The Banana Split Sundae is one of the most iconic ice cream desserts ever created — a delightful combination of creamy scoops of ice cream, sweet sauces, fresh fruit, whipped cream, crunchy nuts, and the classic cherry on top.

Originally invented in the early 1900s, this sundae is a true celebration of indulgence. The contrast of warm chocolate sauce with cold ice cream, the softness of bananas, and the crunch of nuts make each spoonful a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s pure nostalgia — every bite reminds me of summer days, ice cream parlors, and simple happiness. The combination of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams layered between banana halves and topped with all those sweet garnishes never fails to make people smile.

It’s also endlessly customizable — you can play with different ice cream flavors, sauces, or toppings depending on what you love most. The Banana Split Sundae brings out the childlike joy in everyone, making it the perfect dessert for sharing and celebrating life’s little moments.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

The Banana Split Sundae is a must-try because it’s:

Simple to make — no cooking or baking required.
Customizable — perfect for families, parties, or solo indulgence.
Visually stunning — bright, colorful, and Instagram-worthy!
Texturally perfect — smooth, crunchy, creamy, and fruity all in one.
Timeless — a dessert that has delighted generations.

If you love ice cream, fruit, and decadent toppings, this dessert will win your heart instantly.

Preparation and Total Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings & Calories

Servings: 2
Calories: ~550–650 kcal per serving (depending on toppings and ice cream types)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American Classic
Course: Dessert / Ice Cream Treat

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas (peeled and sliced lengthwise)
3 scoops of ice cream (traditionally one each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry)

Toppings and Garnishes:

2 tbsp chocolate sauce (hot fudge or syrup)
2 tbsp strawberry or raspberry sauce
2 tbsp pineapple topping (optional)
Whipped cream (as desired)
Chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or peanuts – 2 tbsp)
2 maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Sprinkles or mini chocolate chips (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

Slice bananas and arrange in a long dish.
Add three scoops of different ice cream flavors between the banana halves.
Drizzle with chocolate, strawberry, and pineapple sauces.
Top with whipped cream, nuts, and cherries.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Peel the bananas and slice them lengthwise down the middle.
Arrange the banana halves on the sides of a long, shallow sundae dish or plate.

Step 2: Scoop the Ice Cream

Place one scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream in a row between the banana halves.
The traditional order (from left to right) is vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, but you can switch it up!

Step 3: Add the Sauces

Drizzle chocolate sauce over the chocolate scoop.
Pour strawberry or raspberry sauce over the strawberry scoop.
Add pineapple sauce over the vanilla scoop (optional, but classic).

Step 4: Garnish Generously

Pipe or spoon whipped cream on top of each scoop.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts for crunch.
Add sprinkles or mini chocolate chips if desired.
Finish with maraschino cherries on top — one for each mound of whipped cream.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve right away while the ice cream is perfectly cold and the sauces are slightly melting for that dreamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve in a banana split dish or a long dessert bowl for the traditional look.
Add dessert spoons for easy sharing.
Pair it with a crisp wafer, waffle cone pieces, or a small brownie for extra indulgence.
Serve with a chilled drink like iced coffee or milkshake for a complete dessert treat.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use ripe but firm bananas — too soft and they’ll break apart.
Slightly warm your chocolate sauce before drizzling for better consistency.
Chill your dish beforehand so the ice cream doesn’t melt too fast.
Use homemade whipped cream for extra freshness.
For a lighter option, try frozen yogurt or sugar-free sauces.

Variations

Tropical Split: Replace sauces with mango, coconut, and passionfruit syrups.
Nutty Delight: Add peanut butter sauce and crushed peanuts for a Reese’s-style twist.
Caramel Crunch: Use caramel sauce and toffee bits instead of strawberry topping.
Berry Blast: Use mixed berry compote and fresh raspberries.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free ice cream, coconut whipped cream, and plant-based chocolate syrup.
Brownie Banana Split: Serve over a warm brownie base instead of just bananas.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

Banana splits are best enjoyed freshly made, as the bananas brown quickly and the ice cream melts.
However, you can prepare sauces, toppings, and fruits in advance and store them separately.

Freezing:

If you want to freeze a pre-assembled split, cover tightly with plastic wrap and store up to 1 day, but note that bananas may discolor slightly.

Special Equipment Needed

Banana split dish or long dessert plate
Ice cream scoop
Whipped cream dispenser or piping bag (optional)
Small spoons for sauces and garnishes

FAQ

Q1: Can I use only one ice cream flavor?
Yes! While the classic uses three flavors, you can choose your favorite or even use just chocolate for a richer version.

Q2: What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
Try fresh cherries, strawberries, or raspberries for a natural alternative.

Q3: How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Lightly brush banana slices with lemon juice if preparing a few minutes ahead.

Q4: Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free ice creams (like coconut or almond-based), vegan whipped cream, and dairy-free sauces.

Q5: Can kids make this?
Yes — it’s a perfect family activity! Just help them with the scooping and sauce drizzling.

Conclusion

The Banana Split Sundae is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Its blend of creamy ice cream, juicy bananas, decadent sauces, and crunchy toppings creates a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a romantic dessert date, or a nostalgic treat for yourself, this sundae is guaranteed to bring smiles. Every spoonful is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures — the ultimate celebration of sweetness, freshness, and indulgence.