Nuts
Nuts can be used as toppings in the form of whole nuts, flakes, chopped bits and slices. The most common nuts used are almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pine, pistachio and pecan nuts. The diet conscious may worry about the high fat content in nuts but it is mostly unsaturated fat which is supposed to be good for the heart. Nuts are also believed to be rich in magnesium, manganese, protein, fiber, zinc and phosphorus.
Fruits
Fruits are another all time favorite topping and can be used in fresh or dried form. Bananas, pineapple, mango, strawberries, kiwis, cherries, almost all types of berries and apples are used in a lot of desserts as toppings. Some fruits like strawberries and grapes can also be dipped in chocolate and used. Candied fruits are an interesting option that can be used on ice creams.
Syrups and Sauces
Chocolate sauce, maple syrup, strawberry syrup, hot fudge and butterscotch sauce are some of the commonly used sauces. Some sauces can be made at home or they can be picked up from your neighborhood department store. Sauces can be used individually or in combinations such as butterscotch and caramel which go quite well together. Strawberry preserves can also be used as toppings.
Chocolate
Chocolate in the form of bits, flakes, ribbons, chips and the versatile sauce are commonly used as toppings on most desserts. Next to vanilla, chocolate is probably the most liked flavor and chocolate toppings find themselves decorating not just chocolate based desserts but desserts made using other flavors as well.
Whipped Cream
Whipped cream adds that creamy touch to your dessert and unless you are watching your weight, you can always add on a generous helping to any dessert. And if you still want to enjoy a dollop of cream and wish to keep those pounds away at the same time, you can opt to pick the low fat variety which works just as nicely as the regular one.
Toppings such as nuts, sprinkles and chocolate chips come in handy sachets and sauces, syrups and cream are available in convenient dispensers in most supermarkets. So if you need to whip up a quick dessert and want to present it in an appealing form then you can just pick up the toppings and create your own version of a dessert unlike any other.