Summer Entertaining: Ice Cream Toppings Bar Ideas

Create the ultimate DIY dessert station with Quintin’s Natural Premium Ice Cream & Sorbet

Summer is all about sunshine, good company, and—most importantly—cool treats. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a birthday party, or a casual get-together with friends, an Ice Cream Toppings Bar is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With Quintin’s Natural Premium Ice Cream & Sorbet as your base, you’re guaranteed a naturally delicious experience that’s easy to set up and even easier to enjoy. Here’s how to build the perfect spread that will have guests of all ages lining up for seconds.

🍨 Step 1: Start with Quintin’s Best

Every great toppings bar begins with top-quality ice cream and sorbet. Choose 3–5 flavors for variety, keeping both classic and adventurous tastes in mind. We recommend:

• Vanilla Bean – the blank canvas for any combo

• Double Chocolate – for rich, decadent pairings

• Creole Cream Cheese – a unique, tangy base for fruity toppings

• Roasted Strawberry Creole Cream Cheese – bright and bold with real roasted fruit

• Mango Tango Sorbet or Southern Strawberry Sorbet – perfect for a dairy-free option

Set out the tubs on ice or in a cooler to keep them scoopable without melting.

🍓 Step 2: Pick Your Topping Categories

Think about variety in texture, flavor, and color. Here are the must-have topping categories to include:

Sweet & Crunchy

• Crushed waffle cones

• Graham cracker crumbs

• Sprinkles (rainbow, chocolate, or gold for a NOLA flair)

• Mini chocolate chips

• Crushed Oreos or cookies

Saucy & Gooey

• Hot fudge

• Caramel sauce

• Strawberry or blueberry compote

• Marshmallow fluff

• Local honey or cane syrup

Nutty & Toasty

• Chopped pecans or walnuts

• Toasted coconut

• Crushed pralines

• Peanut butter drizzle

Fruity & Fresh

• Sliced bananas

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)

• Grilled peaches or pineapple

• Citrus zest for a bright twist

Cool & Creamy

• Whipped cream

• Crème fraîche

• Coconut whipped topping (dairy-free!)

Extra Fun

• Mini beignets or brownie bites

• Cinnamon-sugar dusting

• Candied ginger

• Shaved chocolate or edible glitter

🧁 Step 3: Display with Style

Use small bowls, mason jars, or mini charcuterie boards to separate toppings. Add cute labels so guests know what they’re building with, and provide scoops or spoons for easy self-serving. For a touch of New Orleans charm, decorate with fresh flowers, jazz-themed napkins, or Mardi Gras beads.

Tip: Set up a “Signature Scoop” suggestion card—like The Bourbon Street Sundae (Vanilla Bean + caramel + pecans + banana slices) to inspire creativity.

🍧 Step 4: Include Screamers for a Twist

Want a quick-serve option for kids or guests who want to skip the scoop? Include a tray of Quintin’s Screamers—hand-held squeeze pouches filled with our soft, small-batch ice cream. They make a fun, mess-free option that still lets guests customize with a few toppings on the side.

🥄 Step 5: Keep It Cool

Since this is an outdoor-friendly setup, keep your ice cream cold by placing your tubs in a tray lined with crushed ice or frozen salt water bags underneath. Replace or rotate as needed to keep things chilled.

🎉 Bonus: Theme Your Toppings Bar

Add even more excitement by choosing a theme:

• Jazz Fest Style: Local toppings like pralines, cane syrup, and bananas Foster drizzle

• Tropical Escape: Pineapple, coconut, mango chunks, and toasted macadamia nuts

• Classic Carnival: Cotton candy bits, animal cookies, rainbow sprinkles, and fudge

• Boozy Nightcap Bar (for adults): Include whiskey caramel, rum-soaked raisins, or Irish cream drizzle

Final Scoop: Let Them Build It Their Way

With a Quintin’s toppings bar, guests can build their own dream dessert—and you don’t have to turn on the oven. Just scoop, sprinkle, and enjoy the summer vibes.

Tag us @QuintinsPremium with your toppings bar setup—we’d love to see how you scoop in style!

Ready to stock up? Explore our naturally crafted flavors at quintinsnatural.com and get the party started.