Banana Split Party

The banana split is a dessert favorite that dates back more than one hundred years. Invented in 1904 by a 23-year-old pharmacist named David Strickler, the banana split was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It didn’t take long before news of a delicious new sundae dessert spread across the country and the banana split continues to be an American classic today. You can celebrate birthdays, the Fourth of July, the beginning of summer, or the end of school with a banana split party. The following party ideas can help you to get started.

How To Make a Banana Split

A banana split includes a to-die-for combination of ice cream, bananas, whipped cream, sweet syrup, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries. Banana splits are usually served in long and narrow shallow dishes. Ice cream isn’t restricted to just one flavor – the traditional banana split includes one scoop of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream. Bananas are slice lengthwise and set on top of the ice cream. Then it’s time to add the toppings. You can stick to classics such as chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles, or you can get creative by adding nuts, crushed cookies or chocolate bars, and candy. The more choice, the better!

Build Your Own

Kids love to make their own sundaes, so why not banana splits? At your banana split party, you can set out all of the ingredients and have kids build their own. You will need to provide plates or containers for the splits. Syrups can be set out in old-fashioned jars to set the mood. Add smaller bowls or jars of candy, M & M’s sprinkles, or crushed toppings. Don’t forget the Maraschino cherries to top off the sundaes! Tie small jars with ribbons and set everything out on a colorful tablecloth. Let your guests personalize their masterpieces with a paper flag that says their name on it. For the decorations, you can mix and match colors and patterns to create a cheerful effect and charm the guests. Gingham, polka dots, plaid, and stripes work well. And if you happen to run out of chairs, use buckets turned upside-down for a rustic effect.

World’s Longest Banana Split

In 2013, the town of Selingsgrove Pennsylvania created the longest continuous banana split by combining 26,000 banana splits! The dessert was five miles long. While this might be a little excessive for your party, you can re-create the illusion of one extremely long banana split for your guests by placing banana split masterpieces lengthwise down the middle of the table. Banana shaped boxes work well to create this effect – you should be able to find them at your local party store.

Awards

You can add a twist to the banana split theme by making awards to give out once the kids have finished their creations. Possible awards could include “Most Creative,” “Biggest,” and “Sweetest.” Your children will love being praised for their creativity. However, be careful not to take too long giving them out because the ice cream will melt!