These Unique Ice Cream Toppings In Atlanta Are Unlike Anything Else In Georgia

Dessert in Atlanta does not always play it safe, and Big Softie is proof of that. Since 2019, this Summerhill favorite has been turning soft-serve into something far more creative than most people expect. What sets it apart is the approach to toppings and flavors, where unexpected combinations like Cheez-It brittle and rosemary caramel transform a simple cone into something memorable.

The menu feels playful and inventive, yet still delivers the kind of creamy, satisfying treat people come for. The atmosphere matches the energy, drawing a steady crowd of curious first-timers and loyal regulars eager to see what is new. It is the kind of place where dessert becomes an experience rather than just a quick stop.

For anyone exploring Atlanta’s sweeter side, Big Softie offers a treat that is as fun as it is flavorful.

1. Honeycomb Topping

There is something almost magical about biting into a jagged shard of honeycomb sitting on top of creamy soft-serve. Big Softie sources its honeycomb with care, and the result is a topping that shatters satisfyingly before melting into a warm, floral sweetness. Located at 632 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, United States the Summerhill shop is where many visitors first discover this topping.

The honeycomb pairs especially well with classic vanilla soft-serve, letting its natural sweetness shine without competition. It adds both crunch and flavor in a way that feels genuinely special rather than gimmicky.

Visiting on a weekday afternoon tends to mean shorter lines and a more relaxed pace, which gives you time to really appreciate the craft behind each cup. Honeycomb is one of those toppings that sounds simple but delivers a layered, memorable experience every single time you try it.

2. Pink Praline

Pink Praline might be the most photogenic topping on the menu, and it absolutely lives up to the visual promise. The rosy-hued candy crumble adds a buttery, caramelized crunch that feels nostalgic and exciting at the same time. At the Poncey-Highland the shop draws a lively crowd of regulars who swear by this combination.

The praline crumble has a Southern charm baked right into it, nodding to Georgia’s long love affair with pecan candies and sugar-coated traditions. It pairs beautifully with both vanilla and chocolate soft-serve bases.

Weekend afternoons at this location can get busy, so arriving just before the lunch rush or after 3 PM on a weekday tends to offer a smoother experience. Pink Praline is the kind of topping that turns a simple dessert stop into a genuinely shareable moment worth remembering long after the last bite.

3. Cheez-It Brittle

Sweet meets salty in the most unexpected and delightful way with the Cheez-It Brittle topping. Yes, that is correct, actual Cheez-It crackers have been transformed into a caramelized brittle that adds a sharp, cheesy crunch to every spoonful of soft-serve. Big Softie is the place where curious first-timers and devoted regulars both come to experience this one-of-a-kind creation.

The combination sounds odd on paper but works brilliantly in practice, with the salty, savory notes cutting through the sweetness of the ice cream in a way that keeps your taste buds genuinely guessing. It is the topping most likely to make someone say, “Wait, really?” before immediately ordering another cup.

For best results, ask for it on vanilla soft-serve so the flavor contrast is at its most dramatic. Cheez-It Brittle alone is worth the trip to Atlanta for any adventurous food lover visiting Georgia.

4. Rosemary Caramel

Rosemary Caramel is proof that Big Softie thinks about flavor in a genuinely sophisticated way. The herb-infused caramel has a warm, slightly piney depth that transforms a standard caramel drizzle into something much more interesting. At the Poncey-Highland spot this topping has earned a devoted following among customers who appreciate bold, unexpected pairings.

Rosemary and caramel might seem like an unusual match, but the combination has a long history in upscale pastry kitchens, and Big Softie brings that same elevated sensibility to a casual soft-serve experience. The herbaceous note lingers pleasantly after each bite.

Pairing Rosemary Caramel with the classic vanilla base is a reliable choice, though some regulars enjoy it with the vegan oat vanilla for a slightly nuttier contrast. Either way, this topping signals that Big Softie treats its menu as a creative endeavor, not just a list of sweet add-ons. Georgia has never tasted quite like this.

5. Cornflake Streusel

Cornflake Streusel brings a breakfast-meets-dessert energy that feels playful and comforting all at once. The topping is baked into a buttery, golden crumble that delivers a satisfying crunch without being too heavy or sweet. Big Softie crafts many of its toppings in collaboration with its sister company, Little Tart Bakeshop, and this one shows exactly why that partnership works so well.

The Summerhill location is a great starting point for first-time visitors looking to explore the more baked-good-inspired toppings on the menu. The streusel has a toasted, slightly caramelized flavor that pairs naturally with vanilla or matcha soft-serve.

