Combinations are Endless for Toppings and Mix-Ins

It began with fruit, expanded to flavored syrup, and grew to encompass whipped cream. Those are just a few of the items that people have used to garnish their ice cream. Improving on ice cream didn’t stop there. People began mixing in their favorite baked goods and even cereals in search of the “perfect” ice cream.

There’s no end to the potential combinations that can be created with today’s extensive array of toppings and mix-ins. With the assortment of items available to dress up and decorate ice cream, there’s an estimated 3 billion potential combinations, with more being created every day as people become more inventive and innovative with their ice cream. Some of the most popular include the following, but is by no means a complete list.

Baked goods – brownies, cheesecake, cookies, Oreos, cookie dough, Nilla Wafers, graham crackers, Pop Tarts

Candy – gummy bears, sprinkles, peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, and Butterfinger

Cereal – Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops, Fruity Pebbles, and Trix

Fruit – Fresh strawberries, watermelon, blackberries, mango, bananas, and any fruit compote

Nuts – walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanuts and pistachios

Sauces – hot fudge, chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter, caramel, butterscotch, honey, and maple syrup

Incidentals – whipped cream, toasted marshmallows, waffle cone bits, pretzels, raisins, jelly and jam, coffee, coconut, hot pepper, granola, ginger, and cinnamon

While many mix-ins and toppings are commercially available candies, cookies and cereals, many of the ingredients originated in home kitchens and not always as a way to accommodate children. Many of the commonly accepted toppings and other items began as way for adults to indulge their own tastes. No matter what your personal preferences, there’s a topping or mix-in ingredient to enhance a best-loved flavor or discover a new one.