Farrell’s Ice Cream Pig Trough
This is our version of Farrell’s Ice Cream Pig Trough – an epic sundae dessert that feeds 12-24, served in a large bowl or “trough” with ice, scoops of ice cream, brownies, and plenty of whipped cream and toppings. Optional to add cherries and sprinkles. Set out spoons and everyone digs in!
The beauty of this awesome summertime dessert is it doesn’t have to be perfect to serve to your guests! It’s fun, creative, colorful, and delicious! This recipe was originally posted in 2008 and updated in 2013 and 2018.
We’re showing you how to make an Epic Ice Cream Sundae for your summer guests! I love hosting in the summer months, because the sunshine makes everything so lovely. We love setting out a cold summer dessert (like this Banana Split Dessert or Old Fashioned Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream!). But more importantly, for a large gathering (thin k 12-24 guests), set out this Farrell’s Ice Cream Pig Trough. his was a popular dessert years ago when our kids were young. It’s fun for birthday parties, soccer parties, Fourth of July, and any summer holiday!
What is a Farrell’s ice cream pig trough?
An ice cream trough is basically an extravagant ice cream sundae dessert served in a very large bowl, or “trough.” It’s made to be shared with others – so set out plenty of spoons! This dessert is made with ice cream, cake, brownies, whipping cream, and your favorite toppings. We used a 19x14x9-inch galvanized trough, but you can use any container of this size.
The dessert orignated from Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor, a chain from Portland, Oregon, which was known for its pig troughs and “Zoo” sundaes. Back in the day, these ice cream desserts could be a challenge to eat alone, and sometimes they awarded those who could eat them (alone) with a badge or sticker.
What you need to make an Ice Cream Trough Dessert
Use what you have in your kitchen (cake mix, brownies, leftover cake), and even a variety of leftover ice cream flavors in your freezer.
- Ice Cream: Favorite flavors of ice cream, but traditional Neopolitan ice cream is great!
- Brownies (pre-made) or you can make your own.
- Toppings: Chocolate sauce, bananas, marischiono cherries (in a jar) but you can use fresh cherries, sprinkles, whipped cream
- 1 large container (we use this galvanized 19x14x9-inch)
- Plastic wrap
- Plenty of ice
How do you make a Farrell’s Ice Cream Trough Sundae?
- Put ice cubes on the bottom of the container.
- Place plastic wrap on top of the ice cubes.
- Scoop the ice cream in large scoops over the plastic-covered ice.
- Cut the cake or brownies into small squares. Fill into the holes between ice cream scoops.
- Place plastic wrap over the whole trough and FREEZE until you are ready to use, or keep going.
- Right before serving, pull out of the freezer and fill the rest of the container with whipped cream, sliced bananas on the side, cherries on top, or any other toppings.
How do you serve an ice cream trough?
- Look around for creative toppings, or use the usual (to make it ONE giant banana split) and pile it high!
- Make for a kid or adult birthday parties, or any summer get-together, like the Fourth of July!
- Perfect for a pool party or sporting party (after a soccer tournament?)
- Set out bowls and spoons, or just big spoons for everyone to dig in.
- Or, serve it at the best summer backyard party, just because it’s summer!
Fond memories at Farrell’s Ice Cream, Portland, OR
I got this idea from my late Auntie Ellen, years ago, but this recipe also brings back great memories. As a kid growing up, in the summer months in Portland, Oregon, we’d head to Farrell’s Ice Cream and dive into the giant “pig trough.” So fun! I wish we had some of those old photos to share. Those were the days when we’d just enjoy food, with no photos! HA.
Tips and substitutions:
- Buy a garden trough or a large galvanized tub (I’ve used 18x12x8 and also 19x14x9) or a very large bowl; something large enough to layer the cake (some people use a rain gutter), ice cream, bananas, etc.
- ICE: You can always add more ice on the bottom to fill up the container.
- Above, Abby is in 3rd grade (she’s now almost 29!), where I took a plastic planter box (usually used in window boxes), 24 inches long. For a larger party, you can use 2 of these.
- Depending on which size trough you use, you can also make it up in advance and place in it the freezer.
- Where to buy a large ice cream trough. We buy on Amazon a trough or extra larg bowl that holds about 6-8 quarts of ice cream
- Optional to use a 9×13 cake mix if you don’t want to use brownies (bake in advance), cut into small pieces.
