Knickerbocker Glory

EVENT: FOODIEMONDAY/BLOGHOP
THEME: #259 FRUITY BITES
RECIPE : KNICKERBOCKER GLORY
This Week’s Theme on FoodieMonday/Bloghop Group:
This week, the group has to use fresh fruits to create or make a dessert. When Archana who blogs at The Mad Scientists Kitchen suggested this theme, I knew I wanted to re create desserts that are associated with my childhood. As for Archana’s blog, most of her posts either for Indian or International Cuisine are fun to read as she tends to include a lot of information associated to the recipe.
What is Knickerbocker Glory?
If you search in any dictionary, knickerbockers are loose fitting short trousers which are gathered at the knees. It is believed that these type of trousers were worn by Dutch Settlers who went to the New World (America). Knickerbocker back then was the nickname of the Dutch Settlers back then. Also knickerbockers a British word, refers to bloomerlike undergarment worn by women.
So how was such a strange name for a dessert given? Actually have no idea. There is no convincing explanation for how the name came about. Its not a Dutch dessert but very much a UK or as known back then a very English dessert or sundae.
If you’re a huge fan of Harry Potter and have read the books, then you’ll know that knickerbocker glory is mentioned in one of the books. During his visit to the zoo, Harry Potter gets to finish Dudley’s Knickerbocker Glory.
Memories
Personally, I really don’t care how or who invented it but this dessert or sundae brings back loads of childhood memories. I grew up in a joint family and family outings were fun. Dining out at restaurants on special occasions, going for ice cream cones, going out for desserts, picnics, my uncle bring huge box of assorted small cakes and freshly baked breads! Occasionally, we all would, pile up in the van and car and drive to Serena Hotel, Nairobi just for desserts. Obviously, as kids our main focus would be on ice cream desserts. While Banana Split with three scoops was a bit too much for me, I loved to order Knickerbocker Glory. Was it for the crunchy wafer biscuit, the long stick of flaky chocolate(Cadbury 99 Flake) or just the fancy tall glass, I really can’t remember. I realized that making this sundae is so easy.
Some Fresh Fruit Desserts:
- Easy Fruit Trifle using ginger nuts (ginger cookies) is a quick and delicious dessert.
- Exotic Fruit Salad served with an orange reduction.
- Enjoy Amaranth Fruity Pudding when you’re fasting or looking for a healthier dessert.
- Fruit Tartlets – fill tiny tarts with custard, whipped cream or cream cheese and top with fresh fruit.
- Mango and Passion fruit Paleta – a frozen treat.
- Serve a kheer loaded with fresh fruit and nuts – Fruit and Nut Kheer
- I love to serve Shrikhand with fresh fruits
- Have tried traditional basundi loaded with fresh fruits?
- Phyllo Cheesecake Cups – I love how crunchy this dessert is and with fresh fruit, makes its a lot healthier than a normal slice of cheesecake.
- Archana’s Pears Poached in Sugar Syrup is so tempting. Its a must try recipe.
- Nectarine and Blueberry Crisp – a baked delicious dessert
- A sugar free fruity dessert – Beetroot Blueberry Pops
- Classic Apple Crisp – baked and served with ice cream
Basic Ingredients for a Knickerbocker Glory:
Ok I didn’t have the waffle biscuit or the flaky chocolate but that’s the charm about Knickerbocker Glory. There are no fixed ingredients or rules as to what ingredients one should use. Meringue was one of the ingredients in the olden times but am guessing not many people use. However, the basic ingredients to make a Knickerbocker Glory are:
- Fresh Fruits – a medley of fresh fruits of your choice.
- Fruit Coulis or Syrup – Usually the coulis or sauce is made from berries. Sometimes ready made fruit syrups are used.
- Ice Cream – usually vanilla ice cream but one can use any flavour.
- Whipped Cream – a must
- Top it with a wafer biscuit, a cherry on top.
Some suggestions of what you can use:
Knickerbocker Glory is all about layers in a tall glass, so feel free to use whatever you would like in your sundae.
- Chocolate Sauce
- Jelly/Jello
- Crushed meringues
- Nuts
- crushed cookies
- Different flavors of ice creams
- Funfetti or sprinkles
- Candies
Ingredients I used for Knickerbocker Glory:
I didn’t go overboard with the amount of ice cream, the syrup and the cream. Instead, used more fruit.
- Fresh Fruits – I used a mixture of chopped peaches, mango, blueberries, chopped strawberries and pomegranate.
- Vanilla Ice cream
- Fruit Syrup – I had blackcurrant syrup (Ribena) which I used.
- Whipped Cream
- Choco Chips
Dietary Tips:
- Suitable for vegetarian as I’ve not used jelly
- Gluten free as no biscuits have been used
- For Vegan version use Vegan ice cream and whipping cream or whipped coconut cream.

KNICKERBOCKER GLORY
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruit
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 tbsp fruit syrup
- ¼ cup whipping cream
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Whip the whipping cream to soft peak consistency.
- Take two tall glasses.
- Add mixed chopped fruit into both. Leave some for another layer.
- Add ice cream.
- Drizzle the syrup over it.
- Top with some chopped fresh fruit.
- Add whipped cream.
- Add chocolate chips and serve.
Notes
- As mentioned above add any topping of your choice like nuts, candy, sprinkles, etc.
