How To Make The Perfect Banana Split Sundae

Learn how to build the perfect retro dessert with creamy ice cream, ripe bananas, toppings galore, and easy custom twists. Includes full recipe and nutrition info.

Is there anything more nostalgic than a banana split? For many of us, it’s the very taste of summer holidays — warm sun on your face, seagulls squawking overhead, and a towering dish of ice cream, bananas, whipped cream and cherries you could barely see over. Let’s bring back the joy of summer with our ultimate Banana Split Sundae guide!

It’s a comforting classic that brings together diverse textures and flavours in a deliciously playful way.

Whether your memories are rooted in a Brighton boardwalk or your own back garden, there’s no denying this sundae’s timeless appeal. And the best bit? You can absolutely recreate that magic at home — no special kit needed, just great ingredients, a little creativity, and a dash of fun.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what you’ll need, offer ideas and tips for personalising your Classic Banana Split Sundae and even share a few other retro ice cream desserts worth revisiting.

The Banana Split Blueprint – What You’ll Need

Creating a banana split sundae that hits all the right notes starts with choosing the best ingredients. It’s not just about assembling bits and bobs; it’s about picking quality items that’ll make your sundae shine – a good banana split has balance, texture, and a bit of theatre.

Here’s what goes into building it just right:

• Bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas. You want them sweet, but sturdy enough to cradle your ice cream without collapsing into mush.
• Ice Cream: Traditionally, it’s a scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry — but feel free to swap in your favourites (honeycomb, pistachio, or clotted cream!). The key is variety: a trio of contrasting flavours makes every spoonful fun and interesting.
• Syrups: Classic chocolate and strawberry are hard to beat, but if you’ve got butterscotch, salted caramel, or even elderflower syrup lurking in the cupboard, bring them to the party. Just warm them gently to get that lovely drizzle consistency.
• Toppings: Whipped cream is non-negotiable; it’s every bit of a banana split as the banana. Chopped nuts or flaked almonds bring crunch, sprinkles add fun, and glacé or fresh cherries pop beautifully on top. Feeling posh? A drizzle of melted chocolate or a shard of honeycomb wouldn’t go amiss.

Optional but encouraged: Shopping locally is a good shout. Supporting your neighbourhood grocers or farm shops can often mean getting fresher, tastier produce. Plus, it feels pretty good to know you’re backing the community.

Sundae Assembly – Layer Like a Pro

Now for the fun bit! Assembling your Banana Split Sundae – think of this as edible artistry:

1. Slice your banana lengthways and lay the halves gently in your sundae dish — they’re your dessert’s main vessel.
2. Add your ice cream scoops in the middle. If you’re using the classic trio, start with vanilla in the centre, flanked by chocolate and strawberry.
3. Drizzle your syrups generously. You want it to ooze down over the scoops and puddle slightly underneath. There’s no shame in extra sauce.
4. Top it off: A swirl of whipped cream on each scoop, a scatter of chopped nuts, maybe a handful of sprinkles, and of course, the quintessential cherry on top, quite literally!

💡 Pro tip: Serve it in a long glass dish or vintage-style dessert bowl — half the joy is in the presentation!

Make It Yours With Custom Twists & Ideas

When it comes to banana splits, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them. Maybe you’ve got some local delicacies or personal favourites that need to join the party? This is where your banana split becomes your banana split.

Here are some ideas to personalise it:

• Dairy-free or vegan? Easy! Use plant-based ice creams, dairy-free whipped toppings, and vegan-friendly sauces.
• Go local: Add a scoop of Cornish clotted cream ice cream, or drizzle with rhubarb compote or Pimm’s syrup for a grown-up take.
• Low Sugar – Keep it light: If you’re on a quest for less sugar, try using naturally sweet ingredients like honey or homemade fruit sauces to add the right balance. Use frozen yoghurt or banana-based “nice cream”, and top with fresh berries or date-sweetened sauces.
• Mini version for kids: Half a banana, one scoop of ice cream, and just a touch of sauce — just as fun, less of the sugar rush!

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Your banana split can be as playful or posh as you like.

Ultimately, you’re the artist here, and this sundae’s your canvas. Mix and match elements, test wild ideas, and trust your gut.

This classic dessert should bring you joy – and maybe some surprised smiles from anyone lucky enough to share in the fun!

🍌Classic Banana Split Sundae Recipe

(Serves: 2 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy)

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe but firm bananas
• 3 scoops of ice cream (traditionally vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry)
• 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
• 2 tbsp strawberry syrup
• Whipped cream (approx. 100ml)
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts or pecans work well)
• Sprinkles (optional)
• 2 glacé or fresh cherries

Method:

1. Prepare the bananas: Peel and slice each banana lengthwise. Place both halves in a long dessert dish or shallow bowl, curved side down.
2. Add the ice cream: Place a scoop each of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream between the banana halves.
3. Drizzle the syrup: Warm your chosen syrups gently and drizzle them over the ice cream.
4. Top generously: Add swirls of whipped cream on each scoop. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, add a few colourful sprinkles if desired, and top with a cherry.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your retro masterpiece!

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 420 | Fat: 18g | Carbohydrates: 60g | Sugars: 48g | Protein: 6g | Fibre: 3g

These are estimates based on a classic recipe using standard ice creams and toppings.

💡 Tip: You can reduce sugar content by using frozen yoghurt or banana-based “nice cream” and unsweetened sauces.

More Classic Ice Cream Desserts to Try

Once you’ve mastered the banana split, why stop there?

Here are a few more iconic scoops worth bringing back:

• Knickerbocker Glory – A layered spectacle of fruit, jelly, ice cream and whipped cream, usually served in a tall glass with a long spoon. The ultimate British indulgence.
• Peach Melba – A 1920s favourite made with poached peaches, raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream.
• Baked Alaska – Ice cream wrapped in sponge and meringue, baked until golden outside and cold in the centre. A showstopper.
• Ice Cream Float (aka Ice Cream Soda) – A scoop of ice cream plopped into fizzy pop (cola or lemonade). Instant summer nostalgia.
• Arctic Roll – Ice cream wrapped in sponge and jam. Super retro, super fun to make at home.

Why not bring one out for your next garden party or BBQ? It’s all about celebrating joy in a bowl (or glass!).

The Final Scoop – Share the Sundae Joy.

So there it is — your how-to guide to making the perfect banana split, from classic base to creative twists. Whether you build it exactly as tradition intended or take it off on a wild, wonderful tangent, with your custom banana split in hand, it’s time to dig in and enjoy every bite.

Whether it’s an indulgent treat to cool down on a warm day or a nostalgic nod to childhood, this dessert is all about pure enjoyment.

👉🏽 What unique touch did you add to make it your own? Whether it’s a quirky topping or a local ingredient, we’d love to hear about your creative twists.

🍌 Snap a pic before it melts, post it on socials, and tag us! We love seeing your creations.

👉🏽 Have you added a local twist? Or maybe you’ve revived a forgotten ice cream classic from your childhood? Drop in a comment below and let us know.

Happy scooping — and don’t forget the cherry on top! 🍒

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – How-To-Guide To Make The Perfect Banana Split Sundae – and that we have inspired you to make your own classic Banana Split Sundae. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below, and we will be happy to get back to you.

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