Cornflake Streusel tends to appeal to people who love a good coffee cake or crumble topping on their baked goods, making it an easy crowd-pleaser for groups with varied tastes. It is one of those toppings that sounds familiar but tastes entirely new in this context.

6. Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

Few things say summer in Georgia quite like strawberry shortcake, and Big Softie has captured that feeling in a topping. The Strawberry Shortcake Crumble is a blend of buttery cake pieces and freeze-dried strawberry bits that add both texture and a bright, fruity punch to every bite. The Poncey-Highland location serves this topping to a steady stream of dessert lovers throughout the week.

The crumble works especially well layered over vanilla soft-serve, creating a deconstructed shortcake experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. It is the kind of topping that transports you straight to a warm porch on a Georgia afternoon.

Families visiting Atlanta with kids tend to gravitate toward this option because the flavors are familiar and approachable. The balance of sweet cake crumbs and tart strawberry notes makes it a well-rounded choice that rarely disappoints, even for first-time visitors to the shop.

7. Toasted Coconut

Toasted Coconut brings a gentle, tropical warmth to the Big Softie experience that feels like a welcome change from the typical chocolate or caramel options. The coconut flakes are toasted to a light golden color, giving them a nutty depth that raw coconut simply does not have. Big Softie keeps this topping stocked year-round, making it a reliable choice across seasons.

The topping pairs particularly well with the matcha vegan soft-serve, creating a combination that feels almost like a tropical matcha latte in frozen form. The contrast of earthy green tea and sweet, toasted coconut is genuinely satisfying.

For those with dietary restrictions, Toasted Coconut is also a great match for the vegan oat vanilla base, keeping the whole cup plant-based without sacrificing flavor or texture. It is a subtle, elegant topping that rewards those willing to step outside the usual chocolate sprinkles comfort zone.

8. Peanut Crunch

Peanut Crunch is the topping for anyone who has ever wished their ice cream tasted a little more like a candy bar. The combination of caramelized, crunchy peanut pieces adds a roasted richness that balances perfectly against the cool creaminess of the soft-serve base. At the Poncey-Highland location, this topping consistently ranks among the most reordered choices on the menu.

The crunch factor here is real, with pieces that hold their texture even as they rest on the cold ice cream, which is harder to achieve than it sounds. It pairs naturally with chocolate soft-serve for a classic combination, though vanilla works just as well for a more subtle contrast.

Georgia has a deep-rooted love for peanuts, so this topping feels like a local nod to the state’s agricultural identity as much as it does a flavor choice. It is hearty, satisfying, and completely addictive after the first bite.

9. Fudge

Sometimes the classics earn their place on the menu for good reason, and Big Softie’s Fudge topping is a perfect example of that principle. This is not a thin chocolate syrup straight from a bottle. The fudge at Big Softie tends to be thick, rich, and made with quality chocolate that sets it apart from what you might find at a standard ice cream counter.

The Summerhill shop is where many visitors discover just how much difference a high-quality fudge sauce makes compared to the generic versions found elsewhere in Georgia. The depth of flavor here is noticeably more complex.

Pairing the fudge with classic vanilla creates a timeless combination, while layering it over chocolate soft-serve for a double chocolate experience is equally rewarding. Fudge also works as a base layer under crunchier toppings like Peanut Crunch or Cornflake Streusel, adding a gooey contrast that elevates the whole cup significantly.

10. Brownie Bites

Brownie Bites take the ice cream experience into full dessert territory, adding little chunks of fudgy, dense brownie that soften slightly against the cold soft-serve without losing their chewy bite. Big Softie collaborates with Little Tart Bakeshop for many of its baked toppings, and the quality of these brownie bites reflects that partnership clearly. The Poncey-Highland location keeps these stocked as one of the most popular add-ons on the menu.

The brownies have a deep cocoa flavor that works in harmony with both chocolate and vanilla soft-serve bases, making them one of the most versatile toppings available. They also pair well with a fudge drizzle underneath for a truly indulgent build.

For visitors exploring Atlanta’s dessert scene for the first time, Brownie Bites offer a familiar comfort wrapped in a more elevated experience. They are the kind of topping that makes you feel like you are eating something genuinely homemade and carefully prepared.

11. Chocolate Cookie Crumble

Chocolate Cookie Crumble is the topping that brings a little bit of childhood joy into every adult cup of soft-serve. The dark, slightly bitter crumble of crushed chocolate cookies adds a textural contrast that makes each spoonful feel layered and satisfying rather than one-dimensional. Big Softie keeps this topping available consistently, making it a reliable go-to for repeat visitors.

The cookie crumble works beautifully with vanilla soft-serve, where the contrast between the sweet cream base and the slightly bitter chocolate cookie creates a genuinely balanced flavor profile. It also layers well under fresh fruit or other toppings for a more complex build.