- Use any flavour of ice cream. Can add more if you like as I choice to use more fruit.
- Coulis is simply any fruit blended to a smooth consistency.
- I used less whipped cream, you can add more.
Pin for later:
A little request:
If you do try this recipe then please either
- add a comment below,
- send a picture to my email mayuri.ajay.patel62@gmail.com
- tag me as #mayuri_jikoni on Instagram
- or tag me on Twitter as #Mayuri1962
27 Comments
ARCHANA
August 11, 2020 at 10:54 am
Wow! I was hoping someone makes Knickerbocker glory! Must say I am in love with this particular glass of knickerbocker glory. It has all my favourites in it fruits and cream and ice cream. Looks yum.
mayurisjikoni
August 11, 2020 at 5:09 pm
Thank you so much Archana. And do try the dessert.
Swati
August 11, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Very interesting name and the meaning associated with it 🙂 .. This sounds and looks like an exotic desserts and so easy and quick to make with all kid’s favorite ingredients.. going to make this soon for my kids, I think they will love the crunch of biscuits also in it..
mayurisjikoni
August 11, 2020 at 5:06 pm
Thanks Swati generally biscuits are not added but these days they do. However, a waffle biscuit on top is ideal.
Poonam Bachhav
August 14, 2020 at 2:12 pm
This eye catchy dessert with layers of colorful fruits, ice cream, waffle , fruit syrup in beautiful tall glasses is simply irresistible . The name of this Sundae dessert may sound interesting but the recipe is very simple.
mayurisjikoni
August 14, 2020 at 5:01 pm
Thanks Poonam, yes its a very simple sundae to put together.
Amrita
September 2, 2020 at 9:10 am
Some recipes are always popular like this Knickerbocker Glory. As a kid we liked it and now the current generation also prefers this. A colorful bright easy summer dessert
mayurisjikoni
September 4, 2020 at 10:02 pm
That is true, some traditional recipes are still very popular. Thanks Amrita.
Priya Vj
August 11, 2020 at 3:49 pm
this is so so so very beautiful to look at
I love the way you present your dishes so colorfully . Simple to assemble but classy and rich in taste
mayurisjikoni
August 11, 2020 at 5:04 pm
Priya, perfectly described, its classy and rich in taste. Thank you so much.
The Girl Next Door
August 13, 2020 at 8:59 pm
That’s a very pretty dessert! Who would be able to refuse this beauty with such a unique name?
I love the sound of this dessert, and I’m sure I would like this. Definitely going to try this out, at the earliest chance I get. Thanks for sharing this!
mayurisjikoni
August 14, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Thank you so much and share a click when you try it out.
Sujata Roy
August 14, 2020 at 3:56 pm
Wow how colorfully you assembled everything. Loved the name Knickerbocker glory and look both. Looks so inviting.
I wish I could grab one glass from the picture.
mayurisjikoni
August 14, 2020 at 5:00 pm
Thank you so much Sujata.
kalyani
August 15, 2020 at 3:36 pm
I cant help but wonder with wide eyes how desserts like these just pop out of the screen. I am always amazed how you manage to put up such decadent dishes like these.. so so so wonderful 🙂
mayurisjikoni
August 15, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Thank you so much Kalyani. Just loved your comment.
NARMADHA
August 24, 2020 at 10:09 pm
I just can;t take my eyes off the glass. it looks absolutely scrumptious with lot of fruits, ice cream, chocolate chips and cream. So colorful and perfect dessert to enjoy.
mayurisjikoni
August 25, 2020 at 5:21 pm
Thank you so much Narmadha.
Superduper kitchen
September 2, 2020 at 9:16 am
This looks so exotic and colourful. I just can’t take my eyes off from not only this one but many desserts that you have posted before too. Loved the name and it’s reason and thoroughly enjoyed reading the post. I would like to have this along with wafers for a crunchy feel… Awesome post.
mayurisjikoni
September 4, 2020 at 10:00 pm
Thank you so much Niranjana, please try the dessert and with a wafer stick or flat wafer will taste awesome.
Malini Vivekananthan
September 2, 2020 at 10:10 am
This dessert looks super delicious. With the fresh fruits, whipped cream, and ice cream. It must have been yummy. It’s quick to make and comes very handy when we crave for a quick dessert.
mayurisjikoni
September 4, 2020 at 6:13 pm
Thanks Malini, please do try it..its so easy. As for me it just brings back a flood of memories.
Jayashree T.Rao
September 2, 2020 at 10:48 am
Interesting name for this dessert. I remember having this as children and loved the wafer and cherry on top.
mayurisjikoni
September 4, 2020 at 6:12 pm
Thanks Jayashree.
Jolly
September 2, 2020 at 6:42 pm
Very interesting name and the dish too. This sounds and looks really amazing summer treat, the fact about its so easy and quick to make with all my and my family favorite ingredients. 😀 would love to try it!
mayurisjikoni
September 4, 2020 at 6:10 pm
Thank you so much Jolly. Please do give it a try, its really delicious.
What To Serve With Tacos – 22 Sides For Tacos – Yum Of China
August 6, 2021 at 4:44 pm
[…] fruit-flavored ice cream might be a way to add some healthy ingredients to your diet. Here is a recipe for a healthy and delicious fruit-flavored ice […]