Banana Splits are such a classic, comforting dessert, they’re going to be delicious no matter what you put on top! And there are oh so many toppings to choose from. There’s the standard chocolate syrup and sprinkles, or the more creative toppings like cookie crumbles or pineapple and coconut! Of course, you can pick and choose a variety of ice cream flavors too. The combinations are endless! Whether you’re throwing a fun birthday party, complete with a banana split bar, or simply making a tasty treat for yourself after a long work day, an ice cream sundae is the way to go. And if you need some inspiration for your toppings, look no further! I’ve gathered thirteen of the most decadent, divine, and delicious toppings to help you make the best banana split ever.
1. Fresh Fruit
Instead of canned or frozen fruit, go for fresh! Berries, mango, kiwi, pineapple, citrus, even apples or pears. Just about any fruit can be mixed and matched to create a mouthwatering combination that will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
2. Marshmallow Creme
Another fun replacement – use marshmallow creme instead of the usual whipped cream to top your sundae. It’s fluffy texture is so lovely, and it adds a new dimension of flavor to your ice cream sundae. Plus, topping different flavors of ice cream, such as strawberry or chocolate, with a nice marshmallow-y cloud is absolutely picture perfect.
3. Cookie Crumbles
One of my personal favorite sweet treats are ice cream sandwiches, so I thought, why not incorporate that in my next banana split? Just crumble up your favorite cookies and sprinkle them on top of your split. You can use just one cookie or a variety of flavors. I love doing big chunks of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, or even brownie crumbles. You can also go the store-bought route and crumble up some Oreos, Animal Crackers or even some fancy Milanos. Whichever kind you choose, it’s sure to make for a unique and yummy dessert!
4. Chocolate Chips
Rather than hot fudge or chocolate syrup, you can get your chocolate fix from chocolate chips. You can do milk chocolate, semi-sweet, white, dark, miniature, or full sized, there are so many options to choose from. I love how they add a little bit of a crunch to my banana split. Sometimes I even incorporate butterscotch or peanut butter chips too; it’s totally scrumptious!
5. Candy Bars
Just like at your local froyo or soft serve, you can mix some flavorful candy bar chunks into your banana split. Cutting them up after they’ve gotten a chance to soften a little makes it easier, plus the ingredients get oh so gooey and delightful. Go for Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, or Butterfinger; any bar will do! I like adding some toffee-filled Heath bar bites for that extra chewy goodness.
6. Coconut
For a more tropical flare, add coconut! You can get fresh coconut in bite sized chunks or, more simply, toasted and shredded coconut from the baking aisle at your local grocery. Another fun option is a can of coconut creme. It’s so rich and decadent, making it the perfect replacement for whipped or marshmallow cream. Any way you go about it, adding coconut makes your split extra special. Try it with your favorite nuts or fresh fruit and it’ll feel like you’re on summer vacation any time of the year.
7. Spices
Get creative in the kitchen by topping your banana split with any sort of spice you would use while baking. Cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even a splash of ginger if you’re brave enough! You need just a sprinkle of any spice, but it will add a bright pop of flavor and dimension that will be just heavenly.
8. Sauces
There’s a variety of ice cream sauces that you can get at any grocery store or market. Hot fudge, caramel, and strawberry are the most common. And any of these are glorious on a banana split or sundae, but what might be even better – homemade sauces. You can easily create a sauce from fresh or frozen fruits. How about some homemade cherry topping or strawberry sauce with freshly sliced strawberries? Yum!
9. Candy
Another classic topping to include in your ice cream sundae bar is bite-sized candy. M&Ms, Skittles, Reese’s Pieces, Gummy Bears, or even Sour Patch Kids are all great options. Adding candy offers a chance for some texture and crunch, not to mention diversity in flavor. Try to get a spread of different candies so that no matter what candy types the crowd prefers, you’ll have something for everyone!
10. S’Mores Split
And now for a few easy combinations that will take your banana split to a whole other level. Add on mini marshmallows (or marshmallow creme), crumbled graham crackers, and your choice of chocolate (chips, chunks, or hot fudge) to recreate a campfire classic. Who can turn down the nostalgic flavors of a freshly roasted s’more?
11. Chocolate Peanut Butter Split
Peanut butter and banana is always a tasty combo, so why not create a whole split around this theme? Use chocolate ice cream and add on Reese’s Pieces or mini Cups, and some melted, drizzled peanut butter. It will be so gooey and over-the-top, but oh so worth it.
12. Berry Pie Split
Recreate the flavors of your favorite berry pie by adding flavored ice cream, graham cracker crumbles (or even actual pie crust), fresh berries or berry jam, and whipped cream. I like to make it even more decadent by adding in cheesecake bites with some berry swirled ice cream. With this combination, your fresh banana slices will be a welcome change from the richness of the rest of the sundae.
13. Mint Chocolate Chip
For this one, stick with vanilla ice cream and add on broken up Andes Mints, Candy Cane bits, or crumbled Peppermint Patties. If you’re a mint lover like me, you may just have to do all of the above! And you can always top it off with some chocolate-y syrup to really satisfy your sugar cravings. Click on a star to rate it!
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