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Sundae Funday with Salt & Straw
Scoop, there it is🍦
The days are getting warmer, your swimsuit’s coming out of hibernation and all you want is something cool, sweet and absolutely dripping in nostalgia.
For Tyler Malek, founder of the legendary Salt & Straw creamery, every day is ice cream day — but summer’s when it really hits. We got the inside scoop on how to throw a next-level ice cream soirée.
Mix the Classics with a Curveball
Yes, you should serve the greatest hits — Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough never lets you down. But Malek is all about the unexpected and known for out-of-the-box scoops like Salty Donut Guava and Cheese. “Sometimes provocative flavors like Pear & Blue Cheese are the perfect way to kickstart a party of fun conversation,” he says. Think of it as your ice (cream) breaker.
Let the People Build
Malek’s rule of thumb is one pint for every two guests. Set out your lineup — pints, bowls, cones and all the spoons — and let everyone mix-and-match. Discover a wild combo? You’ve got to share it with the class. It’s social snacking at its finest.
Skip the Ice
You want your ice cream scoopable, not soup. Malek recommends letting pints chill in the fridge for 60 to 90 minutes before serving. No fridge space? Toss them in a cooler for the same effect. Whatever you do, don’t put them on ice — unless you’re into sad, melty puddles.
Make It DIY (But Fun)
To really surprise and delight guests, set up an interactive ice cream–making station. “Making ice cream at home is simple if you have a great base recipe,” says Malek. He uses a hand-crank machine and lets guests churn their own creations. It's nostalgic, messy and surprisingly competitive.
Upgrade Your Toppings
You’ve got your sprinkles and hot fudge, but now’s the time to bring some personality to the pint. Think crunchy, chewy, chocolaty candies, whipped cream, cones for stacking and toppings with a twist. Malek’s pro move? Fancy store-bought cherries. “I especially love the Amarena Black Cherries from Filthy Foods,” he says.
Want to make your own caramel drizzle or fudge that doesn’t come in a squeeze bottle? Malek’s new cookbook America’s Most Iconic Ice Creams has recipes that’ll make you look like you went to gelato grad school.
Scoop up the sweetest accessories for your Sundae Social:
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6-Piece Pink Tulip Dessert Cups, 5oz
These pink tulip glass dessert cups keep your sundaes perfectly portioned and photo-ready.
Pink Enameled Gold Ice Cream Scoop
This pink and gold ice cream scoop serves looks and scoops, dishing out everything from gelato to frozen yogurt.
Beautiful 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker
This sage green ice cream maker by Drew Barrymore whips up dreamy frozen treats in 20 minutes flat, with a touchscreen display.
Filthy Black Amarena Cocktail Cherries
These luxe, slow-cooked Amarena cherries turn any sundae into a showstopper.
Fancy Sprinkles
These Animal Crackers–inspired sprinkles bring the party with every shake — think crunchy jimmies, sugar sequins and rainbow nonpareils.