This topping tends to appeal to a wide range of customers, from kids who love anything cookie-related to adults who appreciate a less sugary, more nuanced chocolate hit. The crumble holds its texture well, which means the experience stays satisfying from the first bite to the last.

12. Crunch Pearls

Crunch Pearls might be small, but they make a big impression on every cup they top. These tiny, crispy spheres deliver a light, airy crunch that dissolves quickly into a satisfying sweetness, adding a fun textural element without overwhelming the soft-serve beneath. At the Poncey-Highland location, Crunch Pearls are a favorite among customers who want something visually interesting as well as texturally pleasing.

The pearls are often used in professional pastry kitchens to add that extra dimension of crunch, and seeing them at a casual soft-serve shop reflects Big Softie’s commitment to bringing a higher level of craft to everyday dessert. They pair well with almost any base flavor.

Visitors who enjoy the lighter side of toppings, those who want texture without heaviness, tend to love Crunch Pearls as a finishing touch. Adding them alongside a drizzle of Rosemary Caramel creates a surprisingly elegant and well-rounded cup.

13. Chocolate and Strawberry Hardshells

Hardshell toppings hold a special place in dessert nostalgia, and Big Softie offers both chocolate and strawberry versions that crack with that deeply satisfying snap when a spoon breaks through. The hardshell sets quickly over the cold soft-serve, creating a firm outer layer that gives way to creamy softness beneath. The Summerhill location serves both varieties throughout the week.

The chocolate hardshell has a rich, dark cocoa flavor, while the strawberry version leans fruity and slightly tart, making both worth trying across separate visits. Each one changes the experience of eating the soft-serve in a fundamentally satisfying way.

Hardshells tend to be a crowd favorite for both kids and adults because the sensory experience of cracking through the shell adds a playful element to the dessert. For anyone who grew up loving the magic shell concept, Big Softie’s version feels like a grown-up, quality-forward update on a beloved classic.

14. Matcha Vegan Soft-Serve Base

Not every great reason to visit Big Softie is about the toppings alone. The Matcha Vegan soft-serve base is a flavor that deserves its own spotlight, offering a bright, earthy green tea taste that feels genuinely refreshing rather than artificially sweet. The Poncey-Highland location keeps matcha stocked as a regular menu option for plant-based visitors and matcha enthusiasts alike.

The matcha base is made without dairy, which makes it one of the more inclusive options on the menu for guests with dietary restrictions. Its slightly bitter, grassy flavor profile pairs beautifully with sweet toppings like Pink Praline or Toasted Coconut.

Matcha soft-serve has become a popular choice in Atlanta’s food scene over recent years, and Big Softie’s version holds up well against competitors. The color alone makes it one of the most photographed items in the shop, which says something about how striking the presentation tends to be in person.

15. Little Tart Bakeshop Collaboration

One of the most compelling reasons to visit Big Softie is the story behind the toppings themselves. Many of the shop’s most distinctive offerings are crafted in partnership with Little Tart Bakeshop, a beloved Atlanta bakery that brings serious pastry expertise to the ice cream menu. Big Softie’s Summerhill is where this collaboration first came to life and continues to define the shop’s identity.

The partnership means that toppings like Cornflake Streusel, Brownie Bites, and Strawberry Shortcake Crumble are made with the same care and quality ingredients you would expect from a dedicated pastry kitchen rather than a mass-produced supplier. That distinction is noticeable in every bite.

For food lovers who care about sourcing and craftsmanship, this collaboration is a genuine selling point. It reflects a broader Atlanta food culture that values local partnerships and quality over convenience, making Big Softie feel like more than just an ice cream stop. It feels like a community effort.

16. The Summerhill Neighborhood Experience

Visiting Big Softie is as much about the neighborhood as it is about the ice cream. Summerhill is one of Atlanta’s most interesting and evolving communities, located near Georgia Ave SE, with a mix of local restaurants, small businesses, and a genuinely welcoming street-level energy that makes an afternoon visit feel worth lingering over. The shop sits comfortably within this neighborhood fabric.

The area is walkable and tends to feel lively without being overwhelming, especially on weekday afternoons when the pace slows down enough to enjoy the surroundings. Parking is generally available nearby, though weekend afternoons can see more foot traffic around the shop.

Pairing a Big Softie visit with a broader Summerhill neighborhood stroll makes for a satisfying Atlanta afternoon that goes well beyond dessert. Georgia has no shortage of great food destinations, but few combine neighborhood charm and creative ice cream quite as naturally as this particular corner of Atlanta manages to do.