use melted chocolate, if in a pinch, to help your toppings to stick.
Since our party would be serving both kids and adults, I picked up a variety of ice cream bars so there was something for all the different preferences.
Target is running a great promotion where all Magnum, Klondike, and Fruttare bars are on sale Buy 3, Get 1 free! So I picked a few different kinds for variety. My boys eagerly went from the Strawberry Fruttare bars, which my 7 year old absolutely loved topped with chocolate and toppings.
Now it was time for the fun to begin! We drizzled on a bit of magic shell using a spoon and let the kids pick out their own toppings from all the choices. The mini marshmallows were easily a favorite to add to their ice cream bars. Didn’t this turn out looking so fun?
When the kids were done topping their bars, the adults got a turn. I topped my Magnum bar with Oreo cookies, walnuts, and graham cracker crumbs. The toppings went perfectly with the bar and it was so much fun to make the ice cream bar custom to each of our own tastes and preferences.
Once our bars were loaded with toppings, they didn’t last long. We all had an absolute blast creating the bars, and of course gobbling them down, too!
Have plenty of napkins ready for when the ice cream starts to melt!
You have to have a lot of variety of toppings to make a great ice cream party.
My best tip is to have a lot of different options for toppings.
my tip is to do an ice cream sandwich party, with different cookies and fillings to work with
my tips for an icecream party is to have a couple of different flavors and several different topping.since not everyone can eat nuts.and have some napkins
Its all about the toppings. Dont go crazy with the sheer amount, but have excellent choices.
Keep all your toppings, sprinkles, etc.. in a plastic bin making it easier to gather then
Have as many scoops as you have flavors of ice cream. Also, try to have two bowls of all the toppings.
never been to a ice cream party
A good tip for getting oreos crushed easily (for a topping) is to put them in a freezer bag and roll them with a rolling pin. They’re nice and crushed in no time with very little mess.
I love to scoop ice cream into cupcake wrappers and refreeze them, so you can just serve them and not have to scoop when everyone is waiting.
we have family game night with ice cream sundae bars.yummm
Use disposable plastic bowls and spoons to keep from having a big mess to clean up afterwards.
Ice cream parties are easier when they’re held indoors in the summer.
I make cones because they eat it all and the only mess is napkins which I throw out
Have a variety of syrups and whipped cream!
Get plenty of toppings.
I like to use disposable everything and have a few topping choices that are sure to please.I also like to offer floats for those who want them.
i didnt see any party tips but i did grab a coupon for the magnum ice cream bars! they are so good hubby and i hide them from the kids!
my ice cream party tip is buy your ice cream at target with coupons…it will be cheap so you can buy twice as much!!
Wow, lots of great coupons. My tip for a ice cream party is to use plastic bowls and spoons so less mess to clean up.
i have never been to a ice cream party but i would love too
If the party guests are young, pre-scoop the ice cream and keep it in the freezer until it’s time.
My tip is make it simple by using plastic bowls and spoons! Also add lots of fresh fruit to offset the unhealthy(ness) of the ice cream! Thanks for the opportunity!
I had no idea there were ice cream coupons on the target page
I am so excited and will be using them
thank you!
My tip is to make sure you have a variety of frozen treats. I am vegan, so I don’t eat dairy ice cream, but I love coconut milk ice cream.
Use disposable plastic bowls and spoons to keep from having a big mess to clean up afterwards
annabella @ centurytel dot net
The first time we tried Skinny Cow ice cream was when it was on sale at Target. I love that we can print our own coupons! We have a 2nd refrigerator in our basement, near (the patio entrance to our home) ~ freezer is dedicated to ice cream treats! I make several trips inside getting our friends & family their ice cream so that it isn’t partly melted by the time they are ready for it. I always have baby wipes handy for clean ups.
We have a back to school ice cream party every year. We ask parents to dress kids in swim wear and bring a change of clothes. After the diy sundaes we have a water balloon war! Takes care of all the sticky little fingers and faces!
