Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sundae: A Festive Spumoni-Inspired Treat

Effortless prep meets eye-catching, sliceable layers that impress beyond the usual spread.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

Effortless prep meets eye-catching, sliceable layers that impress beyond the usual spread.

Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sundae: A Spumoni-Inspired Summer Centerpiece

Looking to wow your guests with an unforgettable dessert that’s as stunning as it is crowd-pleasing? Sheet pan ice cream sundaes deliver everything you want from a classic sundae—luscious ice cream, rich chocolate, sumptuous toppings—on a scale perfect for gatherings. Inspired by the iconic spumoni flavor profile, this recipe combines pistachio and cherry ice cream, chocolate ganache, and a crunchy sugar cone-pistachio crust in beautiful, sliceable layers. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a fun make-ahead dessert, this sundae brings vibrant flavors and textures to every bite.

Why Choose a Sheet Pan Sundae?

Effortless serving: Slice and serve, no scooping required.
Customizable flavors: Swap ice cream or toppings to suit your taste.
Make-ahead convenience: Prep in advance and freeze until ready to enjoy.
Gorgeous presentation: Eye-catching layers and toppings make dessert feel special.

Ingredients Overview

This sheet pan sundae layers classic sundae fixings for flavor and visual impact. Every component is designed to complement the spumoni-inspired theme, but substitutions let you create your own signature dessert.

For the Crust

Cooking spray
1 cup (4 oz.) shelled pistachios
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (5 oz.) package chocolate sugar cones, broken into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup salted butter, melted

For the Filling

2/3 cup (4 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 pints pistachio ice cream
2 pints cherry ice cream

For the Topping

2 cups fresh cherries, pitted (more for garnish)
1/4 cup chopped roasted pistachios
Shaved chocolate (dark or semisweet)
Whipped cream

Directions: Step-By-Step Guide

Below is an organized step-by-step method to craft your perfect sheet pan ice cream sundae, including tips for customization and flawless results.

Step 1: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 13-by-9-inch quarter-sheet pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy serving and cleanup.
In a food processor, combine pistachios and sugar. Pulse a few times until some larger pieces remain—do not over-process or it will turn buttery.
Add broken sugar cones and pulse gently. Aim for a mix with some rice-sized pieces for maximum crunch.
Add melted salted butter and pulse just until combined.
Press the mix evenly into the base and up the sides of your prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a measuring cup for an even, compact layer.
Bake until set and fragrant, about 13–15 minutes.
Let cool on a wire rack. The crust must be completely cool before you add ganache or ice cream.

Step 2: Prepare the Ganache Layer

Place chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl.
In a microwave-safe measuring cup, heat the heavy whipping cream in 15-second increments until steaming, about 1–2 minutes.
Pour hot cream over chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until perfectly smooth and glossy.

Pro Tip:

If your ganache separates or isn’t silky, try whisking in a splash of warm cream or letting it sit a few moments longer before stirring again.

Spread ganache evenly over the cooled crust.
Freeze for 15 minutes, or until solid.

Step 3: Layer the Ice Cream

Using a cookie scoop (ideally 1.5–2 tablespoon size), alternate scoops of pistachio and cherry ice cream in a pattern across the surface of the pan.
If your ice cream is softening too quickly, work in batches—pop both the pan and ice cream into the freezer as needed to keep things solid.
When done, freeze until firm, at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Top the sundae with clouds of whipped cream, fresh pitted cherries, a generous sprinkle of roasted pistachios, and a shower of shaved chocolate.
If desired, you can garnish individual slices with extra whipped cream, whole cherries, or more chocolate shavings at serving time.

Sheet Pan Sundae Customization Tips

Ice Cream Swap: Replace pistachio or cherry with vanilla, chocolate, or any flavor you like.
Cone Crunch: Omit pistachio or swap sugar cones for graham crackers, shortbread, or cookies.
Toppings Galore: Add sprinkles, caramel, fudge sauce, or crushed candy bars.
Nut-Free Option: Replace pistachios with pecans, almonds, or skip the nuts entirely.

