Local Girls Break 15-Scoop Sundae Record at Penguin Ice Cream

Article written by Erika Desimone

Three local girls landed a new three-person record for devouring the “Southern Hemisphere” at Penguin Ice Cream in Bernardsville, downing the 15-scoop supersized sundae in an astonishing 15 minutes, 10 seconds.

Their sundae included 15 different scoops topped with a variety of toppings, including Nerds, chocolate chips, M&Ms and more treats.

Tucked away on Claremont Avenue in Bernardsville Borough, Penguin Ice Cream is a favorite summertime spot that has been drawing a crowd of kids and grown-ups alike during the recent heat wave in July. July also is National Ice Cream Month.

In addition to Penguin’s rainbow of homemade flavors served with the signature “Fish in Every Dish” candy, the shop is also home to the small town’s renowned ice-cream eating contests.

The quaint neighborhood ice cream shop, owned by Tom and Laurie Och, boasts two supersized sundaes — dubbed the “Antarctica” and “Southern Hemisphere” — that may prove to be quite a challenge for those whose eyes are bigger than their stomachs.

The “Antarctica” tempts challengers with eight scoops of ice cream, eight toppings, four brownies, a banana, whipped cream, and of course a cherry on top. 

But the “Southern Hemisphere” fills a gigantic bowl with a mind-boggling 15 scoops, ten toppings, whipped cream and a cherry. Penguin employees track the “official time” as those who attempt either feat try to beat the clock while emptying their bowl. 

Record setters will have their names posted to the wall as a testament to their delicious victory over these giant frozen confections.

Penguin staff member Tony Franco of Mendham claims the girls are among the two to three groups who attempt one of the sundae challenges each week. “But we’ve never had a one-person finisher yet,” Franco explains. “We have a t-shirt waiting for the first person that can!” he adds.

Onlookers cheered the team on, as the girls utilized what seemed to be well-calculated strategies— using their hands and finally straws at the 12-minute mark— to finish even the melted remains of the mountainous dessert.