- Plastic wrap + ice is needed to fill the vessel and cover the ice with.
- Make your favorite flavors – you can make it a creamsicle sundae with chocolate sauce, or all vanilla ice cream with berry sauce, or like a strawberry shortcake sundae.
- Candles, spoons, bowls, plenty of napkins, and ONE giant spoon
How to serve the ice cream trough
Place it on a large table with a bunch of spoons let everyone dig in.
-OR
Scoop out into individual dishes. (Use this method if you’re worried about germs.)
We’ve done it both ways. Oh, and don’t forget the candles if it’s for a birthday!
More summer ice cream desserts to enjoy:
- Coffee Affogato With Vanilla Ice Cream
- No-Churn Tiramisu Ice Cream
- SLICE CREAM SUNDAES recipe – so fun!
- Easy Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Get the Recipe:
Farrell’s Ice Cream Pig Trough
Ingredients
- 6 quarts ice cream, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry (or 8 quarts depending on how many you are feeding)
- 1 brownie or cake mix, make ahead and cut into small squares
- 1 can Dairy Whipped Topping Spray
- 2 jars chocolate sauce, or strawberry saucb
- 4 bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1 jar Maraschino Cherries, drained
- Any other topping, candy bars, SPRINKLES, etc:
- ICE
Equipment
Instructions
- Put ice cubes on the bottom.
- Place plastic wrap on top of the ice cubes.
- Cut your cake into cubes, or layer it on top of the plastic wrap.
- Scoop or slice the ice cream on top of the cake.
- Place plastic wrap over the whole trough and FREEZE until you are ready to use.
- Right before serving, pull out of the freezer and fill the rest of the container with whipped cream, sliced bananas on the side, cherries on top, or any other toppings.
- Set out with 12-24 spoons! Or, you can set out with small bowls for individual servings if you don't want everyone to eat out of the same bowl.
Notes
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Peoria, IL here- fond memories of the pig trough- they used to ring all the bells when someone ordered it.
This recipe couldn’t have been better for summer. I made it twice and both times received great comments, laughter and smiles. Thanks for the step by step instructions. BTW, I look forward to your blogs. Take care, Becky
Thank you Becky! I’m glad you enjoyed it :)
We did this a Young Life events and camp. BYOB. Bring your own Banana. Now as a Recreation Director at a resort. I do this every summer during National Banana Split Weekend or National Ice Cream Weekend. It is always a hit. We had a 42 foot one and had additional banana split boats made up as strangers would not want to eat in the same rain gutter as others so we made individual banana split boats and set them in the rain gutter. Next year going for 80 feet and over 100 Banana Splits.. My guest loved it. We also made ice cream in plastic bags.
OMG, what a fun idea for a large summer gathering!!!
Very nice recipe!
Oh my gosh! How awesome! That would be perfect for a pool/summer party!
THis is my new favorite idea, totally trying it this summer. PINNED!
Spectacular summertime diy party idea, Sandy! Kids must go totally insane over this. But, ohmygosh! Hubby and I both grew up in Michigan and we both had Farrell’s as a part of our childhood. Such fond memories! There was even an old-fashioned candy store on the way out. And, yes…there was “The Trough” with 6 scoops of ice cream, I think. (My younger sister could always finish and collected her “piggy ribbons” proudly, LOL!) But! There was also the Big Kahuna called “The Zoo!” Remember that one? It was their largest ice cream sundae dessert and took two Farrell’s employees to carry the ginormous stainless steel bowl in a holder thingy to the tables. I think you just may have succeeded in making The Zoo into a 24-inch Trough! Very innovative way to build it, too. Pinning at Pinterest on all group boards possible! xo
Aww this made me teary. My boys are 3 and 6 and I just feel the years slipping away already! I love this fantastic party idea- very fun indeed!
Oh Sandy, I SO love this post – for so many reasons. The pictures of your kids are precious. And that ice cream dessert – WOW!!! What a party pleaser!! Love this!!
Love this!
This brings back memories of birthday parties at Farrell’s when I was young. I never would have thought of doing this at home. Great idea! Thank you for sharing it.
What an awesome idea, Sandy!!! My sweet Little Buddy would flip out over this!!!
This is terrific, Sandy. Perfect for a summer get together! I’ve pinned it so I don’t forget. My grandsons would love this.