British Knickerbocker Glory Sundae
My British Knickerbocker Glory Sundae puts a homemade spin on a classic summer treat. This very British, fruit-forward ice cream sundae comes with a funny name and lots of charm. It features layers of fresh fruit, vanilla ice cream, and homemade strawberry sauce, all topped with fluffy whipped cream. Craving a fruit sundae yet?
Whenever the British do actually get some nice weather to make to the seaside, it is such a treat to visit an ice cream stand or a nearby shop to enjoy nostalgic Knickerbocker Glories.
As a child growing up on the Northern Coast of England, I frequently used to enjoy them at Minchella ice cream parlors and stands and this is one of my personal favorite British recipes.
How to make a Knickerbocker Glory
Since a sundae is essentially assembling ingredients and layering them together, I do like to make a homemade fruit sauce rather than buying a generic one. Just like the raspberry sauce for my lemon cotta, this strawberry sauce is easy and made in the same way.
Homemade Strawberry Sauce
This delicious sauce couldn’t be easier. I like to use defrosted frozen strawberries because they are mushy when defrosted. This recipes yields 1 cup of strawberry sauce. No need for corn starch because the gelatin in the strawberries are a natural thickener. Thickens when chilled.
Now, if really want to go homemade, you can also make your own vanilla ice cream that you don’t need an ice cream maker for. For this one, I’ve chosen a natural, organic creamy vanilla bean ice cream.
Fun fact: I read that Knickerbocker Glory is featured in the Harry Potter Cookbook.
Interestingly, there are many variations on this classic, but the basic recipe is ice cream, raspberry sauce, fruit of your choice and topped with whipped cream and a wafer garnish. It’s traditionally made with raspberries but any fresh fruit (especially summer fruit that you like will do just fine. If fresh fruit is not available, a can of pre-cut fruit in syrup can be used in a moment of desperation, but is not recommended!
As a final topping, remember that a traditional Knickerbocker glory garnish is a wafer, but you can also use a rolled wafer cookie as I did.
Knickerbocker Glory Variations
Chocolate Knickerbocker Glory is delicious too with chocolate sauce and nuts. Cherry Knickerbocker Glory with fresh cherries and cherry sauce and you can even use cherry ice cream if you can find it. How about a Biscoff sundae with raspberry sauce and Biscoff cookies? The possibilities are endless and you can use your imagination and have fun making this.
What’s a Knickerbocker?
Knickerbockers are the baggy pants/trousers that lay just below the knee that worn by men in the early 20th Century.
Why is it called Knickerbocker Glory?
Well, there are many conflicting stories associated with this strange connection. It is definitely named after the trousers. Beyond that, stories trace its origins to 1920s London. Some link its name to Dutch settlers in New York who wore knickerbockers. Others credit the Knickerbocker Hotel in Manhattan, inspired by its pink-and-cream façade.
The next time you host a patriotic celebration—whether it’s the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or a red, white, and blue moment—serve this delicious dessert. It fits perfectly at American, British, or French celebrations.
British Knickerbocker Glory Sundae
Video
Ingredients
For the strawberry sauce:
- 2 cups (250 grams) fresh or frozen strawberries
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
For the sundae:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- 2 cups (250 grams) fresh strawberries, cut into bite size pieces
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
Instructions
Make the strawberry sauce:
- Add the strawberries, sugar and water to a saucepan, bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until the berries start to break down, remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Strain the sauce through a sieve into a container with a lid and refrigerate until chilled.
To assemble the sundae:
- To a tall glass add some of the strawberries and a few blueberries. Top with a scoop of ice cream, more fruit, another scoop of ice cream, then a drizzle of the sauce. Top with whipped cream, more sauce and a rolled wafer cookie.
Lovely recipe reminds me of my husband’s heritage now that he has passed away
I’m honored that this recipe reminded you of your husband and his heritage. Best wishes.