Ice cream as we know it dates back to at least the fourth century, though similar desserts may have existed even earlier. Having come over from Europe, ice cream has existed in North America since before the United States became a country and has been popular ever since. With frozen trucking, it is possible to transport it from dairies to shops and stores all across the nation.
While ice cream is delicious on its own, it can also be used as an ingredient in other desserts. Here are some of the most popular ice cream treats in the United States.
1. Sundae
A sundae is several scoops of ice cream served in a bowl, drizzled with syrup or sauce, and usually topped with whipped cream, fruit, and/or nuts. The ice cream can be any flavor, or more than one, and different toppings are possible, though chocolate, strawberry, and caramel are among the most popular.
2. Banana Split
A banana split has many of the same characteristics of a sundae, but its distinguishing feature is the banana at the base with the ice cream, syrup, etc. on top.
3. Float
A float is a scoop or two of ice cream combined with a carbonated beverage of some kind. You can make a float by either pouring the soda and scooping the ice cream into it or by scooping the ice cream into a glass first and then pouring the soda on top of it. The second way is less messy. A root beer float is one of the most popular varieties, consisting of root beer and vanilla ice cream. However, you can make a float out of almost any type of ice cream or soda. Floats using certain flavors of soda many have different names.
4. Ice Cream Cake
It was already customary to serve ice cream and cake together. Combining the two in one dessert was the logical progression. Ice cream cake consists of alternating layers of ice cream and pastry. It can be tricky to make, so it is usually saved for special occasions such as birthday parties.
