Rita's Gelati Sundae Recipe (Taste Test)
🍨✨ We tried Rita's new Gelati Sundae and it's a major upgrade from their classic! This LTO takes the original Gelati (Italian ice + frozen custard layers) and loads it up with premium toppings, drizzles, and mix-ins. We tested the strawberry version and each spoonful was different—creamy custard, icy refreshment, crunchy toppings, chocolate drizzle. Compared to the regular Gelati, this is way more indulgent. The layers don't mix together too fast, so you get distinct textures. Our honest review: if you loved the classic, this is worth the extra money. Perfect for summer!
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- strawberry Italian ice 1 cup
- vanilla frozen custard 1 cup
- strawberries, diced 0.5 cup
- whipped cream 0.5 cup
- chopped waffle cone pieces 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
- chocolate fudge sauce 2 tbsp
- rainbow sprinkles 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
61 g
58%
Protein
7 g
7%
Fat
17 g
35%
Cooking steps
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1
Scoop 1/2 cup strawberry Italian ice into the bottom of a sundae glass, spreading evenly.
-
2
Add half of the diced strawberries on top of the Italian ice, creating a fresh fruit layer.
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3
Spoon 1/2 cup of vanilla frozen custard over the strawberry layer, smoothing gently to keep distinct layers.
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4
Repeat with the remaining Italian ice, strawberries, and custard to create a second set of layers.
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5
Top the sundae with whipped cream, drizzle chocolate fudge sauce evenly, and sprinkle chopped waffle cone pieces and rainbow sprinkles for extra crunch and color.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this homemade Rita's Gelati Sundae taste like the real thing?
Yes! This copycat recipe uses real Italian ice and rich vanilla frozen custard layered just like Rita's, plus all the signature toppings. The textures and layers are very close to the summer LTO you’d get in-store, especially with fresh fruit and a crunchy topping.
Q. Can beginners make this recipe? How much time will it take?
Absolutely—this is an EASY assembly dessert, perfect even for first-timers. Prep, layering, and topping take 15 minutes max. No cooking required if you use store-bought Italian ice and custard.
Q. Are there ingredient swaps or allergy-friendly options?
You can use any Italian ice flavor (like lemon or mango) and swap for dairy-free frozen dessert or whipped coconut cream for a vegan version. Gluten-free cones or omitting waffle pieces work for gluten-free diets.
Q. How many calories are in each serving of this sundae?
Each serving is about 420 kcal, based on generous layering of Italian ice, custard, whipped cream, fudge sauce, and toppings.
Q. Can I make Rita's Gelati Sundae ahead or store leftovers?
Gelati Sundaes are best layered and served immediately to keep the textures distinct. For prep ahead, you can portion and freeze the Italian ice and custard separately, but fully assembled sundaes may melt if held for more than 20 minutes.