Get fairly plain flavors of ice cream, like just chocolate and vanilla, so the toppings really shine.
dont forget the napkins. icecream can be messy!
try diy ice cream sandwhiches they are less messy and be sure to have wipes handy.
My tip is to buy a few different varieties of ice cream so everyone will be able to pick something they enjoy.
I actually threw an ice cream sundae party in june for my 4 year old daughter. I prescooped the ice cream so that guests could get right to making sundaes. I also kept the nut/peanut butter items in a separate location since there are allergies in my family. I labeled all toppings with address labels I had made on vista print that said amber’s 4th birthday. Overall I think it was a very cute way to have a party.
Use plastic bowls and lots of paper towels!
I’d say a good tip would be to make sure you have wet wipes or buckets of water on hand for all those sticky fingers!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
We have taken advantage of the Klondike offer..
My tip is to pre scoop ice cream into paper bowls to make serving at the party smoother and clean up much easier. Have lots of toppings for every taste. 🙂
We have taken advantage of the Klondike offer..
Lots of ice to keep cool, lots of toppings, and lots of papertowels.
My tip is to have a variety of flavors and toppings.
My tip is to always have plenty of options for every one whether regular or diabetic including lots of toppings, sauces, nuts and fruits.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
We just like to offer a lot of options in individual sizes.
My favorite is to keep everything in a freezer and then put them in the cooler right before everyone will be eating them. Coolers will still make them melt!
My tip is to chill the bowls before adding the ice cream!
I really like the idea of a sundae bar
I like the 75 cents off Popsicle brands
Have lots of variety including nuts and fruits
We like to have a variety of toppings and flavors
My tip is have plenty of napkins on hand since ice cream on a stick seem to melt all over the place.
make sure to always have candy toppings *my favorite are M&M gummy bears and gummy worms*
If your ice cream party includes treats on a stick, serve them with a paper plate “collar” to catch drips. You can do the same sort of thing with ice cream cones by pushing the pointed end through a coffee filter and carefully pushing it up until there is enough room under it for your hand to hold the cone.
If your ice cream party includes treats on a stick, serve them with a paper plate “collar” to catch drips. You can do the same sort of thing with ice cream cones by pushing the pointed end through a coffee filter and carefully pushing it up until there is enough room under it for your hand to hold the cone.
My tip is to have plenty of toppings.
Keep the Magnums away from the kids…they are for adults only
make sure to have tons of toppings! syrups, sprinkles, cookie pieces, cool whip, caramel, etc!
Great party tip is to have topping choices so the kids can make their own choices. They love it!
I always let my granddaughters make their own. Its messy but fun.
I suggest having some frozen yogurt for those who don’t eat ice cream.
My tip is to have many toppings to choose from.
My only tip is to have a lot of different flavored syrups, candies and nuts, I love having this for family Birthday parties.
Mine is to have several ice cream flavors and then use mini waffle bowls that way people can have more than 1 sundae and diff variety.
Always have different types of toppings that are a little bit different than the standard stuff. Also having fun bowls and spoons are always fun too!
Make a ice cream sundae bar with ice cream and many toppings and have the kids make their own.
Napkins and wet wipes…have them on hand!!!
sundae bar 😀
my best tip for kids is just to stock up on fun new creative toppings for them to try and do a ice cream bar
I love doing something like a Sundae Bar with waffle bowls!
Have plenty of different types of toppings.
When I would have ice cream parties for the kids what they liked best was lots and lots of different toppings. They were fine with just vanilla and chocolate ice cream as long as they were a lot of topping choices.
My best tip for Ice Cream at parties is to buy individual packaged ice cream treats to save time from all the scooping.
If you are serving a large group (like my family…25 people or more!), pre-scoop the ice cream beforehand and stick the scoops onto a cookie sheet in the freezer. It always seems to go much faster this way!
I love open candy bar for the kids. It’s always fun what they come up with and love the mess.
