Scoops Ahoy USS Butterscotch Inspired by Stranger Things
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What’s Up, Hungry People
Stranger Things is heading into its final season, and I’m coping in the most on-brand way possible: cooking my feelings. We’ve been rewatching the whole series, and yes, I stand by my love for season three. When they sit in the mall sharing the USS Butterscotch, I knew exactly what I’d be making for the big premiere night.
This sundae looks simple on the surface, but the magic is in the details – especially the iconic ice cream cone sails. Baskin Robbins made their own version years ago, but they just chopped waffle cones into triangles. Cute idea, but not the real thing. If we’re doing this, we’re building the sails from scratch.
A Quick Look Back
In season 3, Scoops Ahoy becomes one of the most memorable spots in Hawkins. Between the sailor outfits, the secret Russian elevator, and Steve and Dustin’s chaotic friendship, it’s no surprise the USS Butterscotch became an instant fan favorite snack on screen.
This banana split is loaded: strawberry, chocolate, and butterscotch ice cream, a split banana, sauces, whipped cream, cherries, cookie “portholes,” and of course, the famous sails.
What Makes This One Different
The sails.
The sails.
Did I mention the sails?
Most recreations skip that part or use shortcuts. We’re going full Scoops Ahoy by making the batter, flattening it in the waffle iron, cutting it into quarters, and shaping it by hand. It takes a bit of practice, but it’s worth it – they look exactly like the ones in the show and taste better than any store-bought cone.
Here’s What You Need
Egg whites – Whip into a light base that keeps the sails crisp.
Sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps it caramelize.
Flour – Forms the structure for the sails.
Butter – Adds flavor and keeps the batter smooth.
Ice cream (strawberry, chocolate, butterscotch) – The exact trio seen on screen.
Banana – Split lengthwise to hold the scoops.
Whipped cream – For that classic piled-high topping.
Chocolate, strawberry, and butterscotch sauce – Drizzles for color and flavor.
Mini cookies – The portholes.
Cherries – Three, just like the show.
Let’s Cook
We’re starting with the sails, since they’re the only part you can’t grab off a shelf. Combine egg whites with sugar and whip until frothy. Pour in melted butter and stir until smooth. Add the flour and keep mixing until you get a thick, fluffy batter.
Scoop a tiny bit onto a preheated waffle iron. And I mean tiny. I learned this after a few, uh… experiments. Keep the heat lower than you’d think – these burn fast. When the batter cooks into a thin, flat sheet, lift it out and move quickly. Cut it into quarters and press in the sticks right away. They firm up at lightning speed.
Once the sails are done, you can build the sundae. In the show it looks like strawberry, chocolate, and butterscotch ice cream, so that’s what we’re doing. Add your banana to the dish. Spoon in the scoops. Hit it with whipped cream and the sauces. Press in your cookie portholes. Add three cherries.
Finish it with the cone sails, and you’ve got yourself an official USS Butterscotch ready for premiere night.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I skip making the sails? You can, but you’d lose the signature look. The homemade ones make the whole recipe.
- Do I need a waffle iron? Yes. A pizzelle maker works too.
- What kind of cookies should I use for portholes? Mini vanilla wafers, shortbread coins, or any small round cookie.
- Do the sails get soft? Not once they cool. They stay crisp like a fresh waffle cone.
USS Butterscotch Tips & Trips
- Cut the sails immediately after they come off the waffle iron. Seconds matter.
- Keep extra batter ready — the first one or two are usually practice runs.
- If your studio lights or room heat melt the ice cream fast, build the banana base first, then add scoops at the end.
- Make the sails a few hours ahead so they’re fully crisp before assembling.
The USS Butterscotch is everything you’d want in a fan-themed dessert. It’s nostalgic, fun to build, and loaded with sweet flavors that hit just right while watching Hawkins fall apart yet again. If Steve Harrington made it, you know you’re in good hands – and this homemade version comes pretty close.
Grab your spoons and get ready for the final chapter.
Scoops Ahoy USS Butterscotch Inspired by Stranger Things
Equipment
- waffle cone maker
- chef knife or pizza wheel
Ingredients
FOR BANANA SPLIT
- Strawberry ice cream
- Chocolate ice cream
- Butterscotch ice cream
- 1 banana split lengthwise
- Whipped cream
- Strawberry sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Butterscotch sauce
- Small round cookies for portholes
- 3 cherries
Instructions
Make the Sails
- Whip the egg whites and sugar until frothy. Stir in the melted butter until smooth.
- Add the flour and mix until a thick, fluffy batter forms.
- Preheat a waffle iron on a medium-low setting (read instructions that came with your waffle cone iron to prevent burning).
- Spoon a small amount of batter into the iron and cook until lightly golden and flat.Lift the sheet out, cut into quarters immediately, and insert sticks while still warm. Let the sails cool and crisp.
Assemble the Split
- Lay the banana halves into a dish. Add scoops of strawberry, chocolate, and butterscotch ice cream.
- Add whipped cream. Drizzle with chocolate, strawberry, and butterscotch sauce. Press small cookies into the ice cream to make “portholes.” Top with three cherries. Finish with the cone sails – serve and save Hawkins!
