The Monster Sundae At This Historic North Jersey Farm Defies Gravity And Is The Ultimate Challenge For Dessert Lovers

Pull into the parking lot at 616 Grove Street in Upper Montclair, and you’ll immediately understand why families have been making pilgrimages here for over 175 years.

Bright red barns, whimsical cow statues flanking the entrance, and the sweet scent of waffle cones floating through the air—Applegate Farm isn’t just serving ice cream; it’s dishing out nostalgia by the scoop.

Since 1848, this family-owned dairy farm has survived the Civil War, the Great Depression, and two World Wars, all while perfecting the art of homemade ice cream.

Today, under the passionate leadership of the Street family, Applegate Farm has grown into one of the largest ice cream retailers on the East Coast, offering over 60 flavors at any given time and attracting devoted fans who wouldn’t dream of getting their frozen treats anywhere else.

Flavors That Keep You Coming Back

Graham Central Station: You haven’t truly experienced Applegate until you’ve tried their award-winning signature flavor.

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This graham cracker-flavored ice cream studded with chocolate-covered graham pieces and graham ripple won top honors at the New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.

The sweet graham base perfectly balances the chocolate chunks, creating a flavor that’s both comforting and addictive.

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie: Imagine vanilla ice cream completely transformed by generous swirls of peanut butter fudge and chunks of brownie batter. Each spoonful delivers a different ratio of creamy peanut butter to rich chocolate, making every bite an adventure in decadence.

Orange Pineapple: For those seeking something lighter, this tropical combination offers a creamy, refreshing escape. The citrus notes dance with the pineapple sweetness, creating a flavor that’s bright without being overly fruity—perfect for hot summer evenings.

Black Forest Crunch & Black Raspberry: These berry-forward options consistently rank among customer favorites. The Black Forest Crunch adds layers of chocolate to the cherry base, while the Black Raspberry delivers pure, concentrated berry bliss that tastes like summer in a cone.

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Cappuccino Crunch: What started as a limited-time offering proved so popular it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Rich cappuccino ice cream gets an extra jolt from chocolate-covered espresso beans scattered throughout, creating the perfect frozen pick-me-up.

Beyond the Basics: Signature Creations

The S’mores Sundae: This Instagram-worthy creation starts with that famous Graham Central Station ice cream, then adds chocolate ice cream, marshmallow drizzle, and hot fudge. The whole thing arrives topped with whipped cream and an actual toasted s’more perched on top.

Apple Cider Donut Sundae: Fall arrives in spectacular fashion with Dutch Apple ice cream layered with fresh apple cider donut crumbles and caramel, crowned with a homemade cider donut that’s made fresh daily on-site. It comes served in a keepsake Applegate glass you can take home.

Monster Sundaes: For the brave and the hungry, Applegate offers sundaes that defy gravity and common sense. Picture 16 scoops of ice cream with four toppings, bananas, whipped cream, and cherries—perfect for sharing or for those days when you really, really need ice cream.

Seasonal Specialties: Beyond ice cream, the farm churns out fresh apple cider donuts every morning during fall, along with ice cream pies, ice cream sandwiches, and holiday-themed treats that change with the seasons.

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The Classic Farm Stand Experience

Outdoor Charm: This isn’t your typical sterile ice cream parlor. The outdoor farm stand setup means you’re enjoying your treats al fresco, surrounded by those iconic red barns and cow statues that have become landmarks for locals.

While there’s no indoor seating, the spacious grounds offer plenty of room to stroll with your cone or find a spot to enjoy your sundae.

Historic Atmosphere: Walking onto the property feels like stepping back in time. The farm has maintained its rustic charm while serving thousands of customers, especially on warm summer nights when lines can stretch 20 people deep at each of the six serving windows.

Year-Round Operation: Unlike many seasonal ice cream stands, Applegate stays open all year, serving devoted fans who brave winter temperatures for their graham cracker or mint chocolate chip fix.

The dedication to staying open 365 days speaks to both the quality of the product and the loyalty of their customer base.

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Things to Know Before You Go

Portion Sizes: Fair warning—when Applegate says “small,” they mean what most places would call “large.” A single scoop here is more like three or four scoops elsewhere, so come hungry or be prepared to share. The generous portions help offset the prices, which run slightly higher than typical ice cream shops.

Pricing: At around $6 for a small cone, Applegate sits on the pricier side of the ice cream spectrum. However, considering the homemade quality, massive portions, and the experience itself, most visitors find the cost worthwhile. Think of it as dinner and dessert rolled into one.

Peak Times: Summer weekend evenings can get incredibly busy, with wait times stretching during peak hours. The efficient staff moves lines quickly, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, weekday afternoons or off-season visits offer shorter waits.

Parking: The farm offers ample parking in their lot, a blessing in the often parking-challenged Montclair area. Even during busy times, you’ll typically find a spot, though you might need to walk a bit during summer weekend rushes.

Special Events: Throughout the year, Applegate hosts community events like Oktoberfest with free pumpkins for kids, beach parties complete with trucked-in sand, and their famous Family Fun Nights. The farm also accommodates birthday parties, corporate events, and field trips, making it a true community gathering spot.

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Delivery Options: Can’t make it to the farm? They offer pre-ordering for pickup and delivery through DoorDash within a certain radius, though nothing quite matches the experience of enjoying your cone on the farm grounds.