Knickerbocker Glory - An American-British sundae treat! (2024)

Knickerbocker glory is a fruit filled sundae with fruit syrups, served in a tall glass with whipped cream, and a cherry on top. While its affiliation to a country is thought to be British, it was created in the USA and makes a brilliant patriotic dessert when using strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and blueberries for a red, white, and blue treat!

After much research on the iconic British knickerbocker glory, including asking my 87 year old father who grew up in the UK, it appears that this is one recipe that is open to interpretation and customization, therefore, almost “anything goes!”

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If you’re an American, your introduction to this delicious ice cream sundae may be via the first Harry Potter book (it was not in the movie), Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone.

What is a Knickerbocker Glory?

A Knickerbocker Glory is an ice cream sundae served in a parfait glass which has layers of fruit, and/or fruit sauces and sometimes other additions. It is topped with freshly whipped cream, a wafer or biscuit and a requisite cherry on top! It’s a dreamy dessert which as been around since the early 1900s.

Why do They Call it a Knickerbocker Glory?

It appears, from the most reliable sources I could find, that the knickerbocker glory was indeed created in the USA. However, who or where it originated is up for argument. While Wikipedia claims it was created in honor of the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York when it closed, Foods of England provides two other theories.

One is of the Dutch name ‘Knickerbocker’ being connected to the invention of the dessert, and connected to the trousers by the same name looking like the layered ice cream and fruit in the glass. And another possibility is that it came from the Knickerbocker Ice Company of New York.

Looking for more patriotic desserts? Check out my red, white and blue mini trifles!

What is interesting is the fact that it is now virtually unknown in the US, while it took off like gangbusters in the UK to the point that most everyone thinks it is a British concoction like Boodles orange fool!

Variations in Making a Knickerbocker Glory

As stated above, there are so many ways to make a knickerbocker glory, you can customize it to your heart’s content. If you’d like to keep it relatively “knickerbockerry” (yep, I just made that up!) then stick to vanilla ice cream, fruits (fresh and tinned), fruit syrups, whipped cream, a crispy cookie or thin biscuit, and don’t forget that proverbial cherry on top! Otherwise, you’ll simply have a plain old parfait, or sundae. (If you buy the large container of cherries, you can make your own candied cherries!)

NOTE: amounts are not critical. The recipes I have given are simply a guide, just don’t stress too much.

For your viewing pleasure, I made a British and American themed knickerbocker glory! While both countries use red, white and blue in their flags, one thing my dad clearly remembers from his knickerbocker glories in Scotland is pineapple. So I made the British version using pineapple and raspberries, and the American option using strawberries and blueberries! Both were wonderful, and I think it’s really just a matter of taste for which you’d prefer.

Perfect Dessert for US Holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day

Have the strawberry and blueberry sauce premade in the fridge, then it’s just a matter of assembling the sauces, ice cream, fresh fruit, cream and toppings! Do your part and re-introduce the knickerbocker glory back to the US of A!

Knickerbocker Glory

recipe adaptation by Christina Conte makes 2 servings

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

Ingredients

• fresh or tinned fruit, like fruit cocktail or crushed pineapple (frozen works for the sauces)
• sugar
• lemon juice
• vanilla ice cream
• heavy whipping cream
• Maraschino cherries
• chocolate or cookie/wafer to top the treat

Special Equipment: parfait glasses and spoons

How to Make a Knickerbocker Glory (British Style)

Combine the fruit (I’m showing raspberries), sugar and lemon juice in a small pot to make the sauce. Stir, and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes then remove from heat. Put into another container to cool completely in the fridge.

When ready to assemble the knickerbocker glory, have all the ingredients and parfait glasses prepared before beginning.

Put some crushed pineapple (in its own juice, drained) in the bottom of the parfait glass, and top with one small scoop of ice cream. If you’re looking for the best ice cream scoop, I found it, and it comes in different sizes.

Next, spoon on some raspberry sauce and top with another scoop of ice cream.

Add more pineapple. Then add 3 small scoops of ice cream at the top, or one large one, if you prefer.

Spoon on more pineapple around the side, and add a little more raspberry sauce.

Add the fresh raspberries, then top with a generous amount of fresh cream, and a cherry on top!

Add a Flake chocolate, or thin, or fan type wafer cookie to finish, if desired.

This strawberry and blueberry version is perfect for all US holidays! (See the second recipe card below.)

I find that strawberries are a better choice for the red, than raspberries. And you can choose to keep the sauce chunky or purée it, as I have done. An immersion blender makes it easy, and no blender is needed.

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