Next-Level Ice Cream Toppings with a Smoky, Maple Twist

Aug 04, 2025

Ice cream is one of those desserts that invites creativity. Whether you’re scooping up a classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or a funky new flavor from your local creamery, the toppings make it personal. At Sugar Bob’s, we believe that a scoop of ice cream deserves more than rainbow sprinkles. That’s why we’re bringing some bold, smoky, and sweet Vermont flavors into your dessert bowl with toppings that are as exciting as they are mouthwatering.

Get ready to meet your new favorite ice cream accompaniments. From Smoked Maple Syrup to Apple Pie Almonds, all handcrafted in Vermont and packed with flavor.

1. Smoked Maple Syrup: The Game-Changer

Let’s start with the showstopper: The Original Smoked Maple Syrup. You may know it as a key ingredient in marinades or a secret weapon for grilling, but have you ever tried drizzling it over vanilla ice cream?

This smoky, sweet syrup adds a layer of depth and warmth that contrasts beautifully with cold, creamy textures. It’s not just maple syrup, it’s Sugar Bob’s Smoked Maple Syrup, cold-smoked over hardwood to capture the essence of a backyard BBQ in a bottle.

How to use it:
Drizzle lightly over ice cream with a sprinkle of sea salt, or go all in with chopped nuts and a cherry on top. Bonus points if you pair it with grilled peaches or roasted bananas for a smoky-sweet sundae.

Why it works:
Smoked flavors bring out the richness of dairy while amplifying sweetness. Think of it as a smoked BBQ sauce for dessert, without the tomatoes.

2. Regular Maple Syrup: Classic and Pure

Sometimes, the traditional approach is best. Our regular maple syrup is everything you want in a topping: sweet, silky, and unmistakably Vermont.

Why we love it on ice cream:
This maple syrup melts into every bite, giving even the most basic scoop a warm, caramel-like finish. Try it on top of butter pecan, coffee, or even fruity flavors like blueberry cheesecake.

From breakfast to dessert:
While we bottle it for pancakes and waffles, this vermont syrup pulls double duty as an all-natural dessert sauce. No corn syrup, no artificial anything, just good, clean sweetness from Vermont.

3. Apple Pie Almonds: Crunch with a Twist

Nuts and ice cream have always been a power couple, but Apple Pie Almonds take it to the next level. These slow-roasted almonds are tossed in cozy apple pie spices and lightly sweetened with vermont maple sugar and apple cider concentrate.

Why they’re perfect for ice cream:
That crunch. That cinnamon. That maple. Imagine sprinkling these over vanilla or cinnamon ice cream with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s like serving a deconstructed apple pie. No oven required.

Pro Tip:
Pulse them in a food processor to make an almond crumble topping that sticks perfectly to every bite.

4. Maple Sriracha Cashews: Heat Meets Sweet

This might sound unexpected, but trust us. Maple Sriracha Cashews are ice cream’s boldest new friend. Coated in maple sriracha, vermont maple sugar, and hand-roasted to a perfect crunch, these cashews bring a bit of heat that cuts through the richness of ice cream like magic.

Perfect pairing:
Try them over a dark chocolate or salted caramel scoop. That kick of vermont hot sauce-inspired heat, paired with the creaminess of ice cream, creates a savory-sweet sensation you didn’t know you needed.

Want to go wild? Make a spicy maple sundae with smoked maple syrup, crushed Maple Sriracha Cashews, and dark chocolate chunks.

5. Maple Sriracha Peanuts: Spicy, Sweet, and Snackable

Like their cashew cousins, Maple Sriracha Peanuts pack a punch. With that same smoked sriracha glaze and vermont maple syrup sweetness, these peanuts offer a bold crunch that holds up beautifully against melting ice cream.

Best combos:
Pair them with coconut, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream. It’s like your favorite Thai dessert, reimagined for your freezer.

Even better:
Use both the peanuts and cashews as a duo topping for layered sundaes. Top with a drizzle of smoky maple syrup and a sprinkle of flaky salt for the ultimate crunch.

Bonus: Smoked Maple Old Fashioned… for Dessert

If you’re entertaining, take dessert up a notch with a cocktail to match. Our Smoked Maple Old Fashioned recipe, like the one made by John Cusimano in the Rachael Ray Show, pairs beautifully with a maple-forward dessert. The smoky sweetness of the cocktail enhances your sundae while keeping things grown-up and elegant.

From Kitchen to Ice Cream Bowl: Why Maple Belongs in Dessert

Maple is more than a pancake topping. It’s a complex, flavorful ingredient with history, tradition, and versatility. At Sugar Bob’s, we believe in using vermont maple in new and exciting ways, and these ice cream toppings are just the beginning.

Whether you’re building an elaborate sundae bar for friends or simply adding a finishing touch to your after-dinner scoop, our toppings bring both quality and creativity to the table.

Try It Yourself

Here’s a quick idea to get you started:

Smoky Maple Sundae Recipe
  • 2 scoops vanilla bean ice cream
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Bob’s Smoked Maple Syrup
  • 1 tbsp crushed Apple Pie Almonds
  • 1 tsp chopped Maple Sriracha Cashews
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (just a pinch)

Instructions:
Assemble, drizzle, crunch, and enjoy. It’s that simple, and that good. At Sugar Bob’s, we’re proud to be part of your flavor adventure. From grill sauce to dessert topping. Don’t forget to tag us in your creations and follow us for more recipes using maple syrup that go far beyond breakfast.

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