The Magnum Bars look delicious! One of the things we like to do for parties is to let the ice cream soften a bit and form balls out of it. Then we flash freeze them and put them in a bag for the party. Then, instead of scooping, you just give each person an ice cream ball. Thank you!
My favorite tip is to have more than one flavor of ice cream and also lots of topping variety’s and whipped topping and don’t forget the cherries!!
I always like to have lots of toppings and always have whipped cream and a cherry at the end
make sure to have a few different flavors of ice cream and lots of toppings
Have lots of topping to choose from from nuts to gummies
For a party, scoop ice cream into muffin tins ahead of time. Servings are already made and easy to pass out!
I love to have a variety of toppings, such as candies, syrups, fruits, and whipped cream.
I like having ice cream, toppings etc to either make sundaes or banana splits
I think that creativity makes the party. Inventive toppings, cool things like brownies and cake to add, and maybe even make your own waffle cones.
I think the most important thing is to offer a few key flavors of ice cream and LOTS of toppings! Get inventive with toppings and crush up any kind of sweet treat or fruit you can think of!
I love to have different nuts and honey for toppings on our Ice Cream
We buy high quality ice cream in classic flavors like coffee or vanilla bean. We then raid the chocolate box & crush up the good stuff. This way we create the taste we are craving.
When we moved into our home 13 years ago we were invited to our block party. It was hot so I brought 2 5 quarts buckets of ice cream, lots of candy toppings but also fresh pineaplle chunks, bananas, coconut, mixes of berries. And caramel or chocolate sauce. Then of course sprinkles and two types of whipping cream. Kids could make banana splits, sundaes, or just cones we also had brought. We had a couple of bins of pop up baby wipes. The ice cream was in coolers and the other items on trays so was easy to serves. It was a big hit…expensive but then at least some of it was healthy. I had not thought of topping ice cream bars with fun toppings. Even more fun and less mess! What fun for any age!
always have fresh fruit as an option for a topping
My favorite ice cream party tip is to have a wide variety of flavors of ice cream (including sugar free, low fat, etc.), toppings (sauces, candies, nuts, etc.), have bowls and different kinds of cones available, and lots and lots of wet wipes on hand!
Setting out a variety of toppings and flavors of ice cream so everyone can make their own is a great idea.
always have lots of topping choices
Put various toppings in bowls so people can create their own ice cream sundaes. This way people can add the amount they like.
I like vanilla and also coffee ice cream!
Have enough for seconds.
Thanks for the contest.
Lots of whip cream and nuts for a good sundae!
We always make homemade ice cream for birthday parties to make them special.
Have a variety of toppings and flavors. Also have sherbert or gelato for people who don’t like ice cream!
My tip is to set out a variety of fun toppings, like sprinkles and M&M’s.
always have a variety of ice cream available
Our favorite way to eat ice cream is using cones. It will save on clean up, few dishes have diffirent topping for everypne can try.
Our favorite way to eat ice cream is using cones. It will save on clean up, few dishes have diffirent topping for everypne can try.
I like to have waffle cone bowls.
I like to have a couple different ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors.Also having popsicles,push up pops,eskimo pies and a variety of toppings.Thank you for the awesome giveaway 🙂
My favorite tip is to have a variety of different kinds of ice ream bars to serve with cake pops
Have a few different toppings to give people varitey
There are quite a lot of ice cream coupon choices. I’d say use as many coupons as you can to have variety at your ice cream party on a budget!
I love how you made it so everyone can customize their ice cream. they all look supper yummy. I especially love the topping s added to the ice cream bars. I know how to make my grand kids think I’m super now!
Buy lots of varieties so there is something for every one.
Have plenty of toppings for everyone
Get plenty of varieties for everyone.
Have lots of wipes to clean faces 🙂 We love having a variety of toppings for everyone to choose from.
Have a variety of flavors for everyone to enjoy.
Drop some marshmallows into a cone before filling it with ice cream to help prevent leaks.
my tip would be lots of fresh toppings.
I think make your own toppings on ice cream would be a great idea for a party. We only do carb smart breyers or no sugar added, because my husband is a diabetic.
