Fruit Topping for Ice Cream (Strawberry, Pineapple, or Blueberry)

These homemade Fruity Ice Cream Toppings come together in just minutes and can be stored in the fridge up to a week. Enjoy a banana split with all three, or a simpler bowl.

Need a new favorite Ice Cream Topping? Look no further!

Nothing can really beat a banana split with that classic trio of fruity ice cream toppings, except maybe a homemade version.

In this post, we’ll explore how to make three different irresistible ice cream toppings made from fresh fruit (although frozen fruit also works great for all of them).

Each recipe (strawberry, pineapple and blueberry) takes just minutes to prepare, and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. And each one has an optional special addition for more depth of flavor and home chef appeal!

Strawberry Fruit Topping

To make a batch of strawberry ice cream topping, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• strawberries – fresh ones that have been hulled and sliced, or frozen works, too.
• sugar – regular white granulated sugar, to sweeten the fruit and thicken the topping.
• water – just a bit, to help cook down the fruit.
• vanilla extract – an optional addition to add depth of flavor.

To make strawberry ice cream topping, follow these steps:

1. COMBINE. In a medium saucepot, combine the strawberries, sugar and water.

2. COOK. Cook over medium heat until thickened, remembering that the sauce will continue to thicken a bit more as it cools. Stir the mixture occasionally and break up the fruit with the back of a spoon as it cooks. Remove mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla, if using.

3. STORE. Cool mixture to room temperature, then transfer to a jar or other storage container. Refrigerate up to 1 week.

Pineapple Topping for Ice Cream

To make a batch of pineapple ice cream topping, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• pineapple – fresh fruit that has been very finely chopped, or frozen works, too.
• sugar – regular white granulated sugar, to sweeten the fruit and thicken the topping.
• water – just a bit, to help cook down the fruit.
• vanilla extract – an optional addition to add depth of flavor.

To make pineapple ice cream topping, follow these steps:

1. COMBINE. In a medium saucepot, combine the pineapple, sugar and water.

2. COOK. Cook over medium heat until thickened, remembering that the sauce will continue to thicken a bit more as it cools. Stir the mixture occasionally and break up the fruit with a potato masher as it cooks. Remove mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla, if using.

3. STORE. Cool mixture to room temperature, then transfer to a jar or other storage container. Refrigerate up to 1 week.

Blueberry Ice Cream Topping

To make a batch of blueberry ice cream topping, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• blueberries – fresh ones are best, but frozen works great, too.
• sugar – regular white granulated sugar, to sweeten the fruit and thicken the topping.
• water – just a bit, to help cook down the fruit.
• grated fresh ginger – an optional addition to add depth of flavor.

To make blueberry ice cream topping, follow these steps:

1. COMBINE. In a medium saucepot, combine the blueberries, sugar and water.

2. COOK. Cook over medium heat until thickened, remembering that the sauce will continue to thicken a bit more as it cools. Stir the mixture occasionally and break up the fruit with the back of a spoon as it cooks. Remove mixture from heat and stir in the ginger, if using.

3. STORE. Cool mixture to room temperature, then transfer to a jar or other storage container. Refrigerate up to 1 week.

Other Ice Cream Topping Ideas

Use these sauces in combination with other additions for multiple textures. Some of my favorite ice cream topping ideas are:

• chopped nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds.
• crushed cookies – like Oreos or even crunchy chocolate chip cookies.
• chocolate syrup or caramel sauce – another soft element but oh so delicious.
• whipped cream – adds a light, airy touch to your ice cream bowl.
• coconut flakes – especially so good with the pineapple topping.
• banana – make a classic banana split with a halved banana or caramelized bananas, vanilla ice cream, and all three of these ice cream topping ideas!
• sprinkles – one of the best ice cream toppings! So colorful and fun.
• crushed graham crackers – for a sweet crunch.
• brownie bits – a decadent and chewy addition.
• cereal – favorite breakfast cereals like Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch make a really fun ice cream topping.
• chopped candy bars – Snickers, Twix and Kit Kat especially recommended as toppings for ice cream.
• mint leaves – for a refreshing, aromatic touch.
• candied ginger – especially great with the blueberry topping, since it echos the ginger in the topping.