Serving, Storage, and Make-Ahead Tips

Slice easily: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut clean slices; wipe between cuts for best presentation.
Storage: Store leftovers tightly covered in the freezer for up to 1 week. Add whipped cream and toppings just before serving for freshness.
Make-ahead: Sundowners can be fully prepped a day in advance; just hold off on whipped cream until serving to maintain volume.

Table: Sheet Pan Sundae Components & Substitutions

Component	Classic	Possible Variations
Crust	Chocolate sugar cone & pistachio	Cookies, graham crackers, shortbread, nut-free
Ganache Layer	Semisweet chocolate & cream	Milk/dark chocolate, caramel, fudge, nut butter
Ice Cream	Pistachio & cherry	Vanilla, chocolate, cookie dough, strawberry, any combo
Toppings	Whipped cream, cherries, pistachios, chocolate shavings	Sprinkles, candy, nuts, sauces, fresh fruit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use different ice cream flavors besides pistachio and cherry?

Absolutely! The recipe is a spumoni-inspired twist, but you can substitute your favorite ice creams—from chocolate and vanilla to coffee or berry. Create your own flavor combinations for personal parties or holidays.

Q: How early can I make this sundae before serving?

You can fully assemble the sundae, freeze, and cover it up to 24 hours ahead of serving. For best results, add fresh whipped cream and garnishes just before slicing so they stay fluffy and flavorful.

Q: Do I need a sheet pan, or can I use another pan?

A 13-by-9-inch quarter-sheet pan offers ideal thickness and portions. If using a standard baking dish, watch crust thickness and layer distribution to ensure easy slicing and serving.

Q: Is the crust gluten-free?

Sugar cones typically contain wheat flour. For a gluten-free option, substitute your favorite gluten-free cookies or cones, and check ice cream labels for gluten ingredients if needed.

Q: Can I make this nut-free?

Yes! Omit pistachios in both the crust and topping. Try using more sugar cones, cookie crumbs, or seed clusters for crunch.

Expert Tips for Picture-Perfect Sheet Pan Sundaes

Freeze in stages: After crust, ganache, and each ice cream scoop round; this prevents melting and helps keep layers neat.
Two scoops strategy: Use separate scoops for each ice cream flavor to maintain distinct colors and stop flavors from mixing.
Smooth slicing: Dip your knife in hot water before cutting to glide through frozen layers for crisp slices.
Eye-catching toppings: Don’t skimp on the garnish! Piled-high whipped cream, glossy cherries, and chocolate shavings create instant sundae magic.

Variations: Personalizing Your Sheet Pan Sundae

This dessert provides a versatile base for creativity. Try these ideas to match season, event, or mood:

Seasonal fruits: Replace cherries with strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas.
Holiday twist: Add peppermint ice cream and candied nuts for winter celebrations.
Kids’ parties: Swirl in rainbow sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or crushed cookies as toppings.
Adult celebrations: A splash of coffee liqueur in ganache or caramel sauce brings a sophisticated kick.

Nutrition & Dietary Notes

This dessert contains nuts, dairy, and gluten (from cones), but substitutions are easy for dietary preferences. If you need vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free versions, focus on alternative ice creams, cookies, and toppings.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation

Party platter: Arrange slices on a serving board, garnished with extra whipped cream and cherries.
Individual plates: Add extra toppings to personalize each guest’s slice.
Pairings: Serve with iced coffee, summer fruit punch, or celebratory cocktails for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes sheet pan sundaes ideal for entertaining?

The sheet pan format is perfect for making a dessert large enough for parties, allowing easy slicing and beautiful presentation. Plus, all prep is done ahead of time—no frantic last-minute scooping.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

Wrap slices tightly and freeze. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, though the whipped cream is best added just before eating for flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use store-bought ganache or fudge sauce instead?

Yes, you can substitute homemade ganache with store-bought chocolate sauce or fudge for convenience. Homemade ganache provides richer flavor, but shortcut options work well!

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sundae

This sheet pan ice cream sundae recipe transforms the classic, customizable joy of a sundae into a dazzling, party-friendly centerpiece. With its playful layers, crunchy crust, and elegant toppings, it invites your creativity and delivers foolproof presentation, making any occasion special. Whether you stick to the spumoni inspiration or invent your own twist, the sheet pan sundae is destined to be your new favorite make-ahead dessert.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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