I’m old school. Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and whip cream.
I serve basic icecreams, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and tons of wet and dry toppings.
My favorite tip is just to have plenty of different toppings to choose from!
My tip would be to offer several different yummy toppngs
My favorite tip – do this in the winter for a special treat!
thank you
We love ice cream cones and making them into Sundaes!
Make sure to have lots of diff. toppings.
I love a do-it-yourself bar, with a couple flavors of a good ice cream (love Breyer’s!) and lots of toppings.
I would say to have tons of different topping so everyone gets something they like!
We like to have choose your own toppings bars!
I want to use the coupon deal to get ice cream for my co workers.
My favorite ice cream party tip is to have LOTS of different toppings!
Offer lots of toppings, but I never thought of using ice cream treats like magnum bars before! Fun!
Always have toppings on hand like marshmallows, syrup, fudge, sprinkles, and even peanut butter!
We love to get different kinds for a variety. Not everyone likes the same kind around here and if its reg ice cream we like to add toppings to it.
Have a variety of options for everyone!!
Our favorite way to eat ice cream is using cones. We save on clean up, few dishes.
We like to make ice cream sundaes in special ice cream containers. Its the kind you used to get in Malt Shops. Instead of just eating ice cream, it gives it a more special occasion feel.
Have a topping bar.
I love picking my own toppings
I like using waffle bowls so everyone has to use a spoon, It makes it a little less messy and it’s easier to use sauces.
My favorite idea is the ice cream toppings bar because it is something that would please everyone.
it’s not an ice cream party without sprinkles
We like making a banana split bar, so everyone can choose their toppings.
I put toppings in shakers with large holes so it is not so messy.
Ice cream buffets are the best, try frozen yogurt and fresh fruit toppings or dark chocolate and granola for a healthier take
pedidentalasst at yahoo dot com
Pick your own toppings but only healthy toppings with healthy sugars!
My favorite tip is having a mini ice cream topping bar.
love doing sundae bars, I like to put the topping in an empty cupcake tin for easier clean up!
My favorite ice cream party tip is to do an assembly line and let everyone make their own personalized sundaes! And those klondike bars look good—yum!
We like to set out some of everything for toppings–including things like crushed cookies and chopped candy bars.
My tip is to have plenty of napkins, and a good variety of ice cream for everyones palate
I like making our own sundaes.
My favorite ice cream party tip is have a large variety of toppings, for example, marshmallow creme, chocolate syrup and an assortment of nuts.
If you are having a large group,, make sure that you have more than one of the popular toppings such as hot chocolate to make it easier for everyone to get their toppings on!
We like to have a variety of ice creams and a variety of toppings so the kids can make their own sundaes. I had never thought of using a Magnum bar. Great idea!
We like to have a variety of ice creams and a variety of toppings so the kids can make their own sundaes. I had never thought of using a Magnum bar. Great idea!
We usually keep it simple, but good old fashioned banana splits can be fun.
probally the best tip would be to leave the toppings out and let kids just make there own… it will be fun for all
Ice Cream party tip is to have tons of variety in flavors & toppings. Also to think outside the box, like adding cereals (lucky charms, golden grahams, Captain PB Crunch, etc) ~ Invest in some quality napkins, lol and enjoy!
All I can say is just go with the flow and have fun and we like to make rootbeer floats.
I like to do an ice cream sundae bar at parties – it’s always a big hit! Have everyone bring a topping and I provide the rest.
Coating a Magnum popsicle with Oreo crumbles sounds amazing.
we like to do make your own sundae bars, but i have never thought of putting toppings on an ice cream bar, what a yummy idea
I love the idea of an Ice Cream party bar. Everyone likes something different at our house so this would work great. Plus, if you wanted, you could add a little of everything.
Having 3 young kids, I always get creative. In the past, I put out small containers of different toppngs. Sprinkles, chocolate chips, gummy bears, chopped peanuts, etc… and I let them choose how they’ll decorate their own ice cream.
