It's National Hot Fudge Sundae Day 2025! History, Best Spots & Sundae Suggestions

Indulge in National Hot Fudge Sundae Day on July 25 with a rich scoop into the sundae’s origin, fun facts, top ice cream spots, and savor-worthy celebration ideas. Every July 25, dessert lovers celebrate National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, a delicious highlight during National Ice Cream Month. This day honors the iconic hot fudge sundae, a decadent treat of vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate fudge, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top. Join us as we explore its origin, share fun facts, and highlight the best places to indulge today.

Though sundaes date back to the 1880s, originally made on Sundays to abide by blue laws, the hot fudge variation emerged about two decades later. In 1906, C.C. Brown’s Ice Cream Parlor in Hollywood created the first hot fudge sundae, combining rich chocolate sauce with ice cream, a combo that quickly captivated Los Angeles residents. The treat’s popularity spread across soda fountains and diners nationwide, earning its own celebratory day on July 25.

The hot fudge sundae continues delighting fans for good reasons. Simple perfection: Easy to make, yet irresistibly indulgent, Timeless nostalgia: Loved across generations, from soda fountains to movie nights, Affordable treat: Made from basic ingredients, but delivers big flavor and Customizable fun: Top it with nuts, fruit, caramel, or marshmallows for a personalized dessert.

Best Places to Get a Hot Fudge Sundae

Looking to treat yourself out? Here are some standout ice cream shops and parlors known for unforgettable hot fudge sundaes:

1. C.C. Brown’s (Hollywood, CA)
The birthplace of the hot fudge sundae. Though the original shop closed in 1996, you can still enjoy the famous sundae at Lawry’s The Prime Rib using C.C. Brown’s original sauce.
2. Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop (San Francisco, CA)
Touristy but legendary, this ice cream parlor offers indulgent, Ghirardelli-made fudge sundaes.
Try their hot fudge waffle cone sundae at Ghirardelli Square 
3. Fenton’s Creamery (Oakland, CA)
Serving since 1894, Fenton’s is famous for massive sundaes like the "Cookie Bowl"a mighty hot fudge creation.
They’ve even made national headlines for their huge sundaes and generous tips.
4. Shug’s Soda Fountain (Seattle, WA)
This retro 1950s-style parlor at Pike Place Market crafts house-made hot fudge sundaes with charm and flavor 
5. Kopp’s Frozen Custard (Milwaukee, WI)
Praised for its dense custard and robust fudge, this Midwest favorite combines nostalgia and quality for a top-tier sundae.
6. North Park Creamery (San Diego, CA)

A local favorite famous for Ghirardelli hot fudge–stuffed soft-serve cones, gourmet twist included.

Fun Ways to Celebrate at Home

1. Host a Sundae Bar – Offer vanilla ice cream, warm fudge, whipped cream, nuts, fruit, brownies, sprinkles—let guests build their dream sundae.
2. Homemade Fudge Sauce – Whisk together cocoa, sugar, cream, butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for a rich sauce that elevates any bowl.
3. Retro Diner Night – Recreate soda-fountain vibes at home—metal sundae cups, old-school tunes, and classic milkshakes.
4. Try Regional Twists – Add accents like sea salt, caramel, espresso, or pineapple for unique flavors.
5. Ice Cream Truck Pop-Up – Bring the party to your street with a rented or food-truck-style ice cream sundae station.
6. DIY Sundae Competition – Challenge friends or family to craft the most decadent, creative, or photogenic sundaes.

Sundae Tips & Variations

• Homemade fudge: Simmer cocoa, sugar, corn syrup, cream, butter, and vanilla, then pour hot over scoops with toppings
• Best base ice cream: Look for creamy, premium vanilla that stands up to warm sauce, custard or dense ice creams work great.
• Toppings essentials: Nuts (walnuts or peanuts), whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries, but feel free to get creative!
• Temperature balance: Scoop ice cream into chilled bowls, pour warm sauce, and serve immediately for perfect contrast.

Hot fudge sundaes symbolize American summer nostalgia, appearing in films, TV, and music. Even Google gives the sundae its own recognition on National Hot Fudge Sundae Day. These iconic desserts endure because of their simplicity, adaptability, and universal appeal.

Here are 10 delicious hot‑fudge sundae recipes and variations, each with a quick description and a link so you can easily explore further:

1. Classic Hot Fudge Sundae - Think creamy vanilla ice cream draped in rich, homemade fudge, topped with whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry. A timeless indulgence. Preppy Kitchen Hot Fudge Sundae Quick & Easy Hot Fudge Sundae
2. A fuss-free version featuring smooth homemade hot fudge and all your favorite toppings, a surefire crowd-pleaser. The First Year Blog Hot Fudge Sundae 
3. Best Hot Fudge Sundae - Emphasizes a chewy, thick hot fudge, made from unsweetened chocolate and corn syrup, for the perfect cold-hot contrast. Delish Hot Fudge Sundae Recipe
4. Nostalgic Sundaes - A throwback to soda-fountain sundaes, with classic ice cream, warm fudge, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries. Once Upon a Chef Sundae Recipe
5. Family-Style Hot Fudge Sundae - Chrissy Teigen’s version: rich homemade fudge using corn syrup and brown sugar—it’s easy, silky, and perfect for sharing. Cravings by Chrissy Teigen Family Sundae
6. Ghirardelli Classic Sundae - Premium Ghirardelli hot fudge over scoops of vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream, toasted almonds, and a cherry. Ghirardelli Classic Hot Fudge Sundae
7. Quick Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce - A silky 5-minute sauce that stays glossy and soft even after chilling, ideal for instant sundaes. Sally’s 5‑Minute Hot Fudge Sauce
8. 15-Minute Hot Fudge Sauce - Thick and rich, this sauce doubles as an iceberg topper or drizzle for brownies and sundaes. Tastes Better From Scratch Hot Fudge
9. Hot Fudge Sundae Dump Cake - For a twist: bake a gooey dump cake that forms a fudgy layer underneath, then top with vanilla ice cream. Your Home‑Based Mom Sundae Cake
10. Blake Lively’s 3‑Ingredient Hot Fudge Hack - Celebrity-approved: melt chocolate with warmed cream in the microwave, transforming plain ice cream into a gourmet dessert. Blake Lively’s Hot Fudge

Sundae Topping Tips

From crushed nuts and rainbow sprinkles to marshmallows, cookie crumbles, caramel, or fruit, classic toppings always elevate the experience...

Pro Tips

• Make the sauce ahead: Several recipes suggest preparing hot fudge in advance, reheat just before serving for fast entertaining.
• Sauce texture matters: Use corn syrup in your recipe to maintain glossy, pourable consistency even when cold

Whether you’re craving something classic, decadent, or twisty and creative, one of these recipes is sure to satisfy. Let me know if you'd like garnishing ideas, printable recipe cards, or scooping instructions to accompany them!

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day on July 25 is the ultimate excuse to indulge in smooth, rich fudge atop creamy ice cream, with nostalgiac celebration in every bite. Whether you visit C.C. Brown’s Hollywood legacy at Lawry’s, sample the indulgence of Ghirardelli in San Francisco, savor Fenton’s iconic bowls, or build your own bar at home, today is your day for decadent delight.

So grab a spoon, embrace the sweet simplicity, and treat someone special, or just yourself, to a celebration of sauce, scoops, and smiles. Happy Sundae Day!