Rum Sauce & Strawberries Over Ice Cream
A Valentine’s Dessert You Can Make in 10 Minutes
Some nights you want dessert without pulling out mixers, or baking dishes. This rum sauce and strawberries over ice cream is the kind of nostalgic recipe treat that feels special but takes almost no effort.
I like to assemble each bowl ahead of time and place them back in the freezer for about 30 minutes. The strawberries get really cold without freezing, It’s so good.
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Blog Index:
1. 🍴 A Retro Bite of History
2. Frequently Asked Questions
3. Step by step instructions
4. Fun vintage serving tips
5. Retro shopping
6. Closing words
🍴 A Retro Bite of History
During the 1940s and 1950s, rum sauce was a popular way to dress up simple desserts without extra baking. Home cooks relied on pantry staples like butter, sugar, and a splash of rum to create a warm sauce that could be poured over ice cream, cake, or fruit. It was an easy way to make an everyday dessert feel a little special—perfect for company, holidays, or quiet evenings at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble each bowl ahead of time and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. The strawberries get very cold without freezing, and the ice cream firms up just enough to hold the warm rum sauce beautifully.
Is the rum sauce very strong?
No. The rum flavor is mild and balanced by the butter and sugar. It adds warmth and depth rather than an overpowering alcohol taste.
vintage dessert for two
Step by step instructions
(Gallery shows step-by-step look at making rum sauce and strawberries, from fresh ingredients to the warm sauce and finished dessert.)Rum Sauce & Strawberries Over Ice Cream Recipe
Title:
Rum Sauce & Strawberries Over Ice Cream
Era:
1940s–1950s Mid-Century Classic
Cuisine:
American Home Cooking
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
5 minutes
Total:
15 minutes
Servings:
2 servings
✨ Ingredients
Rum Sauce & Strawberries Over Ice Cream
1 basket fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup spiced rum
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–4 cups vanilla bean ice cream
Instructions
Rinse, dry, and slice the strawberries. Set aside.
In a large frying pan, melt the butter over low to medium heat.
Stir in the brown sugar and rum. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Let the sauce boil over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Scoop 2–3 scoops of vanilla ice cream into each serving bowl.
Spoon the sliced strawberries over the ice cream, then finish with the warm rum sauce. Serve immediately.
✦ A Vintage by the Bite Classic Recipe ✦
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vintage inspired vintage by the bite collection
Fun Retro ways to serve
Valentine’s Day Serving Idea:
Serve each bowl with two spoons tied together with baker’s twine or a red ribbon, then place them back in the freezer for 20–30 minutes before serving. It’s a simple, retro way to signal “this one’s meant to be shared.
In coupe glasses or sherbet cups
A fun nod to soda fountains and steakhouse desserts of the era.
Finished with a vintage garnish
A mint leaf, a single whole strawberry, or a light dusting of nutmeg adds just enough flair without overdoing it.
🛒 Retro Shopping
Available on Amazon: Fun Express Party Bowls - 12 Pieces
Available on Amazon: Lovingly Yours 9.5-Inch Long Spoon for Stirring, Ice Cream, Coffee, Cocktail, Stainless Steel Long Handle Iced Tea Spoons Set of 4
Closing words
This is the kind of mid-century dessert recipe that doesn’t ask much of you just a couple of bowls, a warm sauce. Simple, comforting, and meant to be shared, it’s proof that sometimes the easiest desserts are the ones we remember most.
If you’re ready to keep the nostalgia going, don’t forget to join my Retro Recipe Club for more mid-century favorites!
📌 Looking For More Cozy Desserts
Easy Apple Hand Pies | Simple Vintage Dessert Recipe — Vintage By the Bite Retro Food Blog
Vintage recipe source: This recipe is part of the Vintage by the Bite collection where 1940s–1960s recipes live on in today’s kitchens. From fizzy drinks to Sunday suppers, we’re preserving the past one bite at a time.