I love the idea of a sundae bar!
I love the Magnum bars they are awesome
No matter what wlse you have, you must serve hot fudge topping.
an ice cream sundae buffet
Have a wide variety of flavors and toppings and plenty of napkins!
My favorite tip was to have a wide assortment of fun toppings.
I like to buy the individual sized Ben and Jerry’s (GMO free-holla!) and slice it in thirds placing each slice in between two homemade cookies for a homemade icecream sandwich for the kids!
I am excited to see a coupon for Magnum Icecream bars. Those are amazing!
I never thought about adding toppings to icecream bars. That is a fun idea.
I always buy ice cream from Target, looks like our next family gathering will be an ice cream party from Target!
I love their gelato and any topping will be great with it.
I love having different types of cones- dipped in chocolate, sprinkles or plain!
That’s a great way to spice up novelties. We are big ice cream lovers at my house
Have different kinds of cones
I loved learning how to make my own magic shell at home!
have lots of toppings!
Buy something more reasonably priced for the kids, but indulge in something yummy for the adults.
different toppings!
Buy popsicles for the kiddos & have chocolate bars for the adults 🙂
My best ice cream tip is to be sure to include dairy free options. I’m allergic to milk, and it’s often forgotten. Frutarre has dairy free though!
To have different toppings.
Cut the ice cream container with a knife for perfect portions!
There are fewer dishes to wash if you use ice cream cones rather than bowls
My favorite tip is to take out the ice cream from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before the party so that it is no rock hard.
Wow, I love the idea of being sure to have something like Sherbet for anyone who cannot do ice cream, for sure! I say, have a bunch of different flavors of ice cream, too.
I’d say the best parties offer the most flavors and varities
Would have to say to scoop ahead of time
having a variety of talenti gelato as an ice cream buffet / bar would be AWESOME
I like the mini marshmallow tip
I love eating ice cream. I know that some of my friends are lactose intolerant and prefer sherbet or another non dairy cold treat. Maybe include non dairy treats for such people in the party. Thanks!
Great ideas! Why have I never seen the Magnum Minis? Dang it!
I love an ice cream sundae buffet– especially if there is hot fudge!
my favorite ice cream party tip is to make sure you have many flavors so that all you guests can enjoy all the different kinds and no one is left out. don’t forget the dairy free varieties as well.
I love the idea of adding toppings to the ice cream bars, Thank you!
The only thing I love more than ice cream is ice cream with toppings! Now I feel the craving for a banana split…
I think you can’t do better than a sundae buffet.
I love the idea of an ice cream buffet. A great way to please everyone.
This looks like fun and delicious treats. Plus there is a freebie. That’s great
What a great idea to amp up an ice cream bar! We will h ave to try this!
I love the ones the kids have! I want to try the magnum ice cream treats. I see the commercials all over!
The best advice I can give about an icecream is to have a few different varieties. I think having maybe sugarfree as an alternative for those who may have diabetes is good.
We do it buffet style and they can put their own candies and toppings on the ice cream.
Ohh they’ve got a coupon for the Klondike treats over there!! My favorite tip is to serve wet naps (not napkins). 😉
I love the dipping bar idea you’ve got here.
What a fun idea! I’ve made my own magic shell before with chocolate chips and coconut oil. Super easy!
I think having great toppings are a great idea. Think it would make it fun to see what people would use.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Ice cream bars are SO fun. I never would have thought to add marshmallows, what a fun pop!
We love the Magic shell toppings! We currently have chocolate and we bought the new birthday cake flavor! I’ve never thought of drizzling it onto bars and then adding toppings though! Genius!
cupcake liners to keep drips under control and mini gummy bears for toppings, along with all the great ones you showed.
Having a variety of ice cream bars and toppings, what a great idea! Applying a cupcake liner to the stick will catch drips.
All of that looks delicious! Choco tacos are my favorite!
Offer unique toppings ! I would never have though of this! Looks yummy!
To offer fun toppings they may not otherwise choose.
