The $9.85 Million Ice Cream Sundae That's Surprisingly Easy to Make at Home

Ever found yourself staring into your sundae and thinking, “You know what this needs? A 10-carat diamond ring.” No? Just Arnaud’s in New Orleans, then.

Yes, somewhere between dessert and delirium, someone decided to take a perfectly lovely strawberry sundae and crank the price tag up to $9.85 million—because why not turn your ice cream into a luxury asset?

The good news? You don’t need deep pockets or a jeweler on speed dial to enjoy the glam. This ultra-fancy treat is surprisingly easy to recreate at home for a fraction of the price—and honestly, it’s a vibe. Whether you’re trying to impress a date, your Instagram followers, or just yourself on a Tuesday, this is how to do dessert like a millionaire (minus the meltdown over the bill).

 Strawberries Arnaud Photo From: Arnaud's Restaurant

What’s in a (Multi-Million Dollar) Sundae?

At Arnaud’s, a legendary restaurant in New Orleans' French Quarter, there lives a bougie little number called Strawberries Arnaud. On the regular menu, it’s a charming mix of vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a port wine sauce—for a cool $12.

But there’s also the enhanced version. The one that made headlines, raised eyebrows, and included a 10.06-carat diamond ring from a fine jewelry dealer next door. Suddenly that scoop of vanilla is sitting pretty with a price tag that could cover your rent for the next, oh, 800 years.

It’s the kind of price that screams, “This dessert comes with a proposal.”

What Actually Costs So Much?

Here’s the thing: Most of the world's overpriced menu items get their swagger from luxury ingredients—think Kobe beef, black truffles, saffron, and the ever-fancy fish egg. And while these things are expensive, you do at least eat them.

In this case? You’re really shelling out for the bling. A diamond ring tucked into dessert is a great way to make a statement—and also a great way to make sure someone finds it before they start chewing.

DIY: The Champagne-Taste Sundae on a Budget

Now for the good news: if you’re not looking to drop nearly $10 mil, you can still enjoy the rest of this fabulous sundae at home—with all the luxury vibes and none of the bank-breaking drama.

Here’s how to do it:

What You’ll Need:

• Vanilla ice cream (go full-fat, treat yourself)

• Fresh strawberries, sliced

• Whipped cream

• A sprig of mint

• Optional: edible gold leaf, sugar “diamonds,” gold pearl sprinkles, or a cheeky ring pop

The Signature Sauce:

This is where things get special. Arnaud’s makes a lush, spiced wine sauce. To replicate it:

1. In a saucepan, combine:

   • 1 cup of port wine

   • 1 cup of red wine (a nice Burgundy if you’re feeling it)

   • ½ an orange, sliced

   • 1 whole lime, sliced

   • ½ cup sugar

   • 1 cinnamon stick

2. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer until slightly reduced. Strain out the solids and cool the sauce completely (important—unless you want your sundae to turn into a milkshake).

Assembly Time:

• Scoop your ice cream into something fancy: champagne coupes, martini glasses, or just your cutest bowl.

• Top with strawberries, pour the wine sauce over the top, add whipped cream, and finish with a strawberry and mint sprig.

• Feeling extra? Add a sheet of edible gold leaf ($5 on Amazon), or sparkle it up with those gold sprinkles.

And if you're feeling really extra, top it with a candy ring. Because nothing says “I’m luxe, but fun” like a Ring Pop crowning your creation.

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You don’t need millions (or a jewelry appraisal) to enjoy a next-level dessert. So go ahead—drizzle, garnish, sparkle. And if someone proposes to you over your DIY Strawberries Arnaud, just remember: they definitely read this blog first.