This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.
This might be the most fun and easiest DIY project I’ve shared: a do-it-yourself ice cream sundae bar. It’s simple to set up, looks festive, and lets guests build their own sundaes so the host can actually enjoy the party too.
I’m not a professional baker or chef, so I love solutions that do the heavy lifting for me. An ice cream bar is perfect for summer gatherings because it’s fast to assemble, customizable for all ages, and feels celebratory without a lot of fuss.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar Using the Ninja Creami
For years I had the Ninja Creami on my wishlist. When I finally bought one, it exceeded my expectations — it’s an effortless way to make homemade ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and creamy treats from simple ingredients. I also discovered The Home Depot carries many small kitchen appliances and seasonal serving pieces, so I grabbed a few patriotic-red, white, and blue decor items and serving ware to create a quick summer party setup.
Everything came together into a festive sundae bar I assembled in minutes. Homemade ice cream plus an array of toppings makes for an instant crowd-pleaser — who doesn’t love ice cream, especially in the summer?
Related: My Unbiased Honest Review of the Bartesian Cocktail Maker
3-Ingredient Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
I like to include healthier options when I can. Over the last two years I’ve made many small food swaps that have helped me lose weight, and the Ninja Creami is great for turning nutritious ingredients into satisfying frozen treats. It blends protein shakes, frozen fruit, cottage cheese, yogurt, and other natural ingredients into creamy ice cream or smoothie bowls that feel indulgent but are more nutrient-dense than many store-bought desserts.
For my red, white, and blue sundae bar I prepared a simple high-protein vanilla ice cream base the day before the party.
Soft Serve Ice Cream Ingredients
- 1 serving vanilla protein shake — Mix one scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder with 10–12 ounces of any milk (dairy or plant-based).
- 1 Tbsp vanilla pudding mix — Use sugar-free if you prefer less sugar.
- 1 Tbsp vanilla bean paste — Or scrape the seeds from one vanilla bean pod.
- 1/4 cup milk — Optional, to loosen the texture for soft-serve style.
Directions
- Whisk the protein shake, pudding mix, and vanilla bean paste together directly in a Ninja Creami pint until fully combined.
- Secure the lid and place the pint level in the freezer for 24 hours so it freezes evenly.
- Once fully frozen, process the pint in the Ninja Creami using the Lite Ice Cream setting.
- If the texture is crumbly, add up to 1/4 cup milk and use the Re-Spin setting to achieve a smoother, soft-serve consistency.
- Serve immediately or transfer to the freezer until ready to use. Enjoy!
Related: Swim Party Checklist and Backyard Party Planning Tips
How to Keep Ice Cream Cold Outdoors
For outdoor parties, keep pints and toppings cold by setting them in a galvanized tub or cooler filled with ice. A party platter designed to hold containers on ice also works well and keeps your sundae station tidy. If you want to offer more variety, provide several flavor options — many flavors are easy to make with protein shakes or pudding mixes if you want to adapt the recipe above.
- Strawberry
- Chocolate
- Caramel
- Banana
- Chocolate peanut butter
Related: The Best Yard Games for Backyard Barbecues
What to Put on an Ice Cream Sundae Bar
The soft-serve vanilla base is a great blank canvas for a wide variety of toppings. Arrange toppings in small bowls, a seagrass dip server set, or even a muffin tin so guests can mix and match.
Red, White, and Blue Topping Ideas
- Strawberry sauce
- Sprinkles
- Fresh strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Maraschino cherries
- Red, white, and blue M&Ms
- Mini marshmallows
Other Topping Ideas
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Oreo crumbles
- Chocolate chips
- Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
- Gummy worms or bears
- Brownie bits
- Edible cookie dough bites
- Peanuts or chopped pecans
- Banana slices
- Whipped cream
Related: How to Make a Simple DIY Charcuterie Board in 10 Minutes
Red, White and Blue Decor
Decorating is intentionally simple: a white ceramic planter with a small white-flowering plant and a few mini stick flags makes an easy centerpiece. Rather than a full tablecloth, try layering a few blue gingham napkins for texture. A speckled red cake stand looks charming for holding cones and cups, and hanging an American flag behind the station creates a quick patriotic backdrop.
If you’re hosting poolside, an outdoor cabinet cart is helpful for storing towels, sunscreen, goggles, and pool toys so the party area stays neat.
Ice Cream Party Sources
Here are the main items I used to create the ice cream sundae bar:
- Ninja Creami 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- Outdoor cabinet cart
- Red speckled cake stand
- Blue gingham cotton napkins
- Seagrass serving bowl set
DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar How-To
Time needed: 15 minutes (setup) — Prep homemade bases the day before for best results.
- Keep ice cream cold: Place pints in a tub or platter filled with ice so they stay frozen during the party.
- Display cups and cones: Use a cake stand to present cones and cups within easy reach of guests. Choose shatterproof cups if you’re poolside.
- Arrange toppings: Put toppings into small bowls, jars, or a muffin tin for a neat, easy-to-browse layout.
- Decorate simply: Add small flags or a simple centerpiece and hang a backdrop flag for a festive touch.
More Simplified Backyard Party Hosting Ideas
- My Unbiased Honest Review of the Bartesian Cocktail Maker
- 10 Tips to Host an Epic Bonfire Party
- Swim Party Checklist and Backyard Party Planning Tips
- The Best Yard Games for Backyard Barbecues
- 100 Best Outdoor Movies to Watch for a Backyard Movie Night