Make a candy bar so they have tons of options to choose from for toppings on the ice cream.
I have plenty of wipes and napkins ready for clean up! And everyone seems to crave water 🙂
provide both bowls and cones!
I would get some Breyer’s Ice Cream or Gelato for my ice cream party. I would also choose candy toppings that didnt melt for mu kids party!
I love marshmallow dip.
My favorite favorite ice cream party tip is to provide both bowls and cones so people have the option.
Now this is an awesome idea! My kids would have a BLAST doing this!
Words can’t even describe this. I love the idea of blending different ideas like that. Helps with imagination.
Never thought of dressing up the ice cream bars. That’s a great idea and would be so fun for a family BBQ or summer birthday party treat.
Never thought of dressing up the ice cream bars. That’s a great idea!
We had a fun ice cream social recently where everyone brought a homemade ice cream and then someone did all homemade toppings – it was really fun to see what everyone came up with! I really love those Magnum bars though when buying ice cream.
make sure you have enough
I like to supply the ice cream (along with some frozen yogurt) and have friends bring toppings.
My favorite idea for an ice cream party is to have a few fruits for toppings. Might as well get nutrition in there somehow.
I think having a variety of ice cream and toppings for everyone’s taste is a great idea.
I like the mini marshmallow tip. Thanks
I am a definite ice cream lover. I love the idea of sprucing up the ice cream bars with extra toppings!
At our ice cream parties we love having all the toppings in separate little bowls with small spoons so the kids can dip without making a mess. These toppings sound delicious and the photos look yummy.
My tip would be to have wet wipes on hand, instead of paper towels. Easier to clean up little hands and faces.
I never thought to create a bar using a box bar! What a great idea! We will be making our own sweet treats!
Since we have little ones (1, 5, and 6) DIY ice cream bar toppings go in a small muffin tin that is then placed on a a large cookie sheet on the table. They can add their toppings and the mess is minimal.
I love homemade vanilla ice cream topped with magic shell. I’ll definitely have to try making it myself.
I love the new Gelato ice cream from Breyers. I have never done an ice cream party but I would say that you should have a lot of toppings!
My best tip is to be creative with edible ice cream dishes — you can make waffle bowls or cookie cups, for example, which are always a big hit with kids and adults alike!
I saw the double caramel bars somewhere they other day. I want to try them SOON. (I love sprinkles – and any type of crushed candy bar – as a topping on ice cream!)
These are some awesome topping ideas. My kids would be all over this.
never thought of some of the toppings that can be added
Having a variety of flavors and toppings so everyone can customize their treat
A great tip would be to have everything ready/cut up,chopped up,sliced to top your ice cream.
Those are quite the treats! I’ve never done one for ice cream bars before by my kiddo loves making his own sundaes.
I like the sundae. It looks really good. All of the ideas look great.
I’ll have to stop in and get some. My family loves a good ice cream sundae bar!
I like the mini marshmallow tip. I always have some I don’t know what to do with.
My favorite ice cream party tip is to stock up on popsicles when hosting a ice cream party with kids.
This looks like so much fun!
All of these look delicious! Magic Shell topping makes for fun ice cream ideas.
I never though about using mini marshmallows before! What a great way to get them out of your pantry!
What great ideas. Just a tip on serving ice cream bars. I like to use a paper cupcake liner to help catch drips when my kids eat the bars.
That looks delicious!
I like putting cupcake liners on the end of popsicles to prevent the drips from getting all over your hands.
I love that! I try to keep some of my own toppings for adding right at home as well!
For me only!
Great ideas..I think your Magnum bar is my favorite!
What a fun party! I should do the same thiing with my nieces and nephews.
I never thought about adding toppings to ice cream bars. Talk about a double dose of deliciousness.
I have colorful cups so the kids can make their own sundaes with whatever they like. I try to keep to the theme of the season. I have monster gummy bears for Halloween, or multicolor M’M’s for Christmas.
Awesome idea! I have done a sundae bar, but not one for our ice cream bars before. I want to try this!