Classic Banana Split

A classic banana split is one of my family’s favorite weekend desserts that’s so fun and easy to make! Enjoy this dessert by setting up your own ice cream sundae bar with lots of delicious toppings. So yummy!

When it comes to easy no-bake desserts, a banana sundae is the easiest of all. It’s made in just 5 minutes and there’s absolutely no way to mess it up. Just add your favorite sundae toppings and dig in!

Happy National Ice Cream Day (tomorrow)! One of my family’s favorite weekend desserts is making a banana split (or even going out and buying one), so you better believe we’ll be celebrating. ;) They’re so much cheaper to make at home though, so I usually try and have the ingredients stocked in the kitchen.

Now I know you probably don’t need a recipe for a banana split because you can just add your favorite toppings, but I thought I’d share this basic guideline in case you needed a quick dessert to make this weekend that doesn’t involve baking. We love setting up a banana split sundae bar and having friends over too. It’s the perfect dessert for a dinner party and makes for a fun night! You can even make this easy banana split dessert that’s perfect for serving a crowd.

David Evans Strickler, a pharmacist in Pennsylvania, invented the first banana-based triple ice cream sundae in 1904 also known as the ‘banana split.’

What goes into a banana split?

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a banana split, I’m going to show you how. It’s SO simple…maybe a little too simple. ;)

1. Neapolitan ice cream – The classic split has one scoop of chocolate, one scoop of vanilla, and one scoop of strawberry.
2. A banana split in half – I like to cut them in half again, so they’re easier to eat.
3. Sauces on top – I like hot fudge and caramel sauce (however chocolate, strawberry and pineapple are the original sauces).
4. Nuts – Crushed peanuts are our favorite.
5. Whipped cream – If you have the time, try making homemade whipped cream. It’s simply the best!
6. Maraschino cherry – To add on top of the dollop of whipped cream.

That’s the basics of a classic banana split. If you’re looking for more ideas for an ice cream sundae bar, below are some of our favorites.

Assembly

1. Peel the banana, then use a knife to slice it in half. Then slice the pieces vertically in half again (so you have 4 pieces total). Then place in a bowl.
2. Scoop the ice cream and place in bowl in between the bananas (use 1-2 scoops of each flavor).
3. Next drizzle the chocolate syrup and caramel sauce over the ice cream. Then top with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, crushed nuts and any other toppings of choice.

TIP: If your ice cream is super cold and hard to scoop, run your ice cream scoop under hot water for a few seconds before scooping. It makes a huge difference and is so much easier to scoop out!

Favorite sundae toppings

• Hot fudge or chocolate ganache
• Salted caramel 
• Butterscotch topping
• Melted peanut butter
• Strawberry topping
• Strawberry jam
• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries
• Candied nuts (or regular)
• Mini marshmallows
• Fresh or caramelized bananas
• Chopped berries
• Chocolate chips
• Edible cookie dough pieces
• Brownie pieces
• Chopped Reese’s
• M&M’s
• Candy bar pieces
• Crushed Oreo’s
• Waffle cone pieces
• Coconut
• Chopped pretzels
• Sprinkles

I’d love to hear what your favorite toppings are. Comment below!

More frozen ice cream desserts:

• Oreo ice cream cake
• Ice cream sandwiches
• Classic ice cream cake
• No churn ice berry ice cream
